The Mating Game
wThe bitch will normally come into season every 6 months although some bitches, particularly in the larger breeds, cycle every 8 - 10 months. It is not uncommon for some bitches to go as long as 12 months between seasons.
wThe period of oestrus or 'heat' usually lasts about 3 weeks, and the most notable sign is vaginal bleeding. Bitches vary as to the stage of the heat when they start to bleed, many starting almost at day 1 and others not until the end of the first week. Vaginal swelling is another sign of oestrus.
wThe best time to mate should be at the time the bitch ovulates. Bitches are spontaneous ovulators and textbooks will usually say that the bitch ovulates on day 10 of her cycle. This can be variable and may be difficult to assess in some bitches.
wIt is a fact that some bitches will ovulate as early as day 3 or as late as day 23. There are several tests available to determine the exact time of ovulation and thus the optimum time for mating. You just book your bitch in for a simple blood test at your vet (usually about days 9-11) and you will be told within an hour if she can be mated or not.
wIf your bitch has had a history of unsuccessful matings, it is advisable to see your vet and have these blood tests performed daily to determine the accurate ovulation time.
wThere is also an ovulation detector available on the market that detects changes in the electrical conductivity of the lining of the uterus. This method, though available to you the breeder to buy; has received a mixed reception in the dog world. Some breeders say it works exceptionally well, others have had no success. (Let me know what you think - leave a post in my forum.)
wIt is well to remember that, whatever the chosen method, conception and pregnancy, even when all eventualities have seemingly been covered, can never be guaranteed.
wThe actual mechanics of mating are another potential pitfall. Some matings will take a matter of seconds before a 'tie' results, while others take rather longer. Some bitches will develop an exceptionally strong liking for a particular male, so strong that all other males may be rejected!
wVery often males will mount and dismount the bitch for a period of time before thrusting forward and penetrating the bitch. If the dog seems to be in position and yet fails to get a mating, it is possible that the female has stricture which would need veterinary intervention.
wOnce penetration occurs, there should follow a stage where the male lies on the female's back and after a short time will try to lift one leg over the the bitch to stand in the classic 'tie' position rear to rear (as seen above).
wIt is thought that the purpose of the tie is to prolong the mating time as the ejaculate fo the dog is dispersed in 3 fractions, but it would probably be rather more truthful to admit that nobody really knows why they they do it - just accept that they do!
wThe 'tie' can last from just a few minutes to over 1 hour. It is important to understand that it is a mutual action by the dog and the bitch. The swelling of the bulb at the end of the dog's penis coincides with the constriction of the vaginal muscles of the bitch.
wIt is still possible to get puppies produced in the absence of a 'tie' but most breeders feel more comfortable if a 'tie' has occurred. It is also worth noting that certain breeds eg Westies are well known for not 'tying' and yet are still able to produce normal litters.
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