Yikes, I don't know who said not to breed a female before 5, but that is awful! In a big breed such as the Alaskan Malamute, that is definitely middle aged and would be similar to a 45-50 yr old woman having her first child. I would recommend waiting until she is 2 and has had all health testing (OFA and CERF) but not even 4 for a first litter. If you look up the research with canine reproduction experts, they talk in detail about this, and how as a dog ages it's thyroid function often slows down. Trying to have a litter then is harder on the dam. I would rather breed a female a few times before 4-5 years of age and retire her, rather than start that late. Often there are more complications, such as needing a c-section, or the dam having little or no milk, weak and fading pups and such. Of course this can be caused by genetics, diet or the environment too.
Answered by paws4hisglory - 9/17/2011 10:00:29 AM