Heat Cycle

[jim1]

Hi all, I have a friend that has a female G/shepherd and is 11 months old. and she still has not come into her first heat, how long do they usally take to come on?

Edited June 28, 2012 by jim1

[Allerzeit]

How long is a piece of string? :)

I've heard of bitches having their first season as late as 19 months.

We have an 11 month old bitch here who hasn't had her first season yet, neither has her litter sister in Melbourne. Another of her litter sisters just started her first heat a few days ago.

[jim1]

Does her being a big size female make aany Diffrence?

[Alyosha]

Yes. Slow maturing breeds can come in later. Her breeding can also effect it - some family lines are earlier or later bloomers than others. I say enjoy the peace while you have it!

In my breed less than 15 months is unusual for a first one, 15-18 is more normal. But later still happens.

[Aziah]

Does her being a big size female make aany Diffrence?

Are you going to breed her?

[german_shep_fan]

My shepherd female is 9 1/2 mnths and is about a week and a half into her first season at the moment. I think as others have said it just depends on the lines. I was told by my vet that when a dog reaches about 80-85% of the adult body weight they generally come into season. I weighed my girl at 9mnths and she was smack bang on 34kgs so i knew it would be soon :)

I agree with Alyosha enjoy the peace while you can, she will come in soon enough don't stress :)

[jim1]

Just found out her litter sister was 9 months old when she had her first heat.