Expert: Jannie Balliett - 6/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I would have asked this in Basset hounds but the description for the only basset hound expert said no breeding questions. So here we go,

Today I let my Basset hound in the back yard to relieve herself, we have a fenced in yard. Well when I came to let her in 15 min later there was a male boxer on top of her. She is in heat so she could ended up pregnant right? I wanted to breed her with another basset hound but that doesnt look like its going to happen now. :/ How long until she will end up having the puppies and how long do the dogs have to be mating to get pregnant?

ANSWER: Did the male hang up with her for 10-15 minutes?

If he did not- then he did not mate with her- he was unsuccessful.

The male swells up and can not get loose for 10-15 minutes after his climax.

So I need to know that before answering.

It takes 58-65 days of gestation (pregnancy) with 63 days being the average.

If she is pregnant, I would take her to the vet and let him/her keep up with the pregnancy as the pups could be too big for her. X-rays will help and determine whether the vet should abort or not-- if she only has a couple, she could be fine.

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

QUESTION: well they did not tie but I have seen where dogs will get pregnant just from that though it is slim to none chance. But ill keep watching her and find the owner to this boxer that Keeps jumping my fence.

thanks

Answer
No, dogs can not get pregnant any other way.

EVERY male's penis will swell up and can not get free of the female's vagina once he has ejaculated. This is each and every time and non-negotiable due to their bodies.

Just because someone did not see them "tie" up doesn't mean they did not while no one was around, causing a pregnancy.

If your dog only had that male Boxer attempt one time, and you have verified they did not "tie up," then you are safe.

IF, he could have been around her while you were not watching-- that is another story--