2007-11-23 06:57:04 · 18 answers · asked by Tyler H 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Let me be the first to say it - don't breed your dog.
Don't take advice from people who think dogs have periods, they don't, they have heat cycles. And don't take advice from people who think "bread" is the correct past tense of breed.
The only reason to breed a dog is to improve the breed - as in AKC registered dogs. Your dog should have it's registration and should have good conformation of the breed.
So to answer your question, a dog can get pregnant and impregnate at around 8 months, depending on the breed.
2007-11-23 06:59:46 · answer #1 · answered by FishStory 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
A female dog is able to get pregnant in her first heat, which occurs at approximately 6 months; and every heat after that, again at 6 month intervals.
However, this is not encouraged because she is considered a puppy until 2 years of age & still growing. Although the maternal instincts in dogs are very, very strong, this is no guarantee that she will be a good mom. It is recommended that she not be bred until her second or third season, at which time she is physically & emotionally mature and able to adjust to motherhood. And this usually does not occur before 18 to 24 months.
If you intend to breed, please consult the literature first. There are so many unwanted dogs out there, that it is a shame to bring more dogs into the world. Don't get me wrong, I am not against breeding, I do believe it is very important to continue quality bloodlines, but the sad truth is that most people, even those who call themselves professional breeders really don't know what they're doing. The problem is that they are breeding dogs with genetic predispositions to illnesses & defects.
One last piece of advice: If you own a dog, I would suggest purchasing the following book - it has helped more times than I can count & also saved many dog's lives: "Dog Owner's Veterinary Handbook" by James Giffin & Liisa Carlson. It is extremely comprehensive, very practical, illustrated & will help with health issues you may encounter 'after-hours.' I think it's the best dog-help book out there. There is also a section on breeding with detailed information.
FYI - The age at which a male dog reaches sexual maturity and begins to produce sperm varies from 6 - 12 months, the average being 9 months. Again, as with female dogs, a male dog does not achieve physical maturity before 18-24 months & should not be used to breed before that time.
Good luck !
2007-11-23 15:26:47 · answer #2 · answered by helen keller 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the breed and the dog, however if you're on here asking this question, you need to seriously consider whether you're truly educated enough on the process of breeding to be actually breeding dogs in the first place.
Most breeds should be at least two before they are bred.
2007-11-23 15:05:43 · answer #3 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Minimum 2 years.
And they need the health clearances as recommended by the parent club for the breed.
They should be titled in either conformation or whatever work the breed is supposed to do as well.
This is what good breeders do. Otherwise you are a BYB.
If you need to ask this question, you are nowhere near ready to be breeding. Please go and do a lot of research on responsible breeding.
2007-11-23 15:01:22 · answer #4 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
First, in response to some of the answers...
-It's "breed" or "bred", not "bread". That what you make toast with.
-Dogs don't have periods. They have heats. Entirely different.
And, finally to the OP, if you have to ask, you have too much to learn to be breeding now.
Get your dog fixed, then read, learn, and experience. Then think twice again.
2007-11-23 15:09:09 · answer #5 · answered by Schatzi 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Minimum of two years. No responsible breeder would breed a dog younger than that.
2007-11-23 15:08:29 · answer #6 · answered by kittenslayer 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you're going to breed you should already know all of this! But minumum age is 2 years!
2007-11-23 15:03:48 · answer #7 · answered by NiCoLe i love my Chi cena! 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
around 3 so they can be mature my dog had pups around there she did perfect but you probly wouldnt want to breed over 5 then theres a chance the dog and the pups could die. and dont breed with a old dog we tried nothing happened. Good luck:)
2007-11-23 15:07:57 · answer #8 · answered by lalala hi 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
best at 2 years and after having ALL teh genetic testing done and passed. Then find a mate witht he test having been done and passed as well
2007-11-23 15:41:44 · answer #9 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At least 2 after you've had it's CERF and OFA ratings done and after it's earned it's Championship in the Conformation ring.
Not before.
2007-11-23 15:02:36 · answer #10 · answered by Yo LO! Aussie Grins 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