Yes, I did breed a dog at 5 years old. BUT, it was not her first litter it was her LAST litter. Her first litter was when she was 2 1/2 years old and after she was titled. The ONLY reason she was bred was because she passed all the breed tests, had hips and elbows certified, and she was an outstanding testament to the breed. Waiting until a dog is that old for their first litter is not good for the dog. The older they get the harder it is for them just like women. She had a total for 3 litters and she is now retired, spayed, and living with my oldest son. Why? Because she earned her retirement.
I on the other hand am not 15. I am 34 years old and I have raised/trained/handled german shepherds for 17 years. I had my first litter a year and a half ago and my second 15 weeks ago. I spent 15 years learning everything I could about the breed, the standards, looking for the right dog. The *****'s first litter was by her previous owner although I did buy a pup from that litter and still own him. It's not something you just jump into. It takes a lot of thought, research (which you are doing somewhat), money, and time.
Hopefully your female will not get what is called Pyometra. This happens when females remain unbred through heat cycles. When the cervix is opened bacteria can get in and causes the uterus to become infected and swell up with puss. This can and will kill a dog. Spaying at this point is NOT optional it is a MUST and costs 3 times as much as it normally would due to the complications that can arise. If puss escapes the uterus during spaying (if the uterus is nicked with the scalpel)the dog will die. If it is not caught in time, the dog will die. I spent over $900.00 having a ***** spayed because of Pyometra instead of the usual $300. Also, if a ***** has a litter of pups it costs more to have her spayed. Alexaveer was $450.00 instead of around $300.00 because she has had pups.
I have friends who have dealt with GSD's for 30 years. Breeding, training police K9's, and also sport dogs. If you want to know what you could be facing when breeding find a breeder that has been breeding for 20+ years. I've heard of bitches eating their pups, having no clue what to do with them, refusing to nurse, dying during or after delivery, or having to have an emergency C-section at the cost of $1500.00+. Waking up every 2 hours and tube feeding newborn pups is a horrible experience.
These are things that really need to be thought about. How much do you know about your chosen breed? Does she represent the standard of the breed? Do you know what genetic diseases she is prone to? Do you plan on being a responsible breeder and having her tested for these?
Many other infections and issues can arise when dogs remain intact and not bred. You've heard the term use it or lose it I'm sure. In a dogs case that can be the absolute truth.
EDIT***
http
/www.dogbreedinfo.com/spanishwaterdog.htm
While the SWD seems to be a very healthy breed there are some issues that the SWD have, just like all other breeds. There are cases of
Hip Dysplasia in the breed, so choose your breeder carefully. All breeding dogs should have their hips tested, either by OFA or PennHIP. There have been a few cases of PRA reported in Europe so it is advised that all breeders should test their breeding stock for PRA and other such genetic eye diseases with a yearly CERF exam. A responsible breeder will be able to produce the results in writing. Like other Water Dogs and related breeds, they grow hair in their ear canals and can be prone to ear infections. The ears must be kept dry and clean. . Because these dogs are (as a general rule) so active and energetic as puppies, they may seriously injure themselves from too much running and jumping when their skeletal structure is still developing.
..thank u for KINDLY telling me all this..i didnt know there were diseases she cud get from not getting spayed...we will see what we r gonna do cause when we got her we had to sign a contract saying we r not going to breed her but we didnt cause they said we r just not now..idk whats gonna happen and hopefully she stays very healthy and active her bdays in 6 days 
