When German Shepherd is ready for mating? A Guide to GSD Breeding
The Idea of Mating and Breeding a German Shepherd may confuse several individuals. Responsible breeding is definitely a daunting task, especially when it is about Shepherd, the most recognizable breeds.
When an individual steps forward to take responsibility for breeding, it also brings the pressure of producing healthy puppies.
With immense popularity and growing demand, German Shepherd owners often think of breeding them. The idea may seem fascinating at first, but behind the cause, there goes a lot of effort and patience.
Breeding a German Shepherd, from their health considerations to the right age and times, there are several aspects to look upon. Let’s learn about them.
In this detailed article, we will take a look at German Shepherd’s mating and breeding. What is the right age for GSDs to mate? How do you get GSDs to mate? What if the male Shepherd is not interested in mating? What to do if female GSD refuses to mate? Without any further ado, let’s get right to it.
Written By Sergey Uhanov – Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 10 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.
What is the right age for German Shepherds to mate?
Almost all the German Shepherds attain their sexual maturity at 2.5 years of age. This is the earliest when they can mate and reproduce. Before that, one must not emphasize breeding German Shepherds.
Also, regardless of the age, they have touched, the female Shepherd must also reach her emotional maturity before reproducing her litters. Even though a female starts getting her heat cycle before the age of 2 years, it isn’t still safe to make her breed. Getting into it too early can even play with your dog’s parenting abilities.
While for males, mating and breeding start safe from the age of 2 years. For females, experts suggest waiting until she turns 3 years. Further, the maximum recommended age for breeding German Shepherds is 8 years.
Once the dog (female) reaches the age of 8, her eggs start deteriorating, making the puppy vulnerable to birth defects.
Again, as males touch certain age, their sperm start to deteriorate. Past that, breeding is recommended neither for them.
How do you get a male dog interested in breeding?
If your male German Shepherd isn’t interested in breeding, it is due to the lack of Libido.
Libido is a sexual drive or desire that an individual has for sexual activity. Your dog needs to have the feeling of Libido in order to be able to breed successfully.
While most of the dogs develop this desire naturally, with some, it may take time. If your German Shepherd isn’t showing interest in breeding, there are a few things you can do to increase his Libido. Only make sure he has reached the required age, has no medical conditions, and has developed physically and mentally.
- A healthy dog feels more like reproducing, thus make sure his diet is well-balanced. Every meal your dog has must contain meat and all required nutrients. Along with food, ensure his water intake as well.
- Ensure enough daily exercise as, again, a healthy dog is more ready for reproducing.
- When the female dog is experiencing her heat cycle, leave the male dog with her. Females during heat have a really strong smell that works wonderfully in attracting dogs from even far away.
- Give your male dog some toy or other stuff with the female dog’s scent. It is her scent that will make the male ready for breeding.
- Some male dogs avoid breeding just because the female dog is too aggressive. Here in case, Muzzle the female dog so that the male dog can maintain his interest.
- While dogs don’t really mind human intervention during mating, you can still try giving them privacy. If your male dog is refusing to mate, chances are he is looking for a closed private space.
How many days will a female dog let a male mount her?
The female dog remains in her heat for about 4 to 15 days which is referred to as Estrus. It is when she is ready to mate.
However, as per breeding experts, she will not allow the male dog to mate until she is 7 to 9 days into her cycle.
Also, as per experts, the female dog let the male dog mount her for 3 days in general. This won’t happen continuously but, on the 9th, 11th, and 13th day of her heat cycle.
Can a female dog refuse to mate? Is it normal?
If your Female dog is refusing to mate, it is completely normal. While dogs are naturally blessed to breed and reproduce, some of them can simply refuse the process. Maybe your female canine can live an entire life without mating, which in any explanation is normal.
However, if the female dog refuses to mate a few times, it can be due to a lack of Libido. As explained above, Libido derives dogs from sexual activity, and no dog will have it maintained throughout.
Maybe your female dog is refusing to mate right now, but she may turn up for it later on. The scenario is purely situational, and there aren’t many tricks associated with the same.
Though if your female dog refuses to mate, you can once get her checked at the Vet. She may be going through some underlying medical condition; thus, getting her checked is advisable.
What does it mean when a female dog is flagging?
Flagging is a process where a female dog moves her tail aside. She does so to disperse her scent, show her female part, and attract the male dog. Female dogs flag mainly when she is in her Estrus stage of the heat cycle. It is an indication that she is now fertile and ready to mate.
Usually, Estrus is the only time a female dog will start flagging. During this phase, her genitals and vulva will swell and get darker in color.
You can also observe swelling around her nipples and even some changes in her mood.
What to do when female dog flagging but male not interested?
There can be several reasons that a male dog is showing disinterest towards a flagging female dog.
While commonly, once a female dog starts flagging, the male dog, in response, proceeds to mount her.
However, there could be cases where the male dog does sniff her around but does show no interest in mating.
Here are a few reasons why a male dog shows disinterest towards a female flagging dog:
- Because he is uninterested. As humans, sexual desire in dogs, too, is a matter of interest. Over any discussion and science, if your male dog is not responding to female flagging, he is uninterested.
- Due to inexperience. If it is the very first time for your male dog and he is showing apprehension, it is simply due to inexperience.
- Due to bad experiences. Male dogs who show disinterest in a female flagging may have had a bad experience earlier. Chances are they were not able to mount; the female behaved aggressively or more.
- Health issues. If your male dog isn’t feeling medically fit, he would definitely not generate interest towards a female flagging.
Wrapping up
Breeding your German Shepherd requires knowledge, time, and patience. Also, being over and above the right age and the appropriate health of both male and female dogs should be prioritized.
Overlooking both of these aspects can lead to medically unfit litter. It can also affect the health of both mating dogs. If you are new to the job, consult your Vet and breeding experts before moving forward with the task.
Taking experts’ advice and guidance is always helpful.
