The Proestrus Stage For Shepherds
This phase of the female Shepherds heat cycle usually lasts 4 to 20 days. The average being 7 to 10 days. During this stage there are four common signs for your Shepherd being in heat:
A swollen vulva:
One of the easiest ways to identify the start of a German Shepherds cycle. Their vulva will grow to 3-4 times its natural size. You see that this swelling is a considerable difference from the typical appearance of the vulva. Its nipples may also swell somewhat, but this proves to be tough to spot.
Discharge:
A German Shepherd may put in a lot of her day licking and cleaning themselves. German shepherds are great at keeping clean. If uncertain about the discharge, draw a tissue and clean its vulva.
If you see a red discharge and a swell in her vulva, this is a reliable indicator that shes obviously going into heat. This is necessary to verify, as timing is important for pregnancies. The first day you might notice a more bloody discharge. Mark it in your calendar as DAY ONE and sure you remember it.
More suitors:
A Shepherd in heat presents pheromones. This material that attracts males. This is the third sign your Shepherd is in heat, this sign is not coming from your dog but from others, Your neighbor dogs may want to visit your home. Because of its extraordinary sense of smell, any male can sniff out your Shepherds heat cycle from miles away.
Changes of behavior:
What About The Temperament And Personality Of Both Genders Of The German Shepherd
Both genders of GSDs are very energetic and always ready to play. This is the general temperament and personality of the GSD dog breed. However, the female German shepherds are a bit delicate than the males. Other than this, the male GSD is also more territorial than the females.
Consequently, it becomes more vital to tame their temperament since they mightnt follow your rules if they find you arent a confident and patient leader.
On the other hand, a female GSD is not territorial but very protective of their families. However, you can train both the genders effectively by teaching them your rules despite following them. Your vigilance remains the key factor that would determine if you can discipline their territorial behavior or not.
Your unmistakable influence can govern them about how to behave, what places are off-limits, etc.
Fast fact: Female GSDs are more protective towards the owners family, especially the children.
The below mentioned differences in the temperament and personality of the two sexes of GSDs can help you to determine which gender could be better than your first dog.
Also read:Working line vs show line German shepherd
How Often Does A German Shepherd Go Into Heat
So once your German Shepherd has their first heat cycle, how often should you expect them to go into heat?
While this can vary from breed to breed, most German Shepherds will go into heat twice a year .
Heat cycles can be irregular in young dogs, and may take a couple of years for their cycles to regulate. Additionally, German Shepherds like all canines do not have a strict time of the year in which they must breed, so this only adds to the irregularity in the beginning stages.
As long as you are prepared for at least 2 heat cycles a year, you are well equipped!
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Are Male Or Female German Shepherds More Aggressive
If you have young children and a family at home, youll want to know whether male or female German Shepherds are generally more aggressive. Or you may be considering the breed for a protection dog.
Males German Shepherds are more aggressive than females, which means theyre more likely to be confrontational if threatened. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, can cause aggressive behavior, and male dogs challenge and intimidate each other more than female dogs in dog vs. dog aggression.
However, dont be too concerned as dog versus dog aggression is largely a ceremonious display intended to win social rankings.
Nonetheless, a study conducted by The Royal Veterinary College University of London revealed sex-specific genetic characteristics in German Shepherds. Researchers found males to be substantially more aggressive than females . Therefore, if you have a family with children, you may prefer a female dog, while male German Shepherd Dogs may be better suited to protection roles, as mentioned above.
German Shepherds are known to develop same-gender aggressionso if you already have another dog, choose a dog of the opposite sex.
You should never train a German Shepherd to be aggressive.;Sometimes owners want their pups to be ferocious beasts to intimidate other people and potential intruders! This style of training only causes aggression towards everyone, not just bad people.
