Expert: Christine Puetz - 1/7/2010

Question
My English bulldog comes in heat approximately every 6 mo., but if bred will become pregnant every other time. Does that mean the time in between she does not ovulate? Would there be any value in a progesterone test when she comes in heat the time she never catches. Someone told me we should bred her every time even if it is her "off" time. I also was told it is hard on them to have more that one litter a year. I'm not sure what to believe. If there is value in progesterone testing, is it one test or does it have to be done 2 or 3 times to watch the levels? Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Dorinda,

Bulldogs are know for difficult breeding.  The best way to tell when the correct time to breed is progesterone testing.  It usually has to be done multiple times in order to tell exactly when ovulation occurs.

Even with progesterone testing, there is no guarantee that your bulldog will get bred.  There are too many other variables.

Christine Puetz