Female - first estrus cycle

Question
I have a female golden retriever who turned 6 months the first part of May.  I have been watching her carefully everyday, since according to what I have read she could go into heat at any time.  We also have a grown male and of course I don't want her to have puppies until she is 2 and ofa cert., etc.  She is not kept in a kennel but like the other dog is family and has the run of the house and yard.  Do you know if there is a more specific timeline unique to goldens for a female to have her first estrus cycle?  Also, is the first cycle any less fertile than succeeding cycles?  I have read pretty extensively, but haven't found answers to those 2 questions.  I would appreciate any info. you could give me.  Thank you in advance. Cynthia

Answer
Hello Cynthia

In larger dogs the first heat cycle may be a bit later then six months, once she comes into heat you will notice that there is a red discharge after about a week this turns white or yellow and she will be interested in the male and vice versa, since she is only six months be sure to watch for this color change as a prgnancy this young will stun her growth and she may have problems with the birth and the rearing of the puppys.