Anyone know about heat cycles of dogs?

Question

We have a young (9 month old) Female toy fox terrier. Can anyone tell me when their heat cycles will start? And is it safe to breed her after the first one?

Answer 1

Dogs go in heat twice a year. Starting when they are usually 5-6 months old. She may have been in heat already and you didn't Know it! Small dogs are hard to tell sometimes b/c they lick themselves and clean the blood! Check under the tail and when you see her vulva very very swollen you'll have a better idea! Also it is not recommended that you breed her before she is 2 years old. Let her reach her sexual maturity first!

Answer 2

First heat is usually around 9-12 months, but can be as early as 6 months or as late at 18 months. You should not breed her first heat, she will not be mature enough and though the puppies (and her) could end up perfectly fine, the risks involved are significantly greater than normal. Very young dogs often do not take appropriate care of the puppies becuase they are still immature themselves.

It is highly recommende by most professionals to wait until the dog is at least 2 years old.

That said, having her spayed is a great idea. Dogs spayed before their first heat have a significantly reduced rate of some cancers and you will not have to go through the clean-up/mess involved with heat... Any pregnancy can seriously hurt or kill a dog, the emotional stress involved with losing an entire litter to an infection or parvo is immense for you and your dog. It is often best to spay your dog before these problems arise. Female's do great never having a litter... they don't experience the stress of losing all of the pups when you sell them (or to sickness) and just are, in general, better off being spayed.

Answer 3

She could go in heat any time. They are in heat for 21 days.They usually go in heat twice a year. No you should not breed her after the first one. A dog should not be bred before they are two years old and only then if they have either proven themselves in the breed ring or have been evaluated for breed worthiness, passed all health tests (not just simple vet exams), have an impeccable pedigree and careful research has been done to find just the right mate. Breeding should only be done to improve a breedi n some way, not ot just produce puppies.

Answer 4

If you've never bred dogs before, you really should get her spayed. There is a lot of things to consider and research before breeding...and breeding takes time, money, and energy. Dogs average about 12 months for their first hieat cycle...some as early as 9 months or less. DO NOT ALLOw HER TO BREED WITH HER FIRST HEAT!!! Dogs are not mature enough to care for a litter at that age, and are at greater risk for complicaitons. You need to discuss with your vet what should be done for her prior to breeding. At the minimum, you need to have her currrent on vaccinations,make sure she's healthy, and have yourself prepared financially for complications. If she needs a c-section, they are very expensive (at least $500) and very risky. Many breeds have genetic health issued that should be ruled out prior to breeding. You also need to look at her behavior...if she is hyper, or doesn't listen, or has other behavioral issues, she's not a good candidate for breeding until those are resolved. Dogs with behavior issues make bad mothers and bad examples. Your vet will be able to tell you if she is a good candidate, and will help you prepare for breeding, pregnancy, and raising puppies.

Answer 5

They go into heat every 6 months, and its a very good idea to wait until the 2nd heat before breeding. Better for your dog!

Answer 6

every 6 months; or 5 to 8 months depending on the breed.
it's best to breed after second heat

Answer 7

Do you have to breed her? Do you know how many dogs are put to death every year due to overpopulation? Please consider giving some of those pets a chance to be adopted.