How to Cross a Dog for the First Time

Exists a popular belief on dog riding and it is that dogs and female dogs need to be crossed at least once to be healthier and avoid problems, such as psychological pregnancy in female dogs, but this is not true. The fact that a dog has offspring is not going to prevent health problems, in fact the more pregnancies a bitch goes through, the less healthy she will be, since her body has had to work more, with rises and falls of hormones, and both the breasts and the uterus they have undergone more changes and the same happens with the testicles and glands of the males. Later, we will mention some consequences of this.

Some people do it because they say that dogs, like humans, need to have offspring to feel fuller and to feel like they complete the life cycle, in a totally emotional sense. The truth is that, on the one hand, applying this in a totalitarian way to humans is generalizing, since not everyone seeks to have children and for that reason they are not less happy, although it is very common to want to form a family is not the only valid option .

If this is the case with people, with dogs it is even easier, since have no notion of the reproductive sense, that is, they are not aware of this and do not want to reproduce, but at certain times the hormones lead them to it and when they do not have high activity of these hormones they do not have it as a necessity.

This is an idea that many people have, because it is seen in nature, but the truth is that It is not a good idea provoke a ride sibling dogs. Although it is true that in nature this happens, it occurs simply by survival instinct. Instead, it is best to avoid these types of crosses because the genetic material will be poorer and, therefore, the genes that include failures, health problems and inherited diseases will have a greater chance of leaving as strong genes and stop being recessive. In nature this makes these young weaker.

Genetic variability It is vital for the survival and evolution of the species precisely because of this, because it prevents the genes with problems from succeeding and the more competent ones from succeeding, since they ensure a more prosperous life and a more apt offspring to continue the species.

Thus, just as between people, we avoid reproduction with relatives, in the case of animals, it is the same, except in the case that the species had problems to survive and is in danger of extinction. The result of crossing dogs with their daughters, bitches with their sons or sibling dogs from a different litter or from the same litter, or other possible relationships, is that the puppies have since congenital deformations until serious inherited diseases, so there is a shorter life expectancy for these puppies, and there are even more chances of abortion.

When crossing dogs, their age must be taken into account to avoid health problems, since some can also be very serious. Take note of when you can cross a dog and a bitch:

• Small breeds: around a year or a year and a half.
• Medium breeds: about a year and a half and two years.
• Large and giant breeds: around two or two and a half years.

Thus, it is about waiting until the dog has fully developed physically and sexually, that is, it is already adult size and its reproductive organs are ready. Regarding the first heat, this is not indicative that it is already a good time, in fact, normally the bitches have not finished developing when it first appears.

Only if you have become part of the legal and responsible breeders in your country or region you can carry out the following tips on the ride dogs and their young, since otherwise, by selling the puppies you will be committing an illegal act. For those who wonder how to cross dogs pug, pitbull, schnauzer, german shepherd, husky, shar pei, akita, poodle or poodle, pinscher, yorkshire, chihuahua, bulldogs or any other breed, then we will explain the basic steps and tips for it. However, it is necessary for a veterinarian to advise in each case according to the breed and health of each one since, for example, brachycephalics such as pugs and bulldogs need special care and attention not only during riding, but also throughout pregnancy. and childbirth.

So apart from consult your vetTo cross your dog or bitch for the first time, follow these tips:

• It begins by considering when you can breed a male dog and when you can cross a female. If you already know that the age is correct, follow these tips.
• As it is about breeding guided by people and not in nature, it is taken into account that they are dogs of the same breed if you want to follow the line or, select with care and help from the veterinarian which two breeds can be crossed if changes are sought .
• Let them get to know each other and spend time identifying, playing games, and so on. This point is best done before the day of riding to ensure that they get along and avoid problems. It is good that they interact before, whether the female is at the beginning of heat or if she is not, the more they know the better. If it is in the first days of heat, you will notice that although she can seek contact with him and he wants to mount her, surely the female will not leave and this is normal because her eggs are not ready yet. It is in the phase of estrus that ovulation occurs, so the bitch will be fertile and will allow the crossing. This lasts between 5 and 15 days.
• Thus, make sure that the dog is in heat, that she is in the receptive phase of this period and that she is the same size or larger than him. This is taken into account to avoid that the puppies are too big for the mother and there are serious problems in the pregnancy and the delivery.
• Make sure the environment is calm and let them follow their instincts alone, as they will detect their pheromones. It is not advisable to intervene, you just have to be attentive in case there is a problem to be able to help and prevent other animals from interfering, for example other dogs if you are in a park.
• Be patient, the first meeting may not be successful, especially if it is the first time the dogs have crossed. For this reason, it is advisable to allow the encounter to be repeated throughout the fertile days as many times as they want, in a totally natural way.
• Since they are glued, the mount usually lasts about 20 minutes on average, but it can last more or less.
• While they copulate, especially once they are hooked, do not try to separate them because you will hurt them. If you see that there may be something wrong, contact the vet, although it is recommended that he be present or nearby from the beginning for these reasons.

Of course, having puppies at home brings joy and having dogs has great benefits, both for them if they have a good home and for us, but we must also take into account the negative part of this issue. The responsible animal ownership It is vital, since in this humanized environment they totally depend on our care. Before deciding to breed two dogs, bear in mind that in each litter there are usually several small ones that they will need. a safe home. For example, this is the number of puppies that bitches can have in a single pregnancy:

• Toy and mini bitches: 1 puppy only or maximum 2, because they are very small in size.
• Small bitches: usually between 1 and 7 puppies.
• Large bitches: more than 10, even up to 15 puppies.
• Giant bitches: from 15 puppies, reaching over 20.

It is very difficult to ensure a good home for all of them and you have to think that this number of puppies can arrive twice a year, which is the times that bitches are in heat. We must also think that each of these puppies may have their own offspring in the future, so overpopulation and neglect will continue to increase and many die from this. In addition, the fact that the dogs are purebred does not guarantee that they will have a home or be better cared for.

In short, among the consequences of crossing to …