mating my king charles

Question
QUESTION: My King Charles will be 2 in January.
Can I mate her right now?
When is the best time during her being in heat should I mate her.
Thanks so much!!! This is greatly appreciated.
Michelle

ANSWER: Hi Michelle:

If you've done your research & know the problems you could encounter in breeding & are sure your dog at least meets or exceeds the breed standard, then 2 years of age is an appropriate time to plan to breed. Once the heat cycle begins, proestrus, which is characterized by the bloody vaginal discharge & swelling of the vulva, is the first stage. On average, a dog will enter into estrus, the fertile portion of the cycle, around day 9 or 10 from the initial onset of the cycle. This is the only time when she will allow breeding & will encourage it. However, all dogs vary in their timing so you'll have to look for signs of estrus such as the vaginal discharge will become lighter in flow & color, becoming more of a pale pink to straw color. Generally once a female is in estrus she will accept the male & mating should be done once every other day so that the male's sperm is of good quality & potency. Usually two to three successful ties are conducted. I'm including some links for additional information for your review. Hope this helps!

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/breedingheat.htm

http://www.advice-on-pet-care-and-pet-product-supplies-online.com/dog-reproducti

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/hvpup1.html

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QUESTION: Thanks so much, I did my homework on this situation and with the love I have for my dog I'm not sure that I will take the chance, she is a very small king Charles and the love of my children's life...so in saying that thank you for the details. I do feel that people should look into the process of this and read the good and bad no matter how hard it is to read and then make their decision.
Thanks this is a great web site. Your hectic time is greatly appreciated...just in case no one has mentioned that yet!
:)

Answer
Awww, thank you so much, Michelle & you're truly welcome! I commend you for making what is probably the right decision. I've seen so many well-intentioned people breed for ALL the wrong reasons & then get hit with either major veterinary bills from unanticipated costs like an emergency C-section, death of puppies and/or mom, etc. And believe me, I don't know of one truly quality breeder who actually turns a profit. I think most of us consider ourselves lucky if we manage to break even! That's why such atrocities as puppy mills exist which aren't always as seen on news & TV, etc. I've seen a good many I'd describe as "glorified puppy mills" with cutesy web sites & glitzy ads -- the ones who suffer are obviously the dogs & puppies as well as the unwary buyers. And I agree -- when children are involved I personally don't think it's worth risking the life of a beloved pet by breeding. I've had many people use the excuse of wanting to show their children the "miracle of birth" to which I usually reply "I wonder how much therapy your children will need when they get to witness the deaths of 6 puppies from lack of proper care by the mother dog" etc. I tell them that's why we now have videos, DVDs, etc & let them believe in happily ever after for as long as possible b/c all too soon they'll reach the age when they'll learn things don't always turn out as planned...ok, I'm stepping down from the soapbox now LOL Thanks again for reconsidering & all my best to you & yours!