Heat question for breeders... - Page 1

We're thinking of adopting a female GSD that needs to rehomed due to the owners other commitments.  Problem is she's in heat just now so we can't introduce our male to her to see how they get along.  (No, we don't want puppies.)   How long after the beginning of her heat do we need to wait to get an accurate idea of how compatible they will be?  I've been told by someone very knowledgeable about the breed that even after the heat, she's not likely to tolerate being around a male (just like they are before a heat) for a couple of weeks.  That means at least five weeks from the start of her heat until we can get an accurate picture.  Is that the common experience?  Thanks...

yes I'd wait 6 weeks from the very start of her heat - from 2-4 weeks after the start is when she's "standing" or actually breeding-ready.

molly

Thanks so much, Molly, for your reply... much appreciated.  Is a female actually fertile for that whole 2-4 week timespan or does the exact time vary within that span from bitch to bitch?   

I imagine if you're trying to breed a pair (which of course we're not) you'd have to make sure the male was ready, willing and available throughout the whole time then?

Thanks again... Gwen

It varies from female to female or even cycle to cycle.  I've seen some females be receptive on day 8, others not until day 25

Regarding available the whole time?  nope, progesterone testing.

Angela

Thanks, Angela... I'm learning lots from this board.  Guess we're going to have to wait 6 weeks then to get an accurate picture of how they'll get on.

Gwen