Hi there. Okay so this is going to be my first time breeding. Today she had her first blood. We will be breeding her with an AKC stud about 20 min. from where we live. I need to know what days she will be ovulating so I can take her to be bred. I've heard so many different things, Im not sure what to go by. I really don't want to miss it, I have a line of people waiting for puppies. If anyone has any advice on this topic or breeding in general I would love to hear it. I've been doing alot of research but you can never be too prepared. Thanks.

-Caitlyn

Hi Caitlyn, and welcome to the forum

Bitches will ovulate at different times. No 2 are the same, and the timing can change from one season to the next There are tests that the vet can do for you. You could also try to get some ovulation sticks to try at home, but I don't have personal experience of those so can't tell you if they are successful or not. As your potential stud is close by then I wouldn't think that it would be too difficult to just pop along, then if the timing is wrong at least you won't be too disappointed if nothing happens.

A bitches vulva will usually go soft and spongy when she is ready to mate, but someone inexperienced might not know what to look for.

I would also try to get a good book to read through. The Book of the Bitch by J M Evans and Kay White is a good book. We regularly advise people to get a copy. You can get one from ebay or amazon. It explains an awful lot and I still have it to hand when I'm thinking of breeding.

> You could also try to get some ovulation sticks to try at home, but I don't have personal experience of those so can't tell you if they are successful or not

NOT!! 

Not here either......saliva test is much more reliable I have found.

If he's only 20 minutes away why not let the stud dog also decide when the right time is?

I totally agree with perrodeagua, stud dog knows best!

Even when I use saliva testing I will still go off the reaction of my 2 males.............................mind you its nearly always when the saliva test says!!  If you are that close they shouldnt be a problem taking the bitch to see how they react with eachother over a few days.

Good Luck!!

the benefits of pin pointing ovulation will help you know when they are due ,whelping is 63+- days post ovulation regardless of date of breeding.

> Bitches will ovulate at different times. No 2 are the same, and the timing can change from one season to the next

Very, very true!   I have a bitch that has had 2 litters.   First litter she wasn't ready until day 17, only had one mating, and produced pups.

A year later she tied on day 8 and had a litter.  When people say that their girl is "always ready" on day 14, you have to realise that this isn't so with all bitches.  So, valid point from LindyLou.