Breeding

The female's heat cycle

The female's heat cycle

The female’s heat period usually occurs twice a year, but it can vary. Large and giant breeds may cycle only once every 9 to 12 months. 

The heat cycle lasts about twenty-one days and has several stages. The first signs are swelling of the vulva, usually followed by a blood-tinged discharge several days later. This first stage is called proestrus and lasts about nine days after the blood discharge begins. Males are attracted to the female, but she is not yet receptive and will not permit mounting. 

The second stage, called estrus, starts around the ninth day of the cycle and continues for the next 7 to 10 days, during which time ovulation occurs. During this period the female usually will permit a male to mount and breed her. The best time for mating is from the ninth to the twelfth day, when her vulva becomes less swollen and spongy to the touch and her discharge changes from red to a light pink or straw colour. To help guarantee success, most breeders like to mate a bitch two or three times between the ninth and twelfth day. 

There are exceptions, and not all females will breed on the same days. Some are ready for mating before the ninth day, while others may not be ready until after the twelfth day. Keep a close check on your female to help determine when she is ready. Besides noticing vulva sponginess and discharge colour, you can lightly touch her vulva with your index finger. If she flips her tail to one side, she probably is eager to be bred. You can also ask your veterinarian to take a vaginal smear to determine the female’s optimum time for breeding.