My program for my poodles requires that my dogs are at minimum 2 years old before ever being bred, it is also always based off a vets discretion, I believe that having a vets opinion on my dogs prior to breeding is essential in choosing who will have their next litter and who might need additional rest or early retirement. From the vet I am suggested a number of safe options for flea/tick and heartworm medicine for breedable dogs, this ensures they are kept safe from nasty parasites as well as ensures the pups are able to mature gestationally correctly without medicine causing defects. Not only do I get advice from my vet but I also have the opinion/testing of Embark and OFA backing my dogs. My dogs health and happiness are always one of my major concerns. Another very large considering factor is temperament, he or she needs to be sound of mind, biddable, owner focused and enjoyable to be around, meaning not too active or too sluggish. I like to produce puppies that will be willing to do just about anything with you, including walks, park play and, hanging out on the couch eating snacks. My adults have successfully created as of now four puppies that went to service dog prospect homes. It is not my end goal to create service dogs but it pleases me that the combination of my adults have successfully created such amazing dogs, ones that can assist their owners in ways so needed. Great personality, structure and over all well rounded pet is my end goal, all the extras like showing, titles and service work is icing on the cake! I do have a show mentor that evaluates my puppies if the desire to get a show prospect is on your list of puppy requirements though.