71300a90   
   From: jo-wolf@webtv.net   
      
   Mary, the fact that only two of us have replied to your question means   
   that no large number of people have even read it.  Certainly no huge   
   number of experienced, serious breeders of quality dogs.  Dog-people   
   have opinions which are frequently and strongly expressed.   
      
   I have told you at least TWICE to talk with your VET.  That's where the   
   expertice in statistics is most likely to be.  Although I believe the   
   vet care available in the UK to be every bit as good or bad as it is in   
   North America (specifically the US and Canada), totally on a par, I do   
   not know the exact level of support you can expect from your own vet.   
   That is critical when breeding the older bitch; the fact that such a   
   bitch may be fertile does not make breeding her "safe" or advisable.   
      
   I have been in the sport of dogs for over 30 years now, and I would NOT   
   breed a seven year old maiden bitch.  Nor would I breed a seven year old   
   multiparous bitch.  I am not a breeder, but I work with responsible   
   breeders on a daily basis as the rescue coordinator for the US for my   
   breed.... Border Terriers.  I have assisted breeders of several breeds   
   with whelping, with puppy care, and with evaluation of litters for   
   placement choices.  I have read articles and books about canine   
   obstetrics and puppy care/raising of neonatal puppies.  I also work with   
   breeders of other breeds, primarily as students or instructors of canine   
   sports; I teach obedience professionally, and have since the mid-1980s.   
   So I didn't just walk in off the street. But I do not deal in   
   statistics.  Consider what the two of us have said and TALK TO YOUR VET!   
   READ articles, READ books, listen to responsible breeders; there are   
   many in the UK.   
      
   Jo Wolf   
   Martinez, Georgia   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)