Knowing when your bitch is in heat

Determining when a female dog is ready to be mated involves understanding her estrous cycle and recognizing the signs of her being in the fertile phase, known as estrus or “heat.” Here’s how you can tell when a female dog is ready to be mated:

Estrous

Observation of the Estrous Cycle: The estrous cycle in dogs is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The cycle can vary greatly between breeds and individual dogs but typically happens once every six to twelve months.

It’s generally recommended to wait at least one estrous cycle between litters, but often, waiting for two or more cycles is more beneficial. See below for some reasons as to why.

Proestrus

Proestrus Stage: This is the stage before actual heat and lasts about 9 days, though it can vary. Signs include:

1. Swelling of the vulva
2. Bloody vaginal discharge
3. Attractiveness to male dogs, but she will not yet be receptive

Estrus

Estrus Stage (Heat): This is the fertile period when the female is receptive to mating. It also lasts around 9 days, but this can vary. Signs include:

• Swollen vulva, although swelling may decrease compared to proestrus
• Change in the color of the vaginal discharge, from red to a straw color or clear
• Flirtatious behavior with male dogs, such as flagging (raising her tail and shifting it to one side)
• Standing still when a male dog sniffs her
• Frequent urination, which helps spread her scent and signal her readiness to nearby males

1. Veterinary Examination: A veterinarian can help determine the optimal time for breeding through vaginal smears and blood tests. These tests measure changes in cells or hormone levels (like progesterone) to pinpoint ovulation.
2. Behavioral Changes: A receptive female may actively seek out male dogs and show more interest in them. She may position herself in front of a male, presenting her rear, as an invitation.

It’s important to note that not all females show overt signs of being in heat. Some may have silent heats where physical and behavioral changes are minimal.

Remember, breeding should always be undertaken responsibly. If you plan to breed your female dog, ensure you are prepared for the responsibilities that come with it, including health checks, understanding genetics, and being able to care for both the mother and her puppies. Also, consider the implications of bringing more puppies into the world and ensure that you are doing so ethically and with the welfare of the dogs as a priority.

We always recommend you discuss your plans with a vet, they will be able to direct you to any tests that should be done before starting to breed your bitch.

Why wait for additional estrous cycles between litters

1. Health and Recovery: Giving birth and nursing puppies is physically demanding for a female dog. Waiting for at least one or two estrous cycles allows her body to fully recover from the previous pregnancy, birth, and lactation period. This recovery time helps ensure that she is in optimal health for any subsequent pregnancies.
2. Nutritional Replenishment: Pregnancy and nursing significantly deplete a mother’s nutritional reserves. Allowing a longer interval between litters enables her to replenish these reserves and regain her optimal body condition.
3. Risk of Complications: Continuous breeding without adequate intervals can increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies and can impact the long-term health of the female. Conditions such as uterine wear or infection become more likely with back-to-back breeding.
4. Behavioral and Psychological Health: Caring for a litter is also mentally and emotionally taxing for a female dog. Adequate intervals between litters allow her to rest and return to her normal routines and behaviors, ensuring better psychological health.
5. Puppy Health: Longer intervals between litters can contribute to the health and well-being of the puppies. A mother in better health is more likely to produce healthy, robust puppies.
6. Ethical Breeding Practices: Ethical breeding involves considering the welfare of the female dog as a priority. Overbreeding is strongly discouraged in responsible breeding practices

Depending on what country you are in, there may also be limitations from Kennel Clubs or government about how many back to back breedings you can do.

AKC versus KC Rules on litters

The policies of the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club in the UK regarding the registration of litters from a single female dog (bitch) are as follows:

American Kennel Club (AKC):

• The AKC does not set a specific limit on the number of litters a bitch can be bred. However, they monitor breeding practices and may investigate situations where a bitch is bred too often.
• The AKC does place a limit based on the age of the bitch. She must be at least 8 months old at the time of mating and should not be bred after reaching 12 years of age. Any exceptions to this rule require a special veterinary certificate of health.
• Breeders are expected to adhere to responsible breeding practices, prioritizing the health and well-being of the bitch.

The Kennel Club (UK):

• The Kennel Club generally limits registration to a maximum of 4 litters from any one bitch. This is because they believe that this is sufficient for a bitch to make a contribution to the breed.
• A bitch must be between the ages of 1 and 8 years old at the time of whelping for the litter to be eligible for registration. In special circumstances, the Kennel Club may grant a breeder permission for a bitch to have a litter over 8 years old, but this requires a veterinary certificate stating that the bitch is in good health.
• Similar to the AKC, The Kennel Club also emphasizes responsible breeding practices.

The Irish Kennel Club (IKC) has similar rules to the Kennel Club.