Whether you like to play with adorable puppies or are planning to get serious about breeding dachshunds, before enjoying communication with small dachshunds, you will have to resolve several issues, the first of which will be the correct organization of mating.
Although mating a dachshund, pregnancy and childbirth occur naturally in most cases, all risks cannot be completely eliminated and you must be prepared for various problems and surprises. In addition to caring for the health of your pet, clearly answer for yourself why you need puppies and whether you are ready to take care of them and whether you can place them with a good owner. Irresponsible behavior and inattention of a person often turns into a tragedy for the little ones.
The general rule for both partners before mating is to carry out preventive measures. It is necessary to get vaccinated, dewormed and eliminate external parasites. The use of most drugs is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation, so it is better to treat the animal with a schedule shift of 1-2 months than to risk the health of the dog and its offspring. The male dog is treated to prevent infection of the female dog on contact.
Before breeding a dachshund, you should check its health status. Both dogs must be healthy both physically and psychologically. A dachshund that is preparing to become a mother needs to maintain an optimal weight.
Choosing a marriage partner is not an easy matter. For breeding, excellent health of a male dog is not enough. It is better for an inexperienced owner to seek recommendations from a kennel club. The external data of the partners and their pedigrees are assessed. The ideal choice would be a male dachshund that has both its own awards and those of its grown-up offspring.
Preparing a dachshund for breeding
Dachshunds come into heat twice a year, while dwarf breeds go into heat less frequently. For bitches, pregnancy and childbirth are important for maintaining psychological health and good condition of the reproductive organs. Nulliparous dogs have an increased risk of developing gynecological diseases in adulthood.
Veterinarians recommend the first mating of a dachshund at the age of 15-20 months, on the second or third heat. It is not advisable to breed before 12 months, since at this age the dog has not yet fully formed and has not gained “adult” muscle mass. Pregnancy and lactation are always a big burden on the body; at an early age they are more difficult and can lead to serious illnesses, the birth of underdeveloped, weak puppies, metabolic disorders, increased bone fragility and other problems.
The female estrous cycle occurs in four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus and anestrus. A male dog should be allowed to approach a female dog during estrus, 10-14 days after the start of estrus. At this point, the egg is ready for fertilization by sperm. Early or late mating does not lead to successful conception.
Externally, you can determine the readiness of a dachshund for mating by the following signs:
- enlargement of the vaginal loop; when touched, the dog withdraws its tail;
- the discharge becomes light pink or transparent (at the beginning of estrus it is red);
- when stroking the rump, the female arches and withdraws her tail.
If you are breeding dachshunds for the first time, you can seek help from an experienced dog lover in order to accurately determine the signs of readiness of the bitch. At veterinary clinics, a vaginal swab is taken and a test is performed to determine the stage of the estrous cycle. It is optimal to carry out laboratory analysis in case of mild external signs or unsuccessful previous matings.
Signs of readiness for mating. Behavior of mature dogs
When wondering, “how to properly breed dogs for the first time?”, be prepared to learn a few signs that indicate your pet may be suitable for breeding with another. It is very good if a caring owner observes the bitch during previous periods of “festivities” or records the results of her behavior. In this case, you will be able to predict the time of the future estrus based on some “symptoms” .
Currently, there are several typical signs that a bitch is ready for mating:
- The dog's loop increases in size and becomes soft to the touch;
- The animal has a characteristic yellow-pink discharge;
- The bitch's appetite increases, and she begins to seek the attention of the opposite sex, taking a pose and moving her tail to the side;
- She repeats similar actions at the moment when the owner strokes her rump or touches the “loop”;
- If 1.5-2 weeks have passed since the first day of estrus;
Any such symptoms indicate the onset of ovulation, the duration of which reaches 3-5 days - the ideal time for mating . If you know what day is best to start mating, you can make a preliminary agreement with the owner of the male dog and inform him about the upcoming mating.
It is important to note that experienced dog breeders do not recommend breeding a girl on the first day of ovulation, since the risk of missing puppies will be maximum.
Preparing a male dog
The optimal age for the first mating for male dachshunds is considered to be 12-15 months. Owners of a male dog need to take into account that when untying a dog, they will need to provide 3-4 matings per year to maintain the health and psyche of the male dog. A dog that has not been caged calmly tolerates the presence of females in heat and the absence of sexual activity. For untied males, continued dating with the opposite sex is necessary.
Males have a good sense of the female’s condition and readiness. Experienced dogs groom but do not mount until the bitch begins her estrous stage. If the male is young and has his first mating, problems may arise. In this case, it would be useful to have the help of a dog handler during sexual intercourse.
