How many puppies can a 5 year old dog have?

Answer 1

Assuming the dog has not had puppies before, if she has one litter of puppies every year from now up to and including her eighth year, for a total of four litters, and we assume a litter number of 5-6, then she can have approximately 20 to 24 puppies during that time. Very small dogs may have only one or two pups per litter, and larger dogs may have larger litters of 10 or more, but one cannot reliably predict litter number or viability. For her own health, your bitch should not be bred more than once a year, and should probably not be bred past age 8. In fact, two to three litters over a four-year period would be preferable.

Disreputable breeders will breed bitches twice a year for many years until they are physically unable to give birth to viable litters. This is widely considered to be inhumane, unacceptable behavior.

If you do breed your bitch, remember that she should have two to three times her normal ration of food when she is pregnant or nursing, and her food should be of the highest quality. Check with your vet for the correct amount and a recommendation on the best brand.

Answer 2

Certianly! There is no reason why a 5 year old shouldn't have puppies, they are still young and healthy and in the midst of their puppy bearing years.