Question about young male dogs and fertility?

Question

We have a wonderful show quality young male (8 months) Sheltie who is gettining anamorous with our 10 mo. old female. He isn't even getting close to penetrating but my concern is that the female is way too young to get pregnant. She hasn't gone into heat but what if she does and we don't notice it right away? We want to breed them both. The male will be a Ch. and the female probably won't but she already has her CD title and will get her first agility title very soon. She has 2 legs for her CDX. It is amazing. With his looks and her intelligece, we know we'd have desirable puppies and have consulted with breeders who agree. In otherwords, I'm not getting them fixed until their first litter. At 8 mos., can he get her pregnant if she goes into heat and we don't notice? They are best friends and are constantly kissing and cleaning each other and are inseparable so it's going to be hard to keep them apart for a few weeks but is it necessary yet? Also, they are both indoor dogs.

Answer 1

Yes your young male certainly can get your female pregnant.
They are both too young to be bred. They need to be at least 2 years old. They also both need genetic health testing..OFA/PennHip on hips/elbows, CERF/PRA on eyes, thyroid and other breed pertinent tests. This is very important for all breeds of dogs, however be advised that Shelties are prone ot eye, hip and thyroid issues so it is very important that these tests be done and results certified.
Even if your female has working titles she still needs to be evaluated to make sure she is at least close to breed standard. Also even though you own a male it doesn't mean he is the best one suited to mate with your female..regardless of titles etc..the dogs need to compliment each other, they have to make up for areas in which the other lacks. Their pedigrees also need to compliment each other.

Answer 2

I was told by a breeder if you have a female that you are going to breed you should at least let her go into heat twice before breeding.

I have two min pins one male and one female. He is smaller than the female and they have had four litters. The last time I thought I had kept them apart, but I guess they found time to get together. lol

Answer 3

Yes, it's possible. Dog normally go into heat by 9 mos. so she is likely to do so anytime and he is old enough. You will absolutely need to keep them separated since she is too young to have a litter.

If you haven't considered it already, please be sure to do all of the health checks appropriate for their breed before breeding them to ensure both of these dogs are sound healthwise and won't pass on any bad traits to their pups.

Answer 4

I have seen 8 & 9 month old males impregnate females.

It's not so much the males age you need to be concerned with. It's the age of the female. Whether she is physically mature enough to have a successful pregnancy you should worry about.

Answer 5

Seems your very knowledgeable in all the other areas except this one. Why is that?????
Yes he is old enough to mate and impregnate your female. If she hasn't gone into her first heat yet then she may be very close so you better watch them very closely for this point on!

Answer 6

She is way too young. Dogs should not breed until they are at least 2 years old. Puppies born to mothers too young are often sick and the mothers often need C-sections. You need to keep them apart for at least another year or ask your vet for advise.

Answer 7

yes this dog can very much get pregnant. you will have to seperate them.