Mating is usually carried out in the male's territory. In a familiar environment, the male feels calmer and more confident, and will be easier to board. For successful mating of dachshunds, no additional conditions are required. If one of your pets is nervous, you can give them a favorite treat or toy to calm them down. Aggressive behavior in dachshunds is rare, but if this happens, the female should wear a muzzle or tie her mouth with a bandage.
If the time is chosen correctly, the animals are healthy and sexual intercourse ends with ejaculation, then after the first mounting the female will become pregnant. Sometimes it is recommended to carry out another mating, two days after the first, but this is a precautionary measure rather than a mandatory condition.
The apparent complexity of the preparatory stage is more than compensated by the happiness of communicating with touching bundles of affectionate and devoted dachshund puppies. And of course, in order to get an unsurpassed result from the whole idea with offspring, you need to follow the rules for selecting a partner and the recommendations of veterinarians.
Every owner of a female dachshund should understand even at the stage of choosing a pet that very soon his dog will turn from a funny clumsy baby into an elegant young “lady”.
What is estrus?
It should be remembered that the onset of a dog's first heat is a sign that the dachshund has reached sexual maturity and can have offspring .
The first heat (estrus), which occurs, as well as subsequent ones, due to a hormonal surge occurring at a certain period, turns out to be quite a serious test for the young bitch, as well as for her owner.
The processes that occur in the dog’s body and new, not the most pleasant sensations, as well as a lack of understanding of what is happening to her, make the female dachshund nervous, which cannot but affect her behavior. And the appearance of male dogs nearby during a walk, attracted by her smells, can confuse or even frighten a young bitch.
At this time, you need to carefully monitor that she does not get hypothermic or catch any infection, since during the emptying period, diseases in dogs are more severe than usual.
Shortly before the bitch's heat, under the influence of hormones, her behavior begins to change and her external genitalia begin to swell slightly. She urinates more often during walks and may even begin to mark her territory.
During this time, a previously obedient female dachshund may become stubborn and disobedient. And later, when the empty nest itself begins, the bitch begins to be interested in males and even, if you don’t watch her, can run away from the owner. That is why during the emptying period it is necessary to monitor the pet more closely, and walk with it only on a leash.
At this time, you should stop training and also refuse to participate in exhibitions. It is also better to give hunting dachshunds a break from working on the animal during the emptying period.
Features of caring for a pregnant dog
In the early stages, it is necessary to walk the pet as usual, allowing it to play and run. From the second half of pregnancy, the dachshund needs to be taken care of, avoiding stress and emotional stress.
Your dog's diet should contain the nutritional supplements and vitamins necessary to bear healthy offspring. If a pregnant dachshund refuses any food, it is necessary to choose a different menu for her so that the pet does not starve.
In the second half of the term, it is worth preparing a place for the expectant mother where she will give birth and live with her puppies. The “nest” should be in a place where the puppies and mother will be calm, but the owner will always be able to come to the rescue if necessary.
The dachshund must become familiar with and accustomed to its home before giving birth.
Preparing for childbirth at home
Dachshunds most often cope with the birth of offspring on their own. But it’s worth preparing for the adoption of puppies. In addition to the equipped space, you will need:
Signs of the onset of whelping
It is almost impossible to miss the first signs that a female is about to whelp. The dog exhibits the following symptoms:
- whining;
- anxiety;
- the appearance of colostrum;
- discharge from the loop;
- frequent urge to go to the toilet;
- decrease in body temperature.
Delivery at home
After the dachshund took its proper place, it stopped worrying, and its stomach began to contract, which means that labor has begun. During this period, it is important to be close to the expectant mother and observe the process in order to provide her with help if necessary.
Childbirth in a dachshund takes place in several stages:
The dog may need the owner's help when the puppies appear. If the female does not burst the amniotic sac herself, then a person must do it. Pulling the fetus by the paws is prohibited; you can only completely fix the baby’s body and slightly shake it from side to side.
After the puppy appears, it is necessary to remove mucus from its face and clean its mouth. The umbilical cord is cut at a level of 3 cm from the baby’s abdomen.
