How do you determine how to breed a dog - when the right time is for her season and how long will she have to be with the male dog?

Answer 1

Well, you might want to match their personalities. For the years breeding Labs, the puppies come out different colors, but with the same personality, some of the time. Pick the most active one if your female is active. Pick the runt if your female is a runt. Mix and match if you like!

Answer 2

The first step in deciding when to breed a dog is to determine that the puppies will be wanted and will have good homes. A commitment to find good homes for all the new lives you will be creating must be made before even considering breeding any dogs.

Females are able to conceive ("go into heat") only approximately every six to eight months. They usually have their first estrous ("season") at around six months, but some don't for as long as 14 months. As a rule of thumb, if she has not had an estrous cycle by the time she is 14 months old, you should have her examined by a veterinarian.

Most responsible breeders do not breed the bitch in the first estrous cycle, although it is possible for them to become pregnant during that first season. Until a dog is around two, many genetic problems do not manifest, like hip dysplasia, for example. You would need to have the proper testing done on the dogs to be mated to assure that you are not going to end up with a litter of puppies with potentially serious genetic disorders or conditions.

The estrous cycle in dogs is indicated by the vaginal discharge they have that is a bloody or blood-tinged liquid, their vulva will be swollen, and they will urinate more often. The female signals when she is ready by holding her tail to one side. In very small dogs, this may be harder to determine because their smaller amount of vaginal drainage is harder to detect. The most obvious signal that she is becoming fertile is the reaction of male dogs in her vicinity. Her scent will have them restless, whiny, and try to get to her. Keeping the wrong males from her during this time is especially difficult without proper facilities. Do not leave her unattended outside or she and they may find a way to get together.

The female will not allow a male to mount unless she is ready to conceive. Once she allows him to mate with her, they will be "connected" in coitus for approximately 5 to 20 minutes. During this time they stand rear to rear and can not separate from each other at will. Do not try to separate them, once the mating is done, they will be able to move apart.

The decision to breed should be made with great care and only after you have studied and learned much more about breeding, whelping, and caring for pregnant bitches and newborn puppies. It is not something to do unprepared or before learning all the necessary information you'll need to know.