Turning 6, getting pregnant?

[Joyseesfamily]

Our bichon frisé will have just turned 6 years old when she next goes into heat. Is it unheard of for a dog of that age to become pregnant for the first time?

[southjerseycraig]

My understanding is that dams of that age can become pregnant; even senior dams can. My understanding also is that a pregnancy at age 6 or higher is very risky for the dam and her puppies.

[pam]

There are three potentially life threatening diseases that are commonly seen in un-spayed (still have their reproductive parts) female dogs. They are pyometria, ovarian cancers, and breast cancers.  So not only is there risk through pregnancy for her and any pups but there are other major risks as well.  Personally I would have her spayed to avoid all those risks unless there are health reasons of course.
Pam