Expert: Jannie Balliett - 2/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: My bitch is in her first heat and seems to have been bleeding alot longer than my reading says she will. She started light bleeding 1/23 and it is now 15 days later and she is still dripping.  From all I have read, it seems like it should be 9 days "or so", and I am concerned that this may be unusual and cause for concern?  Also, most all the information I have been able to get is very vague, giving me no real idea what to expect. Do you have any suggestions for ways I can learn more about heats and breeding of my boxer?

ANSWER: It is not unusual for longer or short bleeding in first heats. And the heat cycle itself lasts approx. one month.

This means her stages of heat she goes through in that time period, from the bleeding stage to accepting a male stage.

Do not breed her until she is at least 2 years old. She is not physically mature enough yet to deal with a pregnancy and not emotionally mature enough to care for new born puppies, let alone the actual whelping.

http://www.akc.org/enewsletter/akc_breeder/2007/december/cycle.cfm

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/the-stages-of-canine-reproduction/page1.aspx

http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Dog_Heat_Cycle_and_Breeding

http://www.superk9.com/article-doghealthcare32.asp



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Where/how is the best way for me to get knowledgeable about breeding my girl?  I definitely do no plan on breeding her until she is at least 2 because I believe it is best for her also. I am a first timer and do not want to be a stupid backyard breeder.  It has always been my goal to breed boxers. I have had numerous other breeds throughout my life and boxers are my all time favorite.  The difference in health and conformation of this breed now as compared to my youth is frightening.  I want to do this the right way...any help would be most appreciated.
Kathleen

Answer
Here is some useful breeding info:

http://www.dibridboxers.co.uk/BREEDING-FROM-YOUR-BOXER-BITCH

http://www.boxerconnection.com/breeding.html

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/view_top-6-reasons-people-give-to-breed.htm

(Boxerworld: Join it- great wealth of info for Boxer owners by Boxer owners)

http://www.geocities.com/apexboxers/breeding.html

This is a good start. Just Google "breeding your Boxer" and you will come up with more.