dog fertility

Question
QUESTION: If it is true that a bitch can be fertile from day 9 after bleeding has begun up to two weeks after it has slowed and turned light colored when would be the best time to breed her. If I breed her on day 11 after blood started wouldn't this be to early if her cycle ends two weeks later.

ANSWER: Hi Kristina:

The fertile portion of a dog's heat cycle, known as estrus, usually begins around day 9 or 10 from the initial onset of the cycle itself (proestrus), which is characterized by swelling of the vulva & a bright bloody vaginal discharge. When a dog moves into the estrus portion of the cycle, the discharge becomes lighter in flow & color, becoming more of a light pink to straw color. This is the point where she will not only allow males to mount & mate but will also encourage them to do so by standing still (hence often referred to as a "standing" heat) & will also "flag" them, which is typified by a very slow, methodical wagging/waving of her tail from side to side which obviously provides easier access for the male to penetrate (and also has the look of the doggie equivalent of batting eyelashes & hair twirling!). I can only give you averages as all dogs vary on the time frames for each portion of the heat cycle. Usually the estrus portion will last anywhere from 4 to as long as 12 days but some can last even longer, even when their owners were sure they were well out of estrus.
As for when to breed, the female's reaction to the male will be your best indicator. I would make the first attempt around day 9 or 10 from the initial onset & see how she responds. If she is playful yet doesn't allow him to mount her it's likely she's not yet in estrus. If that's the case, try waiting about 2 to 3 more days & repeat until she's receptive. Another way to know when she's in estrus would be to have some blood work done by a vet who is familiar with canine reproduction & can test hormone/progesterone levels. I'm including a few links for additional reading for your benefit on all of the above. Hope this helps!

http://www.yourpetsbestfriend.com/your_pets_best_friend/2007/02/dog_heat_cycle_.

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

http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/br.html

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QUESTION: So my question is if a female has a long heat cycle that last two weeks after bleeding slows will she get pregnant if bred as early as day 11 or will she have to be bred closer to the end of her cycle a week or two later?.

Answer
Hi Kristina:

I'm sorry, there's no way for me to say a simple yes or no to your question. If she has a longer than average proestrus then yes, she'll only be fertile once that portion has passed & she's in estrus. However, determining exactly when she's in estrus will be the tricky part. Some dogs may still have some bloody discharge but be in estrus. If I were you I would begin introducing her to the male around day 11 & if mating doesn't occur I'd repeat the process every couple of days until she's receptive -- as I said, she'll be your best indicator as to when she's actually in estrus. Estrus is the ONLY time of her cycle when she'll allow mating to occur. If she allows breeding chances are almost certain she's in estrus, regardless of what day of her cycle she's reached. I would repeat matings at least two to three times to be sure your chances for a positive pregnancy are optimal.
I'm sorry it isn't an exact science -- unless you want to see a reproductive veterinary specialist who can then track her hormone & progesterone levels this will be your best option.