Stages of heat
Estrus consists of three stages:
- proestrus. Its duration is approximately 9 days. At this time, the dog’s loop swells and bloody discharge appears from it, and, in addition, behavior and appetite change. In addition, during walks, male dogs begin to take an interest in the bitch, but the bitch, as a rule, treats them with hostility and does not allow them to approach her;
- estrus. Lasts on average 2 weeks. At this time, the discharge becomes lighter, acquires a yellowish tint and a characteristic odor. The loop softens and increases even more than at the beginning of estrus. At this time, it is necessary to strengthen control over the bitch, since it is during estrus that, as a rule, ovulation occurs and, if a mistake is made, the dog can mate with a partner that is completely unsuitable for it;
- metestrus. It lasts from approximately 18-20 to 27-28 days of estrus. At this time, the swelling of the loop decreases, and the discharge becomes less abundant and, finally, ends completely. At this time, conception in a bitch is already unlikely, but in some dogs it is still possible.
After the end of estrus, anestrus - a period of lack of sexual interest in the bitch, when she is again ready for training, exhibitions and work as a hunting dog.
Stages
Estrus indicates that during this period the dog can become pregnant. This process begins to appear in dachshunds between six months and one year of age. The duration of the full cycle is six months. Estrus occurs twice in 12 months.
The whole process consists of several stages. On average it lasts 2 weeks. Its minimum duration is 7 days, and the maximum is 28. In the first week, the pet begins to bleed.
Estrus includes divisions:
- The initial stage is proestrus. At the very beginning, vaginal discharge with a bloody tint is observed. Lasts no more than 9 days. During this period, male dogs are especially interested in her, but she is not ready to come into contact with them and mate.
- The second is called estrus. During this period, the female is ready for mating and can become pregnant. The discharge changes color from bloody to yellowish. This lasts no more than 14 days. When touched, she will begin to lift her pelvis.
- The third stage is metestrus. You can find out about its onset by looking at whether the bitch allows male dogs to approach her. If not, then this stage has arrived, lasting from 60 to 150 days. In this interval, false whelping often occurs. Changes in the behavior of the animal are observed.
- The fourth stage is called anestrus. Ovarian activity decreases, the dog calms down and feels more comfortable. Can last from 100 to 160 days.
You can determine the stage of estrus by paying attention to the symptoms. Each of the described intervals has its own characteristics. And all symptoms should be divided into several periods.
At what age does it start?
At what age do dachshunds first go into heat? Representatives of this breed usually experience emptying at 8 months. But its onset may be somewhat earlier or later, since it may depend on reasons such as heredity, living conditions, diet, and previous illnesses.
If the dachshund's first heat was earlier than 7 or later than 14-15 months, this should alert the owner and become a reason to consult a veterinarian, since such a deviation may be evidence of some pathology.
Features of puberty in the dachshund
The first heat occurs at a time when the formation of the body has not yet completed. At this age, the dog is not yet ready to reproduce. Therefore, it is important to avoid mistakes at this stage, which could lead to negative consequences.
When does the first heat start?
A dachshund's first heat occurs at approximately 8 months. As a rule, it begins between 6 months and a year.
The onset within these time limits is considered the norm, since it is influenced by heredity, the presence of diseases, nutrition and conditions of detention.
Main features
The main sign that a dog has begun to have a dog is the appearance of bloody discharge, which over time changes its color to a lighter and yellowish color.
In addition, the onset of estrus is also indicated by the fact that the dog behaves differently than usual. Previously affectionate bitches may begin to snap at their owner, become stubborn and disobey. And the previously reserved and serious “young ladies” suddenly become unusually playful and fawn over their owner.
The dachshund's appetite also changes. Often dogs that were previously not known for their lack of appetite begin to refuse food or eat, but reluctantly. The opposite is also possible - the dachshund suddenly begins to absorb food from its bowl at an incredible speed, and then actively bites, begging for more.
As a rule, it is this interest that makes it possible to determine that the dog has begun to estrus, even if for some reason she does not have bleeding, which sometimes happens, especially during the first heat.
How is pregnancy progressing?
The development of pregnancy follows a certain scenario:
How long does pregnancy last
Dachshund pregnancy lasts on average 60 days. Viable puppies can be born between 53 and 71 days.
How many puppies do dachshunds give birth to?
The Dachshund is a fairly prolific breed. Each female can give birth to up to 12 puppies. The weight of each baby is 180–250 g.
How does it happen and how often does it happen?
During estrus, dachshunds experience spotting , and their intensity, consistency and color may vary between different bitches. This depends on their age, size, heredity and the particular period of estrus.
Dogs behave restlessly at this time, they urinate more often and may even begin to mark their territory.
Typically, estrus occurs 1-2 times a year with a frequency of 6-10 months, and this continues for the entire subsequent life of the dog, right up to old age.
Estrus (estrus) in dachshunds
The Dachshund is a unique breed of dog. The dachshund is a hunting breed of dog, so it is very hardy. At the same time, this breed is also good for an apartment, gets along well with children, is a sympathetic and devoted friend.