Heat Cycles In Female German Shepherds
Dogs experience their first heat cycle when they reach puberty. On average, puberty in dogs starts when they are around six months old. However, this could vary significantly by breed. Breeds that are smaller in size tend to experience their first heat cycle at an earlier age. Conversely, larger breeds tend to experience their first heat cycle much later. Some large breeds could experience their heat cycle between eighteen months to two years of age. German Shepherds fall under this category. This means, if your German Shepherd is around 18 months of age, then you could be dealing with signs of a heat cycle very soon. If youre wondering how long heat cycles last in German Shepherds, they typically last between two to four weeks.;
While it should be a thing of joy that your dog has reached reproductive maturity, the baggage that comes with a heat cycle can be a little daunting.; As a dog owner, it is very important for you to learn about your dogs heat cycle. For your reading pleasure, weve put together some important things you need to know about a German Shepherds heat cycle and how you can help them feel more comfortable during this period.;
Proestrus
Estrus
Metestrus
Anestrus
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How Do You End Up With Puppies The Ultimate Success
German shepherds are not a breed with extensive problems with either breeding or birth.
Unlike some breeds that need scheduled C-sections and assisted breedings, your GSD should be able to accomplish motherhood with a little guidance and monitoring from you. The end result should be 8 to 10 puppies. Watch this helpful video.
Set Up A Whelping Box
As your female GSD gets closer to her due date, make sure you have built a safe and comfy whelping box. A whelping box is necessary to help your pregnant dog deliver her litter in a clean and secure location. Ideally, you should set up a whelping box away from other pets and people. It should be located in a quieter place where your pet can give birth to the pups in privacy.
Once you built or purchase a whelping box, ensure your German Shepherd gets accustomed to the new space. If you dont familiarize your dog with the whelping box in advance, your pet may decide to deliver her pups somewhere else probably your closet.
6.4.1 Whelp Box Supply Checklist
When setting up a secure whelping box for your German Shepherd, make sure to include all of the following things inside it:
- Newspaper or sheets to line the whelping box so that your pet gives birth to pups without causing any mess.
- Non-slip bath mats for clean bedding after whelping is over
- Dry and clean paper towels to clean the litter.
- Unused dental floss to tie an umbilical cord.
- Thermometer to check and control your pets body temperature during her labor.
- Clean and sharp scissors to cut the navel string during the delivery.
- A warm water bottle or heating pad to keep the pups comfy. Make sure its not too hot.
- A toddlers scale to check the weight of the litter.
- A bottle of iodine to clean the pups.
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What Should I Do During The Breeding
Stay with your dogs during breeding. My Siberian Huskies always knew what to do and never required any interference. When dealing with some breeds, though, you will need to support the female or even lift the male up into place.
The male will mount the female and the bulbis glandis will swell so that he is tied to the female for about twenty minutes . He will usually swing a back leg over and will stand, tied with the female in a tail-to-tail position.
Do not separate your female from the male at this point. Do not yell at them, throw water on them, pour ice on them, or try any of the other crude methods I have heard about over the years.
Stay close and keep the female from rolling around and damaging the male, but do not try to separate them. It will all be over soon enough.
Alsatian Male And Female Dogs
German Shepherds are also referred to as Alsatians in parts of Europe and in Great Britain. The breed is named after a region in Europe where the GSDs were originally bred .;
Later, the name was changed back to the German Shepherd Dog after World War II was over and it was more acceptable to use the dogs country of origin Germany. Although the name Alsation Dog is rarely heard, it is more popular in Europe and the United Kingdom vs. the United States.
Regardless of their name, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in both America and Great Britain.
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What Is The Youngest Age A Dog Can Get Pregnant
General. In domestic dogs, sexual maturity occurs between the ages of 6 to 12 months for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years of age for some large breeds. Pregnancy is possible as soon as the first estrus cycle, but breeding is not recommended prior to the second cycle.
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Be Alert For Signs Of Labor
A few days before the bitch is ready to give birth, she may stop eating and start building a nest where she plans to have her puppies if introduced properly, this should be in the whelping box you have prepared for her.
Shortly before whelping, the bitchs body temperature will drop to 99 degrees or lower .
