Does anyone know when female dogs have their first season?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Does anyone know when female dogs have their first season?

    Gemma is a miniature Jack Russell Terrier and nearly 8 months old.  No sign of coming into season yet.  When should I expect this?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Typically first heat is between 6-12 months.  "Mini's" are bred down and have the potential for TONS of health problems.  I think it's harder to tell with a dog that small.  However, my best advise would be to get her spayed ASAP, before she ever has her first heat.

    • Bronze

    glenmar
    However, my best advise would be to get her spayed ASAP, before she ever has her first heat.

     

    I definitely agree. I personally find dealing with a dog in heat unnecessary, and do not enjoy it. I would spay her before she ever goes into heat.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Thyroid problems can cause irregular and delayed heat cycles.  You might want to get that checked. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    Some of the tiny dogs will have a season and you won't notice!  With some, there is little bleeding and the only sign might be slightly enlarged vulva.  Obviously, if you are asking the question, you are a pet parent and not a breeder, so my advice is to go ahead and spay her. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    Even if she had thought about breeding, the "mini" is not recognized by the AKC and for good reason.  You can only size down or up a breed just so much before you run into serious risks of health problems.

    • Gold Top Dog

     Toy sized dogs often wait til 10-12 months. I prefer my bitches go through one season, for their development, but I guess I'm weird. Nobody LIKES a bitch in season, but.... it's part of life.