How long should I wait?
 

My little girl born 04/09/03 had her first litter on 04/23/05. She had 4 healthy puppies. I am wondering, how long should it be until she has her next period and how long should I wait until I let her breed again? Also, will repeatedly breeding her make her not live as long? Her mate born on 03/04/04 has started following her around with his snout constantly on her tail and trying to hump her, he did this before when she got her period. Also, could he be doing this because one of their male puppies is around? Thank you for any suggestions and comments!

Hi and Welcome :) My female came into heat around five months after she birthed her puppies. We just had her spayed. I think you did well to wait until she was almost 2 years old to let her have her first litter. I had mine spayed because we didn't plan to have a litter in the first place and I had heard it is healthier and that they live longer if they are spayed...but I also know that is debateable. We are not breeders and didn't have any reason not to have her spayed. I'm not sure but I don't think it's too healthy to breed them one cycle after another. Our puppies were born on 4/01/05 and Bitsy just came out of heat about two weeks ago....so YES, she could probably be going into heat again from what you described. Maybe someone else here can give you some pointers and I would separate them. Are you a breeder?

hi suzigreenburg. i see you are in my neck of the woods...i'm in nc. your girl could be coming back into heat. it's not un-common for some to come back in 6 months after a litter. just keep a good check on her, sounds like your stud is already sensing something there.

still wondering....
 

Thanks so much for your comments. I think that she is going into heat. I would like to have your comments about letting her have a second litter now. If it is okay I will, but if I do, I will not let her breed again for at least 3 cycles. Please give me any suggestions! Thank you so much!

As far as breeding back to back, it is somewhat a matter of opinion. While it is 100% true that making your baby into a puppy factory (breeding back to back several times in a row) is not healthy for her, breeding 2 times in a row then skipping 1 is seen by some as a healthy breeding method. Another method that is often used (and which my aunt has used for years) is the skip a heat method. This way you have a litter, skip the next heat, then breed on the 3rd heat again. It is completely up to you what method you would like to use (as I personally believe both are pretty safe). The best thing to do would be to consult with your vet about the health of your girl, and if she may be ready to have another litter. Your vet may believe in a specific time frame for breeding, and he knows your dog best, so unless he/she says 'breed her till the cows come home' you should probably listen to him/her.

I personally believe in skipping a heat between litters, definitely if the mother is on a 6 month cycle. My family lets little Maria have puppies once a year (every second time) though she is about ready to hang up her puppy rearing days and retire to a life of couch sitting and tv watching :) Good luck with your dogs!

~LeAnn