Conchshell Newfoundlands
Inactive Member
Thank you for starting this good discussion ball rolling. Each breeder has their own opinions, based upon their research and experience, so I am going to express my opinion on this topic.
This is a very timely topic in our home, because my male, Beau is coming up on his 2nd birthday 11/18/05.
I do not believe in breeding prior to the 2nd birthday. AND UNTIL AFTER ALL HEALTH CLEARANCES are in. In the case of a male, my reasoning is that any hips & elbows tests would be prelims, and therefore not as accurate. In the case of a female, my previous statement applies, and also because these slow-growing giants are not physically mature ( bone growth plates closed, etc) at a younger age. Look at it from a different viewpoint: Is a human female capable of reproduction in her early teens? Yes. Is it healthy for the young woman and her baby? NO. I want my Newf girls to have as long, happy and healthy a life as possible. Therefore I will not breed them until after they are 2 and have all health clarances, and therafter, not more than once per year (every OTHER) season. Yes, I believe in posting all results, the good, the bad and the ugly on OFA
Mickey
This is a very timely topic in our home, because my male, Beau is coming up on his 2nd birthday 11/18/05.
I do not believe in breeding prior to the 2nd birthday. AND UNTIL AFTER ALL HEALTH CLEARANCES are in. In the case of a male, my reasoning is that any hips & elbows tests would be prelims, and therefore not as accurate. In the case of a female, my previous statement applies, and also because these slow-growing giants are not physically mature ( bone growth plates closed, etc) at a younger age. Look at it from a different viewpoint: Is a human female capable of reproduction in her early teens? Yes. Is it healthy for the young woman and her baby? NO. I want my Newf girls to have as long, happy and healthy a life as possible. Therefore I will not breed them until after they are 2 and have all health clarances, and therafter, not more than once per year (every OTHER) season. Yes, I believe in posting all results, the good, the bad and the ugly on OFA
Mickey