When Is the Best Time to Breed a Dog?
If you want to breed your dog or dogs, one of the first questions you might have is when is the best time to breed a dog.
In this article, we'll look at everything you need to know about breeding dogs, including when the best time to breed them is and more.
Be a Responsible Dog Breeder
The first thing you need to know when you're looking into the best time to breed a dog is that you should only ever breed your dogs if they are pedigreed and you are trying to breed puppies that will be a good representation of the breed.
We've got an article that goes into more detail about what it means to be an ethical dog breeder, but that's the first and most important thing.
Breeding dogs simply to make money, breeding mixed breed puppies that may struggle to find good homes, and any other kind of dog breeding is not fair to the puppies.
How Old Should Dogs Be Before They Have Puppies?
The next thing you need to know about the best time to breed your dog or dogs is that your dog should first have reached adulthood, which usually happens sometime between 18 months and 2 years. This does vary between breeds, and generally, smaller breeds will mature faster than large-breed dogs.
The reason why this is so important is that, just like people, there are some biological differences between puppies, juvenile dogs and adult dogs. Dogs need to be their full adult size and have all their bones, organs and systems fully mature to safely carry a litter to term. These may cause complications and be dangerous to both the mother and her puppies.
Since most dogs will have their first "heat," "season," or oestrus at around six months and then about every six months after that, that does mean that you will need to figure out a way to prevent breeding before your dog has reached adulthood.
When Is the Best Time to Breed Your Dog When They Are "In Heat?"
When your dog is "in heat" or in oestrus, it will usually last about three weeks. The first week and last weeks, they will bleed more, but the middle week is usually when they are ovulating. That's when they can get pregnant, just like people.
Most breeders will try on a couple of different days, a day or two apart, during that period, whether they are using a stud dog or artificial insemination. That tends to give the most chance of successful breeding.
You can also use devices to predict or confirm when your dog is ovulating, which gives you more chance of success.
Recommended Product: Dog Ovulation Tester Kit |
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If you are planning to breed your dog or dogs, one way to be sure that you're choosing the right day is to invest in a dog ovulation tester. This kit also comes with detailed instructions and a storage case for the device. It's also a certified veterinary testing tool, so you can be sure it's good quality and easy to use. |
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Do Dogs Get Too Old to Breed?
Most dogs will continue to have one or two oestrus "heats" per year for life or until they are spayed.
However, just like people, there does come a point when your dog will be too old to breed. Think of it the way you would an elderly person. At some point, they will be more tired, develop arthritis and other conditions associated with age, and will no longer be able to safely have and care for a litter of puppies.
Most breeders will only breed their dogs for a few years, starting when they have reached adult maturity and ending around six or seven years, depending on their breed and other factors.
Most breeders also won't allow their dogs to have more than one litter of puppies per year and will give them that time to rest, heal and recuperate before they allow them to have another litter of puppies.
Dogs that aren't spayed can also have a higher risk of certain reproductive issues, so most dog breeders will spay their dogs when they are no longer going to be having litters.
What Should You Do Before You Breed Your Dog?
If you are planning to breed your pedigreed dog, there are a few things you should do before you take any action.
First, take your dog to the vet for a checkup. You want your dog to be in peak physical condition and perfect health before you attempt to breed a litter with them.
If your dog is from a breed that is prone to conditions like hip dysplasia or genetic conditions, you should also get them tested or x-rayed before you breed any litters with them. In some cases, the kennel club that oversees pedigreed dogs in your area might require you to do this and to provide proof before they will allow you to register your puppies.
Finally, you need to get ready for the whole process. Dogs are only pregnant for a little over two months, but they still need more food, supplements and other special care. You also need to prepare for puppies, investing in a whelping box, heat lamps and other things. You'll also need puppy food and formula, just in case there are feeding issues.
Many dogs will go through pregnancy and whelping without any trouble, but sometimes there are complications too, so be prepared to contact your vet if anything goes wrong. Sometimes, dogs need c-sections or other medical interventions too, and often, it's a medical emergency.