Calling all dog lovers

[DogbertDogglesworth]

I own a KC registered pedigree bitch.
She is currently 5 months old. I will be having her spayed, however, i am torn over whether to allow her to breed and have 1 litter before she has the op or whether to have the op done without her having a litter first.
I don't want to deny her being a mum if it will be better for her welfare to have a litter first.
Thoughts please?
Thanks.

It’s codswallop for them to have one litter before being spayed.

A very outdated view.

Voice of reason

www.holidays4dogs.co.uk/blog/should-my-dog-have-puppies-before-being-spayed/

It is categorically NOT better to have a litter first. Get her spayed. There are enough dogs out there, there is no need for yet another breeder who doesn’t actually know what they’re doing to bring yet more puppies into the world.

I don't want to deny her being a mum if it will be better for her welfare to have a litter first.

I work in animal welfare. No it isn’t better welfare for her or the pups. The risks of ongoing health issues or producing pups with no long term homes is significant, even for pedigree breeds.
Don’t be a backyard breeder, only breed if you have the financial resources for appropriate genetic screening and veterinary care, and enough knowledge of genetics to improve the health and welfare of the breed. Poorly bred puppies sold by inexperienced owners are a welfare nightmare

Thank you all for your replies.
I will have her spayed and not let her have pups. It made sense in my head to not let her and to have the op, but i needed it reinforcing that the decision is the correct one i think.

Let her mature before having her spayed. 18 months at least.

There is no need to let her mature. The sooner the better as it helps to prevent so,e cancers. Your vet will advise you.

It's nonsense. You don't need to breed her.

Thank you all again. I am taking her to the vets on monday for her nails clipping, so will make a booking for the op while i'm there.
I don't want her to have a litter because i don't want her to be in pain when whelping comes, but i was worried that she may feel deprived.
I know, i know, soft and stupid i am.
Thank you for your replies and advice.

She wouldn't be a 'mum' if she had a litter of puppies though. She would be a bitch who'd had a litter of puppies. It's not like dogs do the whole bump ticker/baby shower/Baby on Board car sticker thing - she won't be missing out on anything if you have her spayed when she's old enough, other than perhaps a pyo or uterine cancers.