My boston is now 17 pounds!

Question
The question you answered before about her being on the border of breeding she was 16pounds about three months ago.. now she is over 17 pounds. Her mate is still only 16 will this affect anything? Also what's the best way to do this? Everyone I spoke with said after the bleeding has stoped then you mate them. But her last heat she bleed for about 2-3 weeks the 3rd week it was spoting lighter color, When is the best time to mate her... her male is almost 2 hours away drive time. Should we leave her there, will she look for us and not want to mate because she is scared.. And how many times and how often should we let them do it after the first time? Thanks so much you have been an angel.

Answer
Hi Ester.  It is good that your male is smaller than your female.  Here are my suggestions on breeding:


1.   A word about genetic soundness. Before breeding your dog, I highly suggest that you have both dogs tested for any genetic disorders before breeding.  Your vet will be able to perform the tests such as; BAER, CERF, and or OFA. One litter of puppies, that are genetically unsound, can cost you a bundle of money, and heartbreak.

2.  The normal cycle in female dogs are as follows:

Proestrus Stage:   This stage begins with the appearance of vaginal bleeding and normally lasts between 4 to 9 days.   Male dogs will be very interested in the female; however, she will not be interested in them, and will actually bite and reject a male if he advances.

Estrus Stage:   The vaginal discharge is more yellowish than bloody. Ordinarily, this stage lasts for 4 to 13 days, and is the time the female will accept the male and actual mating can occur.  

Metestrus and Anestrus:   These final 2 stages are periods of ovarian activity, but with no significant outward signs. False pregnancies frequently occur during metestrus.

3.  Normally the two dogs are mated more than once, this helps to increase the chances of conception.  I suggest that your female be left with the male (or at least taken back to him) for a minimum of three matings on separate days (every other day is the general rule of thumb.)

4.  Yes, your female will look for you, and yes she will be scared - at first, but this will pass as her natural instinct for mating takes over.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.