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Reproduction

"When to Breed"

The behavior of your female usually indicates when she is in true estrus -- that part of the heat cycle when the female will allow a male to breed her. Most females growl or snap at the male when they are not quite ready for breeding because they still may be in the proestrus phase of the cycle. The proestrus stage usually lasts from 4-9 days and includes signs of bleeding, vulvular swelling and increased urination, but this stage can last up to 2-3 weeks in some animals. Heat cycles vary from dog to dog and most of the numbers written are averages so this needs to be taken into consideration when deciding the time for breeding. Other females will exhibit this behavior when they are frightened, even if they are in true estrus. It is best to keep a log if possible of when the heat cycle starts -- when bleeding and swelling is first noticed, when those signs disappear, etc. and time interval between heats if you have not already done so. This may help with determining the length of her cycle. Having your veterinarian perform cytology during the heat cycle will also help determine the optimum time for breeding. Using progesterone and lutenizing hormone testing may allow an even closer estimation of the time of ovulation. Some females would rather be bred at home instead of being taken to the male -- feeling more comfortable on familiar territory. Other females may feel more comfortable (if bringing her to the male) to bring her a week or so before the expected heat (reason for the log), boarding her at the male's home so they can see each other and allowing them to breed on "their" terms. (Refer to the Brucellosis article.) Then there are those females that will not breed no matter what. If it is really important to have a litter from a particular female that will not breed no matter what is tried, there is always artificial insemination.

The most common mistake in breeding dogs is simply missing the time when they are receptive to the male. This can happen as early as 2 or 3 days into the estrus and can be as late as 21 days after first signs of bleeding and vulvar swelling. The best approach is to attempt breeding every other day from the first days of the heat period. The only problem with this is that it requires a lot of cooperation from the owner of the stud dog.

The bitch is usually ready to stand and hold for the male to breed to her about ten to twelve days into the heat cycle. Start counting days at the first sign of any blood discharge from the vulva. Just remember that every dog is different regarding when she will allow breeding, so keep good records of everything you note regarding dates of first bloody discharge, how much discharge is occurring, how much swelling of the vulva is noticed, and the bitch's attitude and temperament. And here's an important note: You should mark the day you first see any discharge "day one"...however, you may have missed a few light flow days. In these cases, what you are calling "day one" may really be day three, four or five! So, when do you bring the male to her for breeding? Do not wait until the tenth day; bring the male to her a few days ahead of time because if she's ready you better breed her now! She will let you know if your timing is right by her willingness or unwillingness to stand for the male. If she's ready, regardless of what number day it is, she will crook her tail off to one side, stand in front of the male, and even back into the male. Just because we think she should breed on a certain day has no influence on her hormonal levels. Try to get the bitch and stud together a number of days and times earlier than that tenth day of bloody discharge. Another good guideline as to when to breed is that often the discharge will turn from a dark, bloody color to a more lighter, almost tan color.

None of this information is guaranteed to be accurate -- always consult your veterinarian prior to making a decision on your pet's health.