Expert: Renee Cox - 1/16/2008

Question
Hi again,

So to answer your question, Yoda's puppy that I kept is now 11 months. Yoda had her first heat when she was 6 months old and everytime it's been a super heavy period.

Furby went through a few weeks at Xmas where her vulva was super swollen but never once did I see a drop of blood.

She does do something I've never seen in female however, she humps my other dogs when she gets very playful ?
Is this normal for a female or could it hav something to do with her cycles ?

Thanks again,

Jessica

Answer
Hi Jessica. From the way you talk, Furby may have had a dry heat back around Christmas. It sure sounds like it. From what I've read, your breed is prone to dry heats. Which means that it'll be hard to tell when she's in heat if you are wanting to breed her.

As for the humping, it's normal. Some females do it. A lot of times it's a dominant thing. Male dogs will hump as well, and it has nothing to do with sex. It's showing the other dog that he's dominant over them. Some females will also do this while in heat. If she's still doing it showing no signs of heat, then I'd say it's a dominant thing that she's doing. If I can help with anything else, let me know!