Large dog breeds are considered mature at 18-24 months. Medium-sized breeds are considered mature at 15-18 months. Small dog breeds are considered mature at 12-18 months. Studs (male dogs) can continue breeding until they are roughly 10 years of age. Dams should no longer breed once they reach 5.
Your dam must be the correct weight for her age and height. Additionally, your vet can screen for any other health problems that may complicate a pregnancy.
Fur around your stud’s sheath and penis should be trimmed away. [7] X Expert Source Tom RobertsonDog Breeding Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022. Fur around your dam’s vulva should be trimmed. [8] X Expert Source Tom RobertsonDog Breeding Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022.
During the first 1-7 days, your dam will exhibit a swollen vulva and some bleeding. [10] X Expert Source Tom RobertsonDog Breeding Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022. Male dogs may pay more attention to her, but she will not accept a mate. During the next 7 days, her bleeding will slow and she will be willing to accept mates. During the last days of her heat cycle, she will no longer accept mates. This cycle usually last 21 days, but it can be shorter for some dogs.
To maximize the possibility of conception, you may want to mate the dogs several times between seventh and fourteenth days of her cycle. To ensure the dog’s health and safety, they should only mate once per day.
The mating process can take several hours. Ensure that the space can remain calm and quiet for that length. Make sure that they are separated from other dogs, too. [14] X Expert Source Tom RobertsonDog Breeding Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022.
If the dogs begin to fight, you may need to intervene. You can usually end a dog altercation by making a loud noise, or spraying them with water. If you must physically separate them, try yanking at their tails or hind legs. Do this carefully and only if absolutely necessary. If your dog simply needs to be calmed down, you can try petting them, brushing their fur, and praising them.