Dog Fertility Questions

Our visitors have some dog fertility questions for the Ask the Dog Expert.

My Shih-Tzu was in season and tied with my male for about two minutes. Can she tie with a male during her heat cycle if she is not yet fertile? If so, can the sperm live long enough to impregnate the bitch?

I am concerned because my dog was with her brother when I first noticed her heat cycle had begun. If she was able to tie with my unrelated male only two days later, what are the chances her brother got to her without me noticing?

I am really freaked out. I never would have exposed her to her brother except that my mother-in-law came over for a barbecue that day and brought along her dog, my bitch's brother, before I even knew what was going on. What do I do?

I am also trying to register, and I need some kind of code to register? Where do I get it?

Thanks for your help~~ Charis

Expert Reply

Hi Charis,

Let's begin with the breeding questions. Yes, it may be possible for your bitch to have accepted a male before she was completely fertile. If she was bred by her brother two days before she was bred by your unrelated male, then there is a chance she could be carrying pups from both males. Sperm are viable up to five days after a breeding. Meanwhile, your bitch is sending down multiple eggs once the fertile period begins, so it all depends on whose sperm made it first to any given egg.

Did anyone actually see her brother ride her? A tie is not always required for fertilization, but if he did ride her and if someone caught them quickly enough she may not have been bred. If she delivers a litter you should have the pups DNA tested to confirm which dog is the father. This will be necessary to register the litter.

As for registering, did the breeder you bought your puppy from provide you with any kind of registration slip? I'm only familiar with the AKC registration process, and I know you need the litter number from the litter registration to register individual pups. This is something you need to get from the original breeder. If her dogs aren't registered then your dog won't be eligible for registration either. Again, this is what is required for AKC. There are other clubs out there that may have different requirements.

Thanks for your questions. I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

~~ Kelly

Is a ten-year-old stud too old to produce pups?

~~ Gareth

Expert Reply

Hello Gareth,

A ten-year-old stud could certainly be capable of siring a litter. Age is not the only factor that affects sperm production. Although counts may lower with age, a dog's health plays a significant role in fertility. A nutritious diet combined with appropriate exercise can extend a stud's fertile years.

Anyone considering using an older stud on one of their bitches can take the dog, or request that the stud owner take the dog, to the vet for a sperm count prior to breeding. This will eliminate wasting a breeding opportunity if in fact the dog has limited fertility.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

• Beagle Dog Christmas Ornaments
• Funny Halloween Dog Pictures
• Miniature Teacup Chihuahuas
• Name That Dog Breed Quiz
• Choosing a Puppy Quiz

• Signs Of Dog Pregnancy
• Dog Anal Glands
• Sick Dog Symptoms
• Female Dog Heat Cycle
• Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding

• Category:Dog Health
• Pregnancy Related Dog Questions
• Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding
• Dog DNA Test
• Questions About Dog Pregnancy and Breeding