The site was last updated on
24 Aug 2000
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Breeding your bitch
Usually the female gets her
first ‘season’ at the age of 6 to 12 months. At small or toy breed females
or Terriers usually at age of 6 to 9 months, and some giant breeds only at the
age of two years.
The ‘season’ cycle has four stages. The whole cycle is usually for about six
to seven months, though the cycle may be different for each female to another.
Pro-estrus
(pre-season);
This is the most noticeable stage of the female’s cycle. Usually you can
notice the genital is swollen, followed by a clear secretion that soon becomes
more blood like. You may not notice the secretion, but you will see the blood.
Sometime there are blood signs, and not a real bleeding. Most females will
humbly watch over their cleanness, and you might notice the start of the cycle
by the female licking her self. Some females have a lot of bleeding and less
slowness, and some are very swollen and has no bleeding. Most large breed
females will show no out-seen signs but will attract many males. Most females
enjoy those attraction, though most will reject the male, only the more
experienced once would not.
Estrus
(‘in season’);
Usually the bleeding will stop at this stage. The genital is less swollen, but
still is full. Sometime there is a secretion, clear or dry yellow color. At this
time the female will look for male to mate with, and usually, finds them. It is
said that the egging is on the second day of this stage, and that is the best
day for the breeding. Several breedings will increase the odds of the pregnancy.
Metoestrus
(after ‘season’);
Though there are no noticeable signs for this stage, there is a lot of
‘action’ in the female’s uterus, and it is getting ready for a ‘time of
sleep’ (Anoestrus).
*Phantom
Pregnancy;
In this kind of situation, the hormones in the female’s body will make her
feel like she is pregnant, that will even make her “build a nest” and
produce milk. If that’s happened, contact your vet.
Anoestrus
(after ‘season’);
This is the quiet stage of the cycle when there is no action in the female’s
genitalia; the length of this stage is different for one female to another.
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