On what day of heat should a shepherd dog be bred?

Reproduction is a basic instinct in animals, therefore mating a German Shepherd is required to produce offspring. Even if the owner does not plan to raise puppies, mating will benefit his pet. A correctly selected pair will produce a large litter, and a good day for mating.

Properly carried out mating of a German Shepherd guarantees strong offspring. However, there are a number of important factors to consider to ensure everything goes right. Read more about the German Shepherd breed in our article.

Search for a bitch/male for mating

A correctly selected pair is the first and important step towards mating. Many breeders are faced with the problem of finding the ideal partner candidate.

When choosing, quite a few factors are taken into account:

• the dog must be healthy and have a vaccination passport;
• the partner must have reached puberty;
• The shepherd's pedigree may also play a role.

Mating a German Shepherd is simply necessary for the health of the pet, but you should not prescribe mating at an early age. A female's first heat goes away after six months, but a male can breed as early as 5 months. But such early matings negatively affect the health of both partners.

The first mating of a German Shepherd should take place in a controlled environment. All necessary documents should be prepared in order to subsequently register the offspring in the Russian Canine Federation.

It is impossible to guess exactly how much it costs to breed a German Shepherd - usually the price is negotiable between the owners. The search for a pair should begin in your city through a kennel club or advertisements on the Internet.

Initial maturation

The development of the body lags significantly behind puberty. Young individuals are often not ready for mating, so a hasty decision can lead to serious problems in terms of health and physical development.

The correct approach to breeding dogs sets a time limit of no earlier than one year of life. The first mating of a German Shepherd should take place after reaching one and a half years of age - during this period the dog’s training ends. Her body and social skills are fully developed and prepared.

It is important to remember that the optimal mating time is not equivalent to the first signs of maturation: estrus or rut. It is best to prepare the bitch for mating on the 3rd heat, which occurs at approximately 18-20 months. When breeding German Shepherds, the male dog must also be 18 months old. This is the lowest recommended threshold.

Strict restrictions are associated with the formation of the dog’s body: bones and muscles have not yet strengthened, the character may be too weak without proper training. Early mating can scare a shepherd for life. In addition, the bitch may not be able to bear the pregnancy and the maternal instinct will not develop. In this case, the German Shepherd puppy will have to be fed independently.

On what day of heat should a German Shepherd be bred?

There are certain days of the cycle during which fertilization is most likely (ovulation). The owner needs to know what day the dog went into heat. The appropriate time for mating occurs on the 9-15th day of estrus. At this point, the bloody discharge is replaced by transparent, and the bitch willingly allows mounting.

You should check in advance whether the dog is ready for mating. To do this, the bitch is pressed with her hands on the sacrum area. If she freezes indicatively and moves her tail to the side, she can be covered. If this is the first mating of a German Shepherd, and there are doubts about the phase of the cycle, you can resort to laboratory diagnostics. A vaginal smear or blood test to measure progesterone levels will help you know exactly when to bring your dogs together.

When mating is carried out correctly, the male covers the bitch the first time. Some breeders prefer to do 2 matings with an interval of 72 hours to guarantee fertilization if they are in doubt on what day ovulation occurred.

Early mating

Hasty mating of German Shepherd dogs will lead to the following problems, regardless of gender:

• disturbances in the development of the reproductive system - the dog may remain infertile;
• body image problems;
• sagging of the spine;
• few offspring in the future;
• accelerated aging.

The purpose of mating is healthy offspring, which is very unlikely given the young bodies of the parents. The first offspring and subsequent ones may be born with pathologies.

Late mating

The minimum lower threshold is set at 18 months, while there is no upper limit for male dogs. A certain restriction is imposed on German Shepherd bitches - mating is possible only up to 4 years of age. In a well-groomed and healthy German Shepherd, age makes little difference as it is a genetically resilient breed.

However, upon reaching 4 years of age, the flexibility and extensibility of the hip joints is lost. This significantly complicates the birth process, putting stress on the bitch’s body. In addition, the estrus cycle is disrupted, metabolic processes in the body change, and provoke a sharp weight gain.

However, breeding a German Shepherd bitch is possible for up to 10 years, if the process is controlled. The number of matings should not exceed the permissible norm; the owner must allow the dog to recover.

The fading of instinct can lead to a change in the character of the shepherd. She will become aggressive, angry and will not contact her partner. Thus, mating of German Shepherd dogs should occur before 4-5 years of age.

Features of feeding

The best diet for a German Shepherd bitch bearing offspring is a high-class ready-made industrial food (super-premium or holistic). Most suitable products: Royal Canin MAXI Starter, Bozita PUPPY & JUNIOR, Happy Dog SPORT and other nutritional diets marked “for pregnant and lactating bitches and puppies.”

If a German Shepherd eats natural food, the amount of meat and fish in its menu is increased. Also, the bitch needs to be fed cottage cheese, since calcium is needed for the development of puppies. Reduce carbohydrates in the dog's menu, but increase the amount of fruits and vegetables. From these the pet will receive the necessary minerals and vitamins.

From the 8th week, the amount of meat is reduced, but the percentage of cottage cheese and fish is increased. This measure is a prevention of eclampsia (acute calcium deficiency in the body).

Starting from the first days, mineral and vitamin supplements are given:

• Farmavit NEO for pregnant and lactating bitches;
• Excel Calcium;
• Canina Caniletten;
• Gelakan baby and others.

In the first month, she is fed according to her usual regimen. From 5 weeks the pet is transferred to three meals a day. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the dog does not gain excess weight.

Perfect time

A carefully planned breeding time for your German Shepherd will help you avoid health problems in the future. The ideal mating of a German Shepherd for the first time occurs in the second week of estrus; accordingly, the meeting of the male and the female should be planned for this date.

That is why it is necessary to monitor the release of estrus (estrus) throughout the life of the shepherd dog, noting them in the records. This will allow you to choose the right day by preparing the bitch in advance. In its absence, you will have to learn literally on the go.

Estrus and mating

The first heat of a German Shepherd can occur as early as 8-9 months, but at this age it is strictly forbidden to breed an animal. The first time a bitch is brought together with a male dog is at 1.5-2 years old, by which time the owner must complete all the necessary documents.

Information about each heat should be recorded in the veterinary passport. It notes the date of its beginning and end, the state of the loop, and the behavior of the animal. 30-40 days before the expected estrus, the bitch is treated for external and internal parasites. It is recommended to use tablets, suspensions, drops, shampoos.

The onset of estrus can be recognized by the following signs:

• The animal's behavior changes. The bitch becomes more restless, sniffs all the “marks” during a walk, and does not listen to the owner.
• The loop increases slightly in size.
• Discharge appears. In the first couple of days they are not abundant and slightly viscous, but then their number increases and becomes bright bloody.

7-10 days after the first signs of estrus, the bitch’s loop increases, and the discharge becomes lighter.
By this time, the shepherd’s behavior changes: it begins to show active interest in male dogs and moves its tail to the side. It is at this time that mating should be carried out (14-16 days after the start of estrus). The bitch is taken to territory that is well known to the male, since in familiar conditions the male behaves confidently. Mating is usually carried out in the morning; it is not recommended to feed the dogs before it. Animals are well walked and introduced on neutral territory.

The male sniffs the bitch, spins around her, and then mounts her. If your shepherd wanders off to the side, hold him by the collar. At the same time, the animal is petted and calmed. If necessary, you can invite an instructor to the mating.

After successful boarding, the male and female are “glued” together in the lock. This happens because the penis enlarges significantly, and a thickening is formed at its base, which is called the “bulb”. The walls of the vagina contract and hold it. In the “glued” state, animals can stand for up to an hour, during which time it is better not to disturb them.

Many breeders note that successful mating can take place without a lock.

External indicators

It is possible to determine the day when estrus begins by changes in the bitch’s behavior and appearance. Sometimes a calm German Shepherd girl seems to be replaced, she becomes apathetic or aggressive depending on the circumstances.

Physiological signs appear:

• the genitals swell, a loop protrudes;
• nipples swell;
• The fur on the belly gets wet and milk is secreted.

On the first day, when estrus begins, the shepherd dog will not let its partner near. Being ready to let her in, the bitch herself bends down, exposing herself. Only then can dogs be born.

Features of pregnancy

Before preparation and actual mating, you need to find out the duration and timing of the German Shepherd's pregnancy. The data is necessary for organizing care for a pregnant bitch throughout the entire period.

The gestation period is approximately 2 months.

During this period, special attention should be paid to:

• daily diet;
• diet;
• well-being.

Complications during a dog’s pregnancy cannot be predicted; they directly depend on the individual characteristics and structure of the body. Childbirth must take place with the help of an instructor.

If pregnancy occurs after the first mating, the subsequent mating should be postponed or completely abandoned. This is due to the fact that ovulation shifts during the period of conception.

Owners of German Shepherds must necessarily mate their pets twice, observing a time period of 24 hours.

Conditions required for breeding a German Shepherd

Before the first mating, you need to make sure that the animal is fully formed and has passed the period of sexual maturity. For a female, the first experience ahead of schedule will be very undesirable. She may completely stop growing and lose the attractiveness of her exterior; the backbone will not be fully formed. In male dogs, such problems arise less frequently, but they still happen.

Important! Before mating, you need to study the issues of the dog entering adulthood. Find out in which heat it is better to breed a female and what the owners should do at the first mating.

Age

The female is mated for the first time only in her third heat. This usually happens in one and a half to two years, although all periods are purely individual. In any case, German Shepherds grow rather slowly and go through the period of adolescence and formation for a long time.

Dogs from a couple must be strong and fully formed. Only in this way can the litter grow up healthy and strong, having received the best from the father and mother. The bitch must have strong bones, eat well and lead an active lifestyle.

Only healthy animals that have reached marriageable age are allowed for breeding. It is also not recommended to use male dogs before 2 – 3 years of age. Otherwise, there may be problems with the dog's development in the future.

Female in heat

The onset of the first estrus in a female occurs strictly individually, depending on many factors. Usually this is 6 – 10 months of a shepherd puppy’s life. During this period, natural instincts already take their toll, but the owner needs to carefully monitor the pet to prevent early pregnancy.

Having tracked the beginning of the first heat, it is easy to calculate when the second and then the third heat will begin. It is the third time that you can mate with a purebred male. Without fear that the pet’s development will stop, you can allow it for breeding and plan a pregnancy.

The necessary conditions

The success of breeding dogs directly depends on the agreement of the owners. The owner of the male must be ready to come to the right place or expect the female to visit, since heat may begin at a certain moment. It is necessary to agree in advance on the timing of mating of German Shepherds and plans for offspring. Payment is negotiated separately.

Before you prepare and breed your German Shepherds, you also need to choose a location. Usually the bitch is brought home to the dog, but the opposite option is possible. The nursery will be a neutral place.

Before mating

The first mating of a German Shepherd is important, so nothing should harm or interfere. Before pairing you need to do the following:

• treat wool against pests a month before the selected day;
• carry out antihelminthic therapy - a week in advance;
• if the bitch is prone to obesity, then carry out a set of physical exercises;
• make all necessary vaccinations at least 7 days before mating.

You should not feed dogs at least four hours in advance: at best, there will be problems with gas formation, at worst, the mating will have to be interrupted. You should not give foods that can affect digestion. Pets should definitely be walked.

Preparing for mating

Before the process, you need to wash the shepherd. Hygiene is important, since during the rutting period males try to ease, attention should be paid to disinfection of the penis.

The room must be prepared:

• The floor is covered with bedding to prevent the paws from moving apart.
• You should wear a muzzle, because during the rutting period male dogs are very aggressive and may not like the presence of people.
• Prepare cool water.

Experienced breeders recommend taking medical Vaseline with you. This will help make the process easier if necessary, especially for the first time.

Features of behavior

Changes in the behavior of a German Shepherd are quite normal and should not be alarmed. This is how the nature of dogs manifests itself; you should prepare in advance: purchase a muzzle and a short harness. The male becomes aggressive, bites and growls. The bitch is most often apathetic, but does not allow herself to be touched.

It is impossible to predict the behavior of dogs during mating. Sometimes they court for a long time, at other times they immediately get down to business. But one thing is certain: before knitting them, they should get to know each other.

Preparation, conditions

Every owner knows the individual characteristics of their pet. It is recommended to keep a diary describing in detail the condition and behavior of the dog during heat. Based on observations, days favorable for the ligament are determined.

The process is important, so preparation should begin about a month before the expected heat. Animals must be healthy, active and necessarily vaccinated, otherwise any deviation from the norm will have a negative impact on the quality of the litter. Additionally, veterinarians recommend the following procedures:

• be examined at a veterinary clinic for the presence of infections and bacteria;
• get rid of skin parasites;
• cleanse with antihelminthics.

It is advisable to make the mating days calm for the shepherd; the dog is prone to hypersensitivity and requires a delicate attitude. Before mating, dogs are advised to be walked and fed 4 hours before the scheduled event.

Mating Basics

Mating is based on two methods - free and auxiliary. The process depends on many factors, including the previous experience of the dogs and the owners themselves.

Free mating

Free mating is possible if the male already has experience. The owners are simply nearby, but do not interfere in any way. This is a natural process that dogs direct on their own. It is recommended to put muzzles on them so that they cannot hurt each other in case of sudden aggression.

Manual pairing

This method largely depends on the owners as they are directly involved in the process. At the first mating, the presence of an instructor is highly recommended.

If the dog is nervous, you should not force him to participate. You need to take him for a walk, calm him down, and only then try again. It is better to hold an aggressive girl by the collar. The loop needs to be lubricated if it is tight.

During hand knitting you should not:

• forcefully seat a male dog;
• bend the bitch's tail;
• hold the dogs too long;
• touch the genitals.

Although there is almost no difference in the size of German Shepherds, the stand will not be superfluous if the male is smaller than the female. It will also be needed if mating occurs with a dog of a different breed.

Help during mating

A cleat or lock is formed due to the squeezing of the shepherd's penis inside the loop. The process lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, after which the dogs disperse on their own. They cannot be separated during this time period.

Sometimes situations arise when the male tries to find the optimal position and almost completely turns away from the female. The owner is advised to help, but not try to break the lock. Do not let the bitch lie on her stomach - this will cause injury.

Character traits

German Shepherds get along well with children.
Working shepherds have a persistent but calm character. They are very loyal and, unlike many other breeds, are ideal for serving humans. These pets are very affectionate and get along well with people and other animals. Despite their large size, German Shepherds enjoy spending time with children and playing with them.

These dogs are very loyal to their owner. When danger approaches, they will do everything to protect or save him.

Mistakes before mating

It is imperative to choose the day of mating before the bitch ovulates, since after it there is a high risk of giving birth to puppies with pathologies or dead ones.

The following errors can lead to this situation:

• early mating period - up to the recommended 18 months;
• the bitch is allergic to the protein contained in semen;
• poor nutrition;
• forced starvation of a dog;
• overweight.

These problems should be corrected before mating.

Payment

Owners independently agree on payment before breeding German Shepherds.

There are two options:

• Money - payment can be made upon delivery or after the sale of the puppies. The amount changes accordingly: when selling puppies, the cost of mating will be 1/4 of the cost of the offspring, and when mating it will decrease by 3 times from these figures.
• Alimony puppy - the owner of a male dog receives a two-month-old puppy.

The priority choice remains with the owner of the bitch.

Healthy offspring directly depend on the well-being and age of German Shepherds during the mating period. Owners should pay special attention to the choice of premises, as well as the selection of a partner.

You can find contacts of leading breeders in Russia on the website.

What you need to do and preparation for mating

In a German Shepherd at an older age, the whole process takes place independently, it depends on the experience of the dog and the external parameters of the animal.

If the bitch is larger, it may be difficult for the boy to mount on his own; in this case, the owner helps him.

In order to properly pair dogs, you can ask an instructor to supervise the process. Or simply guide and help yourself; many owners of male dogs even guide him into the noose if he cannot get inside for a long time.

• At the moment of the “lock”, if one of the dogs starts to move away, usually it is a girl, she needs to be held, the boy will be hurt. In this case, it is better to control the bitches in advance if it is the first mating.

After the process, check the dog to see if he is damaged, if the swelling has subsided and if he has returned to his natural position. If the swelling does not subside, immerse the organ in cool water. If the decline does not occur for a long time, it is better to consult a doctor; the dog may have been injured.

Before mating you will need

Both girls and boys will definitely need:

1. It’s good to walk outside and play;
2. It is not recommended to feed earlier than 4 hours before the process;
3. Treatment against parasites in 2 weeks;
4. Anthelmintic no later than 10 days;
5. Vaccinate completely within 14 days.

Immediately after - it is not recommended to let the bitch go free-range, only under control, do not let her jump. Girls change their behavior almost immediately. They become more careful, thrifty, and do not let strangers in. But behavior can change with age, after each birth in different directions.

Signs of pregnancy

• Swelling of the nipples;
• Abdominal enlargement;
• Light discharge from the loop;
• Increased appetite;
• Change in behavior – neatness, decreased activity;
• Lethargy;
• Possible toxicosis;
• How often can you knit?

A shepherd dog is bred through heat; after pregnancy, it must recover physically and get stronger. The recommended frequency of mating is once a year.

Male - mates regularly, but also requires restoration. If mating occurs one after another, he needs time to rest, after 2 days. If the dog is untied, he regularly participates in breeding until he is 8–9 years old.

The same is with the female dog - they are used for breeding until the age of 6, after which there will be a final mating and scheduled sterilization. It is better if there is a cesarean section during late mating, then two operations occur simultaneously.

In older dogs after 5 years, pathologies may develop: large puppies in smaller numbers, the development of a postpartum inflammatory process, various hormonal disorders.