Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all! I have a 9 month old english mastiff female named Riley. She has not yet had her first heat, and I am wondering at what age this should happen? I have never owned a female dog before so I know absoloutely nothing about the whole going into heat, and breeding process. We would like very much to breed her and have a friend with a stud. At what age should we begin?
I would sincerely appreciate any knoweledge that anyone can share with me. Thanks........Pam

I know absoloutely nothing about the whole going into heat, and breeding process. We would like very much to breed her and have a friend with a stud. At what age should we begin?

This statement is very scary to read. If you don't have a mentor helping you out in this process, then really, breeding your dog on her first heat cycle is a very BAD idea. Even with a mentor, breedign on the first heat cycle is a bad idea.

Most dogs should not be bred until they've been thoroughly checked out by a vet regarding genetic defects known to the breed. Most of those checks are not accurate until the dog is at least 2 years old.

How well does your girl confrom to the mastiff standard? How about the stud? Are either of them shown in conformation? What great aspects do they have that can benefit the breed in years to come? What about their pedigrees, do they compliment each other?

Do you have money set aside for the care and treatment of the mother and puppies? Puppies need a ton of health checks when they are new born and the mother can have serious complications before and during delivery that could risk her life and the life of the puppies.

Sorry, I know you just asked about when your dog should go into heat, but I can't answer that. She technically should have by now, but only a vet can tell you why she hasn't.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles