Dog Breeding Time

A bitch should be bred around the time she comes into her second or third heat. Each breed, will have their heat differently but generally it will occur once or twice a year. Puppies as young as 6 months, can experience their first heat.

You need to make sure your pet does not have any adverse genetic traits that could be passed onto puppies. She will also need to be up to date on her immunizations and be in her top peak physical condition.

The first sign you may notice when your bitch is in season is a thin discharge or red blood.

How much a dog discharges will vary per dog. After about a week, it will turn to a thin yellow strain, which lasts about another week. Around this time, her vulva will swell and become soft indicating her readiness to mate. Each bitch will vary in how long her heat will last. Most breeders suggest breeding your female at this time, waiting a day or two and introducing the stud dog again.

If your male dog is smaller than your female or if your stud is inexperienced, assistance may be required in helping the dogs to lock and insure the tie is not broken.