AboutCindy Expertise Rescue questions, general behavior, coat colors, sizes, and general information. I cannot provide detailed medical answers but can share some experiences.
Experience I have worked with dachshund rescue for over 4 years and rescued about 300 dachshunds, have owned dachshunds all my life, and have worked with special needs, puppy mills dogs, and other breeds as well.
Expert: Cindy Date: 9/25/2007 Subject: Dog in heat; when to breed
Question I think my dachshund is in heat for the first time. How do you know for sure, how long do they stay in heat, and how old should a dog be before breeding her?
Answer You should see spotting blood, licking herself, restless, and swollen vagina area. Heat cycles are usually 3 weeks. Having her spayed will help prevent illness and diseases such as cancer, especially as she gets older and will help her be calmer. No dog should be bred before 1 year old - a mature adult, not puppy acting. Also, there is so much overbreeding and so many homeless dachshunds of all ages, you should consider not breeding unless she has championship bloodlines. Each breed has specific genetic problems and if you are not a professional breeder, you may not be aware of this and take the chance of promoting bad genetics. For example, dapple dachshunds who are bred to other dapples or those carrying the dapple gene, are often born with severe birth defects. You can also breed back problems and other issues that you may not see in your puppies, but will be seen in their pups or their pups' pups.
