Dogs are known for their unconditional companionship to their owners. Keeping your dog in good health is a way to show your unconditional love for her. Knowing when your dog can become pregnant is imperative to her health condition and future quality of life, whether you choose to breed or spay your dog.
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The Heat Cycle
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The heat cycle is the period of seven to ten days where it is possible for a dog to become pregnant. Signs of this stage include bleeding from the vagina, swelling of the vulva and stiff posture that is assumed when a male dog is near.
Dogs reach this period of sexual maturity early in life, anywhere from four to 18 months of age. Immediately after reaching this stage the dog will begin to experience heat cycles. It is possible for dogs to come into heat more than once a year. Typically, smaller dogs will go into heat at a younger age than larger dogs.
Breeding
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If you are thinking about breeding your dog, it is not recommended to do so at a young age. This could result in an unhealthy litter because the mother cannot sustain the pregnancy. The best time to start breeding would be when the female is in her second or third heat cycle. By waiting you will have a better idea of her strength and health conditions and ability to sustain a pregnancy. It is also not recommended to breed once the dog reaches seven or eight years of age. Cross breeding small dogs with large dogs is also not recommended.
Before breeding, consider if you will have homes for all of the puppies. Puppies that cannot find homes usually have to be put down. Also consider the mate that will be paired with your dog. Check into the mate's heath records.
Knowing your dog's family health history is also helpful when breeding. Knowing if there are possible hereditary issues that could be passed may deter your initial desire to breed her. Make sure your dog is up to date on all shots and vaccinations, as well as her mate.
Spaying
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Spaying your dog is an option that will help control unsupervised breeding. If you do not want to breed your dog, it is recommended that you spay her. This will help decrease the number of puppies that go without finding homes and have to be euthanized.
Spaying involves surgical removal of the sex organs of a female dog. Puppies can be spayed as early as six months of age. This is usually before the first heat cycle. Spaying a dog prevents all future heat cycles and any chance of becoming pregnant.
Small Breeds Versus Large Breeds
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Smaller breeds that could go into heat as young as four months of age are usually less than 22 pounds and shorter than 16 inches. Examples of small breeds include Chihuahuas, Cocker Spanials, Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, Maltese, Miniature Poodles, Pugs and Shih Tzus.
Large breeds that could go into heat as late as 18 months of age are usually more than 22 pounds and taller than 16 inches. Examples of large breeds include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Great Danes, Boxers, Huskies, Rottweilers and Saint Bernards.
Warnings
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If you do not spay your dog, she will have heat cycles her entire life, whether you breed her or not. These can be messy and can cause infections if not properly cared for.
Breeding is a serious commitment and should only be considered if the owner has the time and dedication to properly care for the mother and the newborn puppies. Proper breeders will have all information about their breeds, including health records.
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