this info came from a vet believe it or not its up to you however he said breed a young bitch on her first season at 11 month a year old and dunt the pups leaving 1 to take the milk then gift it as a pet this squares all the bitches inside up making her spot in for when you wish to take pups off her i waited to take pups off a 4 1/2 year old bitch she hemareged with the pups and i lost her this was because she wasnt squared up inside however i would not breed a young bitch just to sell pups atb