boarder collie season

Question
QUESTION: Hi, wanting to breed my 4 year old boarder collie. Please can you tell me if boarder collies have a certain time each year when they come in to season or if it just depends on the individual dog? Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Kiana

A female will typically come into season every 6 months.  What has been your experience with your female?  How often has see gone in?



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QUESTION: Thank you very much that will help me know about what time to look at breeding her. Unfortunately I am at boarding school most of the time until the end of this school year so I don't no when she last came into season. However if we did catch her at the right time can you please tell me how to prepare for her litter and what signs to look out for to show any indications that she is pregnant.Also that to feed her during pregnancy. Thank you.

ANSWER: The most important thing is to ensure that your female is both mentally and physical fit.  A check up and de-worming is a must.  But no new booster.   Also, it's important that the male you are considering is checked for Brucellois or any STD's that can seriously affect your female or her ensuing off-spring.

X-rays after day 50 of a pregnancy would confirm but because a false pregnancy can mirror a true one, it can sometimes be hard to tell.

We believe in a raw diet for dogs.  Whatever you decide to NOT use a puppy food until after the pups are born.  Too much fat in a food will cause the puppies to become larger, and that can cause complications in whelp.

Good luck

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QUESTION: Thank you. This will really help but I do have a few more questions as this is mine and my dog's first time in breeding. Please can you tell me what kind of bed and materials I would need for a whelping box? Also how long do the puppies have to be with their mum for until they can leave? And at what age can I start to wean the puppies on to solid food? And please can you give me a more in depth instruction as in what to feed my dog during pregnancy as we don't want to give her raw food. We feed her on a mix of biscuits and tinned dog meat at the minuet. Thank you very much for your help it is very appreciated.

Answer
For a whelping box a wooden "crate" lined with tile.  You can find some excellent examples on line.

Pups should be with their dam for at least 8 weeks.  There is important socialization that occurs between 6 and 8 weeks.

Pups can start to get weaned at 3 weeks -- onto a raw mixed.

Biscuits and tinned dog meat is not going to cut it. A dog needs vitamins, supplements, if you are uncomfortable feeding a raw diet.  A good quality kibble is a must.