rhodesian ridgeback menstral cycles

Question
I have a RR that is 2 weeks shy of her first b-day. We thought she was cycling in Oct but our male didn't seem all that interested. Now she has started to have discharge again, a lot of cleaning herself, and she seems to be a bit more aggressive with him. I'm not sure about their cycles, I think they are once a yr, but when?

Answer
Hi Kelli-

Yes, RRs only come into season once a year, but when is up to your bitch. They are all on their own time clock ;) Usually they come in the first time around 7-12 months. **However** an ethical breeder will NOT breed a RR bitch on their first heat, but instead wait until they are at least two years old, and have had OFA/CERF or PENNhip/Optigen, which goes for the male as well! Plus, females of two years or older have more solid bone structure and have much easier whelps, with a lot less problems.

If she is having discharge and her behavior is changed, it is most likely her first season. I would, if I were you, seperate her from your male and let her grow a bit more, then if you are interested in breeding in the future, do all the genetic testing and be ready the next time :) JMHO!

Good luck with them! RRs are beautiful!