Age When Fertile?

[Pretty Miss Emma]

At what age (in general terms) are dogs fertile? I'm guessing when bitches have their first season this indicates fertility. But what about dogs?

I only ask as for the first time in my life I have an entire dog/animal that I am not intending on desexing in the near future, so I haven't ever had to deal with any associated issues! My friend who often babysits the dogs has an entire bitch & obviously from now when she has a season we will have to keep them apart, but he showed no interest in her last time & he was probably about 5 months and then so it just got me wondering.

[dancinbcs]

At what age (in general terms) are dogs fertile? I'm guessing when bitches have their first season this indicates fertility. But what about dogs?

I only ask as for the first time in my life I have an entire dog/animal that I am not intending on desexing in the near future, so I haven't ever had to deal with any associated issues! My friend who often babysits the dogs has an entire bitch & obviously from now when she has a season we will have to keep them apart, but he showed no interest in her last time & he was probably about 5 months and then so it just got me wondering.

Most breeds are fertile by 6-8 months and definitely by 10 months but the odd one will attempt a mating before that. I know of two different 4 month old Belgians that mated with their mothers. No idea if they were fertile or not because both bitches had mismating injections.

[Sandra777]

I have used a 7 month old dog, 8 pups. I know of a 6.5 month old dog who sired a litter. These were both Staffords.

Small breeds would be more likely to be fertile earlier than bigger ones obviously.

[Rysup]

I know a dog who sired a litter at 5 months old, so do not discount young dogs!!

[Alyosha]

I have had a four month old pup try and give it a decent go - in a notoriously slow developing breed. So I would watch any male over 10-12 weeks very carefully indeed.