Heat cycle

How often do Great Pyrenees cycle? And when would be the best time to breed them during the cycle?

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Jan 11, 2019
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by: Donna

The first question I would ask is why do you want to breed? If it's for money, please don't. If it's because you want the kids to see pups being born, watch a video of this. It's a lot of work.

That said, they go into heat every 6-7 months no matter the weather. The heat cycle may seem irregular in the beginning. A smaller dog may go into heat more often.

Reputable breeders only breed their bitches between 3 and 7 years old and at only 2, maybe 3 times in their lifetime. They know at least three generations back of both parents genetic lines and any health issues that might be carried to the next generation in which case you would not use that dog to breed. You also would need to ensure there is no aggression issues in the parents.

Breeding is a big responsibility. You need to be there 24/7 with mom and pups to ensure pups get full feedings with mom for the first 3 weeks and ensure they are healthy. You need to start early on house-training just the way their area is set up.

Mom needs to be xrayed during her pregnancy to ensure all pups are fine.

You must be prepared to have the pups socialized and handled by many many many different people coming into your home to do your best to ensure that by the time they mature, they will allow guests into the new people