Expert: Delores Beck - 7/30/2007

Question
I have an 11 month old female cocker spaniel (she'll be one in about a week) named Lilly and she hasn't come into heat yet. Our family has 2 other female cockers who are 2 and 1 and both of them have come into heat about the same time at the normal ago of around 10 months. I was just wondering if because my 11 month old hasn't come into heat is because maybe she's a late bloomer or maybe there's a problem. How long should I wait for her to come into heat before I take her to the vet? I'm getting a little worried because we do eventually want to breed her and I am a little scared that she has health problems and will never be able to breed. I just need to know  if it's normal for it to be this late or if she has a problem that i should be taking her to the vet for. I love this little girl to death and I just want to make sure that she is properly taken care of. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Maria,
If you're concerned, give your vet a call.  Or call the breeder you got her from.
I can't help much since I've never bred dogs but I'd imagine a month "overdue" isn't something to be "very" worried about.  But honestly, I don't know for sure.
Delores