New to breeding
 

I am new to breeding and would appreciate any tips anyone can share. My male, TUTU is 9, and we just bought a female, Abbi, a week ago. She turned a year old on June 26, 2007. Her previous owner told me that she had never been in heat before and that her mother was nearly two before she went into heat. I've been reading the posts here that indicate that she should have went into heat before she was a year old. Now I'm wondering if there's something fishy going on. The breeder I purchased her from misled me on a couple of things, she had never even started her shots, had a rabies vaccination, or anything, and I've had that taken care of and she goes back for her booster in 2 more weeks. She also had a yeast infection in her ears. Since I've never had a female, I don't know what to expect or what she's supposed to look like if she's really never been in heat. She's a little chubby, long legged, and 7.2 lbs and wants tons of love and attention. Her nipples, etc. are slightly prominent. TUTU went wild trying to mate with her the first couple of days, now he barely tolerates her. I love him so much and want a little piece of him to remain with us forever. Is there anything special I am supposed to do at this point?
Thanks so much for any advice anyone can offer.
Terri Stovall
Louisiana

breeding question
 

It sounds like she was already in heat before you got her or maybe she was having a "silent" heat when your male was really active around her. If her nipples are hardish and pinkish, she is probably having a false pregnancy after being in heat. But, if in doubt take her to thevet for a check-up. My first yorkie didnt come into heat until she was about 1 year old. Lynn

Be warned that at nine his sperm should be losing vitality. She can have her first heat at 12 months, it's not that uncommon. Do not dare attempt breeding her until she has been tested for Brucellosis, if he was to contract it from her he would become sterile.

Thank you...
 

Wow. I didn't know that, I thought that they were active forever, just like 80 year old men being supposedly capable of impregnation. I'll have her checked again at the vet next week, I asked them to check her for everything when I first brought her in, but I didn't mention the heat and breeding thing. I'll make sure to have her tested and ask more questions. Thank you.
Terri

false heat
 

She did look a little large in the vaginal area, but her nipples are soft. I'm jst not sure, I'll have her checked out more thouroughly next week. I'm glad to know the late heat is normal! Thanks again
Terri