How Old Does A Dog Have To Be To Breed
Smaller breeds tend to sexually mature earlier and can be bred at 6 months.
How old does a dog have to be to breed. One month before breeding the bitch should have a thorough pre breeding physical examination by a veterinarian. At around 5 or 6 months some males will be ready to procreate and most dogs will show more interest in the opposite sex within a year or two. Also bear in mind that dog breeding laws governing your area may dictate waiting until a bitch is 18 months old before breeding her. Dogs reach sexual maturity before becoming fully grown.
On average a male dog becomes fertile between 6 and 12 months. The males will be attracted to females in heat by pheromones found in her urine like methyl p hydoxybenzoate methyl phba. Root kustritz dvm ph d dact professor of small animal reproduction at the university of minnesota answers frequently asked questions from breeders preparing to breed that promising. A female dog is bred for the first time during her second heat cycle or after provided that she is no older than 12 years of age.
Although your male dog will be able to breed throughout its lifespan once they enter sexual maturity the prime breeding time starts at the age of about 18 24 months. Take your young bitches in particular out regularly. A dog is generally referred to as a puppy before the age of a year. The age in which to breed a dog whether male or female depends on the breed of the dog.
The best age to breed a dog is therefore generally anywhere from 2 to 5 years of age. A male dog is ready to breed by about 15 months of age. The minimum recommended age for breeding a male dog is usually from 1 to 2 years. Smaller dogs are more likely to mature faster.
Male dogs can begin breeding between 6 to 12 months of age. Puppies when it s too early. Health testing is important as this helps ensure healthy puppies. Whereas larger breeds should wait until 18 months.
Smaller dog breeds tend to mature later than larger dog breeds. Generally from two years of age until they are senior. By this time female dogs have mostly finished developing and their owners should have had the opportunity to health test them to rule out any conformation issues or hereditary conditions. That is why the age to cross of a male dog can be delayed for up to 12 or even 24 months.