Dog reproduction

Dog reproduction

Unlike undomesticated canine species, where the females typically come into estrus (also called in season or in heat) once a year, usually in late winter, and bear one litter of young, the female of the domestic dog can come into season at any time of the year and usually twice a year. Most bitches come into season for the first time between 6 and 12 months, although some larger breeds delay until as late as 2 years. Like most mammals, the age that a bitch first comes into season is mostly a function of her current body weight as a proportion of her body weight when fully mature rather than age, with the different maturation rates of the various sizes of dogs accounting for this variation in age of first season. The amount of time between cycles varies greatly among different dogs, but a given dog's cycle tends to be consistent through her life.

Dogs bear their litters roughly 9 weeks after insemination.

Catahoula Leopard Dog nursing litter of puppiesAn average litter consists of about six puppies, especially for breeds that have not strayed too far from their wild ancestors. However, litters of many more or only one or two puppies are also common. Some breeds have a tendency to produce very large litters. Since a mother can provide milk for only a few of those puppies, humans must assist in the care and feeding when the litter exceeds eight or so.

Some breeds have been developed to emphasize certain physical traits beyond the point at which they can safely bear litters on their own. For example, the Bulldog often requires artificial insemination and almost always requires cesarean section for giving birth.

Puppies often have characteristics that do not last beyond early puppyhood. For example, eyes are often blue when they first open but change to other colors as the puppy matures. As another example, Kerry Blue Terrier puppies have black coats when they are born and their distinctive "blue" color appears gradually as the puppy nears maturity. The ears of erect-eared breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog are softly folded at birth but straighten as the puppy grows.

Dog experts advise that dogs not intended for further breeding should be spayed or neutered so that they do not have undesired puppies, which are often abandoned or are euthanized due to lack of space and resources in shelters. Abandoned dogs often go feral and form predatory packs that attack livestock and occasionally also prove dangerous to humans. Spaying and neutering can also help prevent diseases such as breast cancer and prostate cancer that occur as the unneutered animal ages (due to hormonal changes). Also, it is not required for a female dog to either experience a heat cycle or have puppies before spaying; likewise, a male dog does not need the experience of mating before neutering. These myths account for numerous health problems and unwanted puppies.

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Dogs as hunting or sporting partners

Dogs as hunting or sporting partners

Many people compete with their dogs in a variety of dog sports, including agility, flyball, and many others. This often strengthens the bond between human and dog, since they must trust one another in a variety of environments and must learn how the other works and thinks.

Setters in particular have a long history as upland gun dogs. They have a native ability to discover and "hold" upland game birds; to freeze them momentarily on the ground with their silent, elongated pointing stance. Once the hunter approaches, at his command they will flush the birds to fly and for the hunter to shoot at.

As water dogs, the retrievers are unsurpassed. They can spend long hours in a duck blind and, after the hunter has fired at multiple ducks or geese, they can visually spot and remember the location of downed birds. At command, they dive into the icy water, swim out and retrieve the birds one by one. They can follow hand, verbal, and whistle commands at great distance as the hunter directs them to the downed bird. They typically have large, gentle muzzles to mitigate any potential damage to the game.

When trained, beagles are particularly adept at chasing through thick briars and brush to chase rabbits. Many hound breeds are excellent at treeing raccoons during hunting season.

Hunters with dogs report the satisfaction that the dogs seem to exhibit. Excitement is evident as they see the hunters load weapons, take to the field, and begin the hunt. Don't forget to give your dog a Free Treat by clicking here

Allan
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Dog adoption

Dog adoption

Dog adoption usually refers to the process of taking ownership of—and responsiblity for—a dog that a previous owner has abandoned, discarded, no longer wants, or can no longer keep.

Common sources for adoptable dogs are:

• Animal shelters, also known as dog pounds
• Rescue organizations
• Dogs found wandering loose that have no identification and remain unclaimed by any owner
• Advertisements placed by individuals who are trying to find a new home for their own dog
• Dogs that have been abused or neglected and have been confiscated from the offending owner
• Dogs adopted from shelters are often referred to as shelter dogs or pound puppies; dogs adopted from rescue organizations are often called rescue dogs (not to be confused with Search and rescue dogs).

Dogs become available for adoption for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common:

• Owner dies and no one in the family wants to (or can) keep the dog
• Financial or living arrangements change drastically and people feel that they can no longer provide an appropriate home for the dog
• Dog was purchased as a puppy at a store or from a box of adorable puppies at the side of the road, with little or no information provided; owners often discover that puppies are much more work than expected, or require more space or exercise than they are prepared to give
• Dog leaves home for a variety of reasons, can't find its way home, and/or owner doesn't look for the dog
• Severe health problems make it impossible to have a dog in the house or impossible for the owner to care for the dog
• People become tired of caring for the dog, bored with the dog, or are unprepared to spend the time and effort required to train the dog
• People leave the country; quarantine laws in some countries can be traumatic to dogs and owners, so the dogs are often left behind

People deal with their unwanted dogs in many ways. Some people have the dog euthanized (also known as putting them down or putting them to sleep), no matter how young or healthy it is, although most veterinarians do not consider this to be an ethical use of their resources. Other people simply abandon the dog by the side of a road, often in the country, with the expectation that the dog will be able to take care of itself or that a neighbor or passer-by will adopt the dog. More often, these dogs succumb to hunger, weather, traffic, or common and treatable health problems. More responsibly, owners will take the dog to a shelter, or call a rescue organization, where the dog will be cared for properly until a home can be found. Homes cannot always be found, however, and euthanasia is often used for the excess animals to make room for newer dogs.

The central issue facing dog adoption is whether a new owner can provide a safe, secure, permanent home for dogs. Many shelters, pounds, and rescue organizations refuse to supply animals to people whom they judge cannot supply the animal with a suitable home.

A new owner might also face training challenges with a dog who has been neglected or abused.

Some resources for dog adoption:

1. PetFinder Adoptions
2. Dog Adoption Listings

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