First Heat

CrystalN7287 · 06-02-2008, 04:07 AM

I have a Doberman and she will be one next month and has not had her first heat. Is this common or should i be concerned?

Thanks
Crystal

**voodoolizard** · 06-02-2008, 08:23 AM

While it is not a hard rule, most females come into their first heat cycle around six months of age, although some girls wait as long as one to one and a half years old. While many females will hold to a fairly steady schedule of coming into season about every six months, it really can vary. Some girls will only come in once year, while others may even come in every four months, but often these "extra" seasons are not always fertile. Once a female has her first season, you need to track subsequent seasons to find out what her natural pattern will be.

gracieface · 06-02-2008, 08:41 AM

my oldest came in at 9 months the first time, but the line she came from typically were slow to mature and often didn't have thier first season till well after a year. My current bitch pup is 9 months and nothing yet. I wouldn't worry about it. The half sister of my oldest didn't have her first season till 16 months, and she has had 3 litters now.

Julie W · 06-02-2008, 08:44 AM

I know in my other breed, whippets, it's not uncommon for them to not come in until over 2 years old. While that's not very common in most other breeds, it certainly happens that others wait until over a year.

sorthund · 06-02-2008, 12:53 PM

I wouldn't worry yet. You could check with her breeder if possible to find out when her mom did, that may give you a guideline. FiFi's mom came in at 6 months, but on her dad's side they go into heat much later often older than 12 months. FiFi came in at 9 months....