When to breed???? What tests?

[andyhilt27]

I know the old rule of thumb is around the 10th day of the heat cycle. This has proved to be somewhat accurate on Tabitha's first litter.

On her second breeding we took her to the vet for a progesterone test. "She's ready now." I knew it was too early. We bred and it did not take. Now, this was by an unproven stud but I really believe it was way too early.

So what test should be used for determining what days to breed?

Also Tabitha came into heat as a result of SuzyQ being in heat. Is this a false heat (is there such a thing)? It seems kinda light.....

[Elaine]

Just saw this Andy… I am a bit confused. Exactly what kind of test did your vet do… and how many times was the test done?

To put this very simply, in order to make a breeding decision based on a bitch's progesterone level, you would need at least two tests, to determine if the levels are going up or down.

You describe “a” test, which indicates one test... i.e., the vet isn’t to up to speed on what the heck they’re doing.

Remember, there is no such thing as a Canine Reproductive Residency Trained Vet (or however that would be termed). At best you will be lucky to find a vet that is a breeder and has first-hand experience, coupled with personal interest in the topic. But there is no such thing as a Residency Trained canine reproductive specialist, which may account for all the problems breeders have. Many vets haven’t a clue what the heck they’re doing.

[andyhilt27]

ahhhh. I see. So these tests are more important when doing A.I. I would assume. Very small window in terms of the sperm. Smear then blood....correct?


Tabitha has ovulated. She always yelps when handled on the day of ovulation. That was 2 days ago. Another breeding tomorrow and we should be good to go.

The last attempt was with an unproven sire and I think we did it a bit too early. She has been flagging Eva all evening so I think she is definitely ready. She never gives Eva any thought. The little guy we are using this time has two litters on the ground.

He is sired by SuzyQ's sire (I am happy with that litter) and out of a top ten TFT bitch. This should prove to be intersting.....I hope. Fingers crossed.

61 days to go....

[Kissntell]

Hey there Andy:

I had a bitch that by the test of...let me spell this correctly...in the old days..."cordified ephiphelim" was correct. But she let me sit in a motel room a week and still wouldn't. So I left her. Half a week later. Three days to her end, she finally said, "ok." I got 9 puppies.

I too have done the progrestron tests. I haven't been lucky on that either. What I have found is that the dog knows, and the bitch knows too. It is us that try and push the issue.

So if you have a "teaser" stud, you might find out. I think that is still the old way and it is the most accurate one.

It is not fun to waste frozen semen and still pay for it. Its money down the drain literally. So...I like to have a teaser on hand. I don't have that now anymore.