ShihTzu mating

Question
I am the owner of a male and female Shih Tzu.  The bitch not 2 years old yet, is in heat again - When the male mounts the bitch and it is a successful mating, will they attempt mating again, and if so how many times.  Do I need to keep them separated?

Answer
They will mate as long as the bitch is accepting of the male (fertile and or ovulating)I usually allow them to mate every other day for at least a week by then the female will be done with accepting the male and usually she has actually taken on the first tie anyway the rest of the time are just safe measures.  You also want to give the male time to build up and recoup.  You should keep them separated in between matings and allow them to rest, eat, etc.  Also, make sure it is an actual tie where they are together and stay together.  Then count 58-63 days for babies to arrive.  Good Luck and hope this helps.  Check out my website at www.enchantedtails-shihtzukou and see my links page for myra-sevant harris Link for her books on breeding and whelping they are excellent resources and tell her that I sent you.