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If I have a large male dog...part lab/shepherd about 80 pounds that I let inpregnate my boxer that is about 40 or less pounds...what is the consequences? Reason I'd let them bred is he is a good very old dog with great personality and about to dye. She is going to be fixed. Would like a combination of personalitites...but is he too big for her is the question.

>>If I have a large male dog...part lab/shepherd about 80 pounds that I let inpregnate my boxer that is about 40 or less pounds...what is the consequences? Reason I'd let them bred is he is a good very old dog with great personality and about to dye. She is going to be fixed. Would like a combination of personalitites...but is he too big for her is the question.

There are lots of reasons not to do this breeding, one being that you don't have enough information to evaluate the possible hidden genetic baggage being carried by each dog, but the question you're asking is IMO the dealbreaker: Is the male too big for the female to safely carry and deliver his puppies?

Yes, he's too big.

When breeders work with two animals of very different size (and him being twice her size counts), it's the MALE who is going to be smaller, not the female. The danger to an older female of carrying puppies potentially too large to deliver naturally is HUGE. She could need a C-section, she could also die.

As I said there are other reasons not to do this, but given the seriousness of this one, I'd say that you should go ahead with your plan to spay her.

I wish you all the best,
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Christie Keith
Caber Feidh Scottish Deerhounds
Holistic Husbandry since 1986
www.caberfeidh.com/
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