The peculiarity of a female dachshund is to choose one main owner, whom she loves the most. She knows his smell, feels the approach of the owner a kilometer away, is incredibly happy to meet him, but is so sad when separated that she may even refuse to eat.
When puberty begins, it is visually noticeable. This process is called estrus (Latin œstrus “estrus” from the Greek οίστρος “tormenting passion”). The first estrus is exciting for both the dog and the owner. You may notice that the nipples become noticeable when stroking the abdomen, the “loop” (intimate place) begins to swell, and brown or bloody discharge appears. Estrus is noticeable in any breed of dog. The dog's behavior changes. She sleeps more, has a slight loss of appetite, runs less, and may ask to go for walks more often before estrus begins.
To prevent estrus from causing discomfort, you can purchase special panties for small or medium breeds and use regular panty liners. This will provide protection from stains on the bed (if the dog sleeps with the owner), as well as on the floor and upholstered furniture.
During puberty, it is not recommended to carry a dog in a car, unless for mating to the cable. The riding process should be familiar to the dog and should take a short period of time so that the dog is less worried.
The first estrus usually occurs in the first 12-18 months of the female’s life. But it all depends on the dog’s diet; with a balanced diet and proper care, this process can occur earlier. It is not recommended to bring a dog into first estrus.
The sooner the female walks with the male, the worse it is for her. The dog will stop growing, because all efforts will be directed to the development of puppies, childbirth and feeding. The optimal time for the first mating is a year and 2 months, depending on the onset of the dog's first estrus. This usually lasts about 2 weeks. At the beginning of the cycle, the dog attracts males because of the smell of the discharge, but at this moment she will not allow the male to approach her, the “loop” at this moment is very swollen, which causes discomfort to the dog. In the middle of the cycle, the loop gradually begins to return to its normal state, the dog often sleeps, and when stroking the rump, the dog moves its tail and raises the “loop.” Over the years, attentive owners notice from their dog what day it is ready to accept a male; novice dog breeders can check the calendar.
Estrus in dachshunds usually occurs 2 times a year. If a dog becomes pregnant and gives birth safely, then the next estrus should be expected no earlier than 4-5 months after birth.
Features of care
Caring for a female dog in heat mainly pursues two goals: to prevent the dog from soiling carpets and furniture with its excretions at this time, and also to prevent unwanted mating.
In order to reduce the likelihood of stains on furniture, floor coverings and other things, it is recommended to wear special underpants or diapers on your dog, selecting them according to size. In this case, you can either buy ready-made panties for bitches in heat at a veterinary pharmacy or sew them yourself.
Also, from about 4-5 days of estrus, it is necessary to very carefully monitor the bitch and keep her exclusively indoors, especially if she lives in a private house or in a country house, since at this time the dachshund can run away and go in search of male.
In the city, it is recommended to walk a dog in heat only on a leash, and when male dogs appear nearby, immediately turn around and walk away from them before they have time to run too close.
And finally, it should be remembered that all veterinary measures, such as vaccinations, deworming or treatment for external parasites, are recommended to be completed before the emptying period.
What day should I knit?
The most suitable days for breeding dachshunds are considered to be 12-14 days from the start of estrus. But when determining the time of mating, it is better to focus on individual characteristics and signs indicating that the favorable time for conception has already arrived.
These signs include:
- change in color of discharge to a lighter golden-pinkish color;
- loop softening;
- the bitch’s reaction to male dogs - she no longer snaps at them, but allows them to approach her;
- if you touch the loop or put your hand on the croup, the bitch moves her tail to the side and takes a characteristic pose.
Useful video
In the video, the owner of the dachshund talks about being in heat:
The hassle of raising a puppy is long gone, and you become the owner of an adult dachshund. But don’t think that all the experiences are in the past, a lot of interesting things await you ahead, and one of the most exciting moments is mating.
When people get a dachshund, they usually have a vague idea of the future prospects for breeding it and cannot accurately answer whether they will breed it or not. This sensitive issue cannot be predicted in advance. For example, you didn’t intend to breed your male dog, but he began to win titles at shows, you received offers from owners of potential brides, and you decided to take this step.
The opposite situation may also be true. You adopted a dachshund with the express purpose of producing offspring, but it turned out to be infertile, or it did not perform well enough at shows to be allowed for breeding. People are used to thinking that without mating, the life of a dachshund will be joyless. In reality, this is not true, but only if you neuter your dog to prevent hormonal sexual attacks. Then the dog's health will not suffer.
If, after all, your dachshund is destined to give birth, then you need to know the following important points.
