is my dog pregnant

Question
hi my 18 month old german shepherd started bleeding last monday 30 july. today the 4th of aug a stray terrier has got into her pen im not sure if they mated or not ? i was told before that she wont stand for a mate until 14/16 days after bleeding starts. is this true? could she be pregnant as i was waiting to mate her with another german shepherd next monday week. any help please.

Answer
A bitch in heat will in fact attract stray dogs from miles around and as you have found out, it is important to keep her safe during this time to avoid accidents during this time..

The bitch's cycle is divided into four periods.

Proestrus: The female attracts males, has a bloody vaginal discharge and her vulva is swollen. Proestrus lasts approximately nine days; the female, however, will not allow coitus at this time.

Estrus: During this period, which also lasts approximately nine days, the female will accept the male and is fertile. Ovulation usually occurs in the first 48 hours; however, this can vary greatly.

Most dogs are first bred between the 10th and 14th day after the onset of proestrus. As long as the bitch will accept the male

Diestrus: Lasting 60 to 90 days, diestrus is the period when the reproductive tract is under the control of the hormone progesterone. This occurs whether or not the bitch becomes pregnant. False pregnancy, a condition in which the bitch shows symptoms of being pregnant although she has not conceived, is occasionally seen during diestrus.

Anestrus: No sexual activity takes place. Anestrus lasts between three and four months.

When breeding please be sure to do so in accordance with the American Kennel Club Regulations.  Quite often dogs are bred by back yard breeders which have genetic faults that should not be bred.  Below is an American Kennel Club article relating to responsible breeding is below.  Click on each step for more information.

http://www.akc.org/breeders/resp_breeding/index.cfm

Glad To be of assistance

Sincerely
Gallant German Shepherds
http:/www.gallantshepherds.com