The Female Dog Breeding Cycle

The dog breeding cycle is a complicated one. The female does not just come into heat and be ready to breed. First she will bleed for somewhere between seven to twelve days. During this part of the cycle you will notice that she cleans herself more than usual. But still, you will see the odd drop of blood. Mark down your first sighting as it is important to keep a close watch on your dog at this time whether you want her breed or not. You will also notice that her teats swell during this time.

Once this part of the dog breeding cycle is over your female dog can be bred. If that is what you want then you can put her with a male. She will be receptive for up to seven days and it is safe for her to be bred more than once during this period.

If you do not want her bred than only put her outside for short periods and do not leave her unattended. Males can recognize the smell of a female in heat and will try to get to her even if she is in a fenced yard. Male dogs have no cycle. They can breed anytime they are able to find a female in heat. The dog breeding cycle for a female dog is repeated approximately every six months. In between that time she is not breedable. Since the dog breeding cycle begins during the time a dog is a puppy you need to make sure that she is not bred too early. Small breeds will begin the dog breeding cycle sometime around the time they turn six months. For bigger dogs it may not start until they are closer to a year as they mature much slower. A female dog must not be breed in her first heat cycle. As a matter of fact she should not be bred until she is around two years old. Dogs must mature and stop growing before they have their first litter. Otherwise the female could be stunted in her growth and not reach her proper size. As well, she is likely to have small unhealthy puppies if bred too young.