Good morning.  I have one male GSP and am getting a 7 wk old female in two weeks. I am wanting to eventually breed them but I don't really know anything about it. I was thinking I needed to wait til the female was 2. Is this right? Or should I wait longer?  And I'm not sure I understand about the first heat cycle. Could someone help me out?  Thanks in advance!  Have a good one!

If you do some research on line you will find all the answers you need.

Have you considered hip testing and health clearances? Have you thought about a conformation title and /or a hunt title? Ideally, both dogs should have a reason to be bred. The last thing this breed needs is more pet only litters.

Francine

I second what the other posters have said.  There are plenty of shorthairs out there to be had so breeding needs to be for a purpose.  That said to answer you original questions:

1) Most breeders wait until their females are at least two.  This usually means that the female has gone through at least two heat cycles and often more. 

2) Female heat cycles vary from every 6 months to once a year.  The first time they come in season is also variable.  Most females come in from 6 - 12 months the first time.  That said some do not come in until they are 2 years old.  My girl, Halo, did not come in season until she was almost 2.  She also only comes in heat every 9 months.  Which means I have waited longer than most to consider breeding her.  In Halo's litter her sister came in season the first time at 8 months and is on a 6 month cycle.  Her mom didn't come in season until she was almost 2 and then came in every 6 months.  My breeder waited to breed Halo's mom until she was 4 years old.  So, it really is an individual thing based on the individual dogs maturity.

3) As others have mentioned it is a good thing to also get certain health clearances on the dogs.  Here is a link to the health clearances that the GSP Parent Club recommends for breeding.

www.gspca.org/Health/testing.html

I am doing field trials with my male GSP and will probably do the same with the female. My male has hip certifications and the female's parents are both certified.  My male is a son of Gamble's Ticked Off Max by Snip's Ticked Off. And has a wonderful disposition and has been a pleasure to train. My decision on breeding isn't really final to I get my female and see how she is. 

Thanks for all your help ya'll. I appreciate the input. 

Hi, our kennel is the breeder of Ticked Off Max...Congrats on your dogs,  I was wondering what kind of trials you interested in?  Max is a heck of a dog.

Well, as far as breeding goes, I would match up the pedigree best as I could if I were thinking of starting a breeding program. Linebreed off of the good dogs in what makes your dog what he is.  I know Max is a good dog with a heck of a pedigree. Study your bloodlines, then make sure as your female progress's she is a good match for the male in conformation and her abilities.  There are many things to consider when making a cross.  We are in Lafayette, if you ever want to see any of your dogs ancestors come on down.  There are many things to test or title your dog in.  AKC Hunt Tests, NSTRA, AKC Trials,  ect.  Best to go watch at these events to see what training you need to put into your dog.  I can let you know the things around here if you think you want to check them out.  I do not know the pedigree on the female you are getting, but it would be wise to make sure she has one that is a good cross with your male if you want to produce better than you have. Otherwise you may be producing more backyard pets  

Well, General Norman was by Clown....I used to run trials with him. That said I am not a Clown fan and do not have it in my lines.  Clown stuff can have the run but be real squirrely to train, even soft.  I would not be linebreeding off those lines, but that is MO, I tend to be more a fan of Max's lines, obviously. 

Interesting. Can you post a pedigree or email me one?  wallnuthillgsps@msn.com