Chinese Crested Heat Cycle

Question
My female is going to be a year old in February, she is the first female dog I've ever had, and I'm not sure she has ever had a heat cycle before. I thought when my boy dog got really friendly with her or jumps on maybe she was in heat, but I'm not sure.
How will I know? Will there be discharge of some kind?

Answer
Courtney,
First of all. You do not want to breed any bitch until after she turns two years old. So I suggest you keep them separated until then during her heat. A female will become swollen during her heat and her nipples may become engorged. Females generally bleed during their heat so it is necessary to keep a diaper on them, especially if you have carpet. This will usually last 30 days. This would also be the best time to get her spayed, about two weeks after she comes out of her heat. I how this answers your questions, gave a good one.