Approximately 24 hours after her temperature drops, she can be expected to enter the first stage of labor when the cervix dilates and opens the birth canal for the passage of puppies. At this time, she will pant, strain, and appear restless. This stage of labor is followed by actual abdominal straining and production of the puppies and placentas.
You should have on hand your veterinarians phone number and the local emergency clinic.
Do Male German Shepherds Go Into Heat
It is a common misconception that male dogs also go into heat. While its simply untrue, it does make a bit of sense why someone might think they do. Heres why.
Because male German Shepherds are sexually active year-round , they are highly attuned to any in-season females in the vicinity.
When they sense a female in heat, they will begin to act strangely, becoming aggravated, agitated, and may even develop aggression.
Theyre trying to get to the female to fulfill their natural-born dutyto impregnate the female.
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German Shepherd Breed Based On What They Are Bred For
The German shepherd is characterized by what he would be bred for. There are two distinct types based on body type.
German Shepherd Show line Dog breed
Show line GSD has a sloping body. They are typically calmer and relatively larger than working GSDs. They are bred to participate in dog shows.
German Shepherd working line Dog breed
German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs. They are most typically used as a Police or military dog. GSD was originally bred to be used as a shepherd dog to drive and protect the flock from the predators. Working GSD is relatively smaller and has more energy.
Male Vs Female German Shepherd Size
First off, Ill explain how the height his calculated. There not measured from the top of their head like you would think. There measured from the highest point of their shoulder blades, just behind the neck. This is known as the withers, by definition THE RIDGE BETWEEN THE SHOULDER-BLADES OF AN ANIMAL.
Females stand between 22 to 24 inches tall.
Males stand between 24 and 26 inches tall.
Both genders are longer than they are tall.
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Is My Female Gsd In Heat How Can I Tell
Is my female GSD in heat? How will I know? What do I do? Intact female dogs , and that are sexually mature are said to be in estrus, “in heat”, or “in season”, during their occasional “cycle” in preparation to breed and reproduce.
On average, the complete canine reproductive heat cycle takes about 6 months in length which results in about 2 heat cycles each year for most female Alsatian dogs. Be aware of all aspects of your dogs health and behavioral life, prepare accordingly and you should both have a long and healthy life together.
Female German Shepherds, also called bitches, generally have their first heat cycle at around 6 to 12 months of age. Sometimes, a female GSD in heat may not have their first seasonal estrus cycle until they are 12 months of age or older, depending on that particular dog. Remember, however, that this information is very general and not all female dogs will follow these exact patterns.
Overall, each individual female dogs heat cycle pattern tends to be relatively close to the basic average, length wise, however lengths of heat cycles may differ from female to female when the female German Shepherd goes into heat.
Remember these important points concerning your female GSD in heat and her yearly heat cycles and prepare accordingly.
First, assume your dog to be “in season” for at least 21 days, possibly longer, which will vary due to your own individual females heat cycle.
Keep On Leash The German Shepherd While Out Walking
When a dog is in heat, keep her close to you. Do not allow her to go far from you.
If you are taking your dog outside, always keep her on a leash.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that you have trained your dog to walk off-leash.
When a German Shepherd is in heat, its behavior can change a lot, and it may not respond to your commands.
Your dog can run away to find a dog male. So it is always recommended to use caution and attention.
Some breeders recommend to lock up the dog in the house when in heat to avoid any problem.
In my opinion, if you use some caution and stay careful, there is no problem to outwalk your dog while in heat.
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Sexual Maturity In A Male German Shepherd
Male German Shepherds who have not been neutered tend to be more dominant and high-spirited. Once they get to their teenage stage of six months and beyond, they will attempt to dominate other dogs, and will often try to dominate you. You need to be prepared to be the leader in your household, because if you arent, a male German Shepherd will happily take the role from you.
When a male who is not neutered smells a female in heat, look out. They can misbehave wildly in an attempt to go meet their potential mate.
While neutering should be discussed with your veterinarian, if you do not plan to breed your male German Shepherd, it is probably a good idea to have him neutered while he is young. This has been proven to improve behavior and make training slightly easier. It should also make him less aggressive overall and less likely to roam.