Expert: Christine Puetz - 4/14/2009

Question
Hi Christine I have bred English bull terriers for a long time this is my first time with the bulldogs.the blood colour has gone yesterday normal blood red colour and today it is darker in colour red/black with the dogs being different ie the bull terriers swell up and it is obvious to see when the colour goes to straw color but with the bulldogs it is harder to see her swelling from day 1 now her colour has changed and I believe it to be roughly around the 14 day of her cycle but the colour is throwing me could you shine some light on this issue please.

Answer
Chris,

English bulldogs are about impossible to figure out.  They can still be spotting red and be ready to breed.

We always have a progesterone blood test taken to find the exact day for breeding.  It is best to have the test done before you think the breeding date, to get a history of progesterone levels.

If you can't have the blood test done, at 14 days, I would see if she seems receptive to your male.  If so, she is most likely ready.

Christine Puetz