how old can i start breeding my shih tzu. when will her first heat cycle come?

Answer 1

If you have to ask, you shouldn't breed! Sorry! not all dogs were meant to be breeders and not all owners either. Please read the following:
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeding.html
Here is a link for virtual breeding:
http://www.geocities.com/virtualbreeding/vb1.html

Answer 2

Breeding Shih Tzus

Answer 3

Talk to your vet. He or she is the best source of information on this issue, plus you need to have a health check and do some testing before you breed. Also, you should only breed your dog if she is a good example of the breed standards, has tested negative for common genetic diseases in that breed of dog, has a known healthy pedigree, good temperament, and would contribute good qualities to the breed. Also, don't expect to make money off of breeding. Breeding can be a very expensive hobby, especially if you do it right, out of a love for the breed, not out of a desire for money or just to make more dogs. If you aren't intimately familiar with the breed, you should do a LOT more research or get her spayed and adopt instead of making more puppies to die in shelters or on the street.

Most vets recommend waiting AT LEAST until the second or third heat cycle before breeding. If you do breed her, at least get her spayed when she reaches 5 years old to reduce her chances of getting pyometra (a nasty, often fatal uterine infection) and also having unhealthy litters or dangerous whelping conditions. Also, if she has abnormal heat cycles, she should be spayed as this can indicate an abnormal hormonal condition.

Answer 4

Her first heat likely will be around the age of 6 months, but never breed a dog this young. They should be at least 2 years old before being bred.Younger then this they are neither mentally or physically mature enough, nor can they get most of the health tests done.
Before considering breeding here are a couple of things to consider..toy breeds are prone to complictions, breeds with "pushed in faces" are more prone to complications your dog is both. These complications can run from structural deformities in the puppies to emergency c-sections, to mastitis to stillborn pups.They also usually have small litters.
Unless your dog is a shining example of her breed as deemed by show points/championship or by evalautions, has an impeccable pedigree, has had and passed health exams (not just simple vet exams) then she should not be bred.

Answer 5

If you give a fig for her health wait till AT LEAST the second heat (by the way the first will probably be between 6 months & a year)
waiting two years or age will be better - it'll give you time to get a CERF eye exam & other health checks and collect the supplies you'll need like:
enough newspaper to cover Kansas pups use 3x what you'd think possible
an ex-pen ($100) to prevent mischifous pups from wreaking your house

whelping box (you can use a kitty pool if you think ahead enough to get one in the early summer)
Heat lamp or pad to keep them warm (carfull for fire proofing 7 chew proofing)
Scale to weigh pups daily (slowing of growth may be the only sign of sickness)
Week off from work to be there to assist mom if she has delivery problems (VERY IMPORTANT)
enough savings to pay for an emegency c-section to save the lives of mom & pups if things go south (NOT a joke)

I'd be lots eaiser & cheaper to just spay her

Answer 6

If you are asking this question you should not be breeding your dog. Do you know how many shih tzu's are crying for homes in shelters now?

If you are inexperienced you are going to end up with a lot of problems. It is not simple as 1-2-3 to breed your dog, many things could go wrong, especially with small dogs, during the pregnancy. It costs a lot of money also.

Answer 7

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU7If

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 8

Dog your poor dog a favour and educate yourself. No one should attempt to bring any more unwanted puppies into the world when you don't even know how to look after the dog you have now, never mind looking after totally helpless puppies.

Why do you want to breed her? Only the very best dogs in any breed are to be used for breeding purposes. That means the best confirmation wise as well as 100% solid temperaments.

Answer 9

Not sure when her first cycle will be ( can't remember), but I've always heard to wait until they're at least a year old, and better yet about 1 1/2 so they will be fully developed.

Answer 10

DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER ANIMALS DIE!!!
For every puppy you breed and find a home for, you are killing a puppy at a shelter because that is one less family that is looking to adopt one.
There are too many homeless purebreed Shih Tzu's right now. We don't need any more. Call a ST rescue in your area (a vet will have the number) and ask them how many dogs they have right now. A lot I promise you.
Just because you find homes for all the babies, doesn't mean they will stay in those homes all their lives. Adults are taken to shelters everyday. Even if you have the owners bring them back to you, you will be in the same situation as shelters. Too many dogs, not enough homes.
Please, PLEASE, please have her spayed. She will live a longer happier, healthier life. Animal control and the SPCA will help you if you can't pay.

Answer 11

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU0le

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.