Heat Cycle

Question
I have an 15 month old BLF (FC-AFC DARE TO DREAM X  FC ROCK RIVER LEICA) that has not yet had a heat cycle.  She is in rigorous field trial training.  Is this unusual?

Answer
It is not unusual for some lines to come into heat late.  I have heard of some not having their first cycle until 20 months!  This question is best asked of your breeder though.  Reason being, if the dam of your girl didn't have her first heat until after 15 months, now you have a good explanation for your issue.  Out of my last litter, the 3 females left intact all came in the first time around 11 months, which is what their mom and grandmom did.  

The one thing I don't know is how much of the rigorous training can affect the heat cycle in dogs.  In humans, very lean and very active athletic women sometimes lose their monthly periods.  While we train for hunt tests and obedience work, field trials are different, and that MAY be a contributing factor.  Again, your breeder (if they compete) or perhaps any fellow competitors with bitches might be able to answer that for you.  I just don't know about that aspect as I am not involved with that activity.