Expert: Renee Cox - 11/12/2007

Question
Hello,
  My 13 month old female boxer still has not gone into heat.  She is up to date on her shots and has been a healthy dog.  She has showed no signs of going into heat.  Should I be worried?  Should I take her in to be seen by our vet?

Answer
Hi. I wouldn't be too worried yet. I've had females who didn't go into heat until they were two years old, and then only went into heat once a year. Every girl is different, and so is their heat cycle. I'd wait her out. If she doesn't go into heat by two years of age, then I would take her in for a check up to have a few things tested to make sure everything is ok. I love girls like this, who wait until they're older to go into heat. :-) It's best to wait until they're at least two years old to breed anyway, so when you get a girl like this, you don't have to mess with many heat cycles waiting until she's old enough to breed! I wouldn't worry yet. You still have plenty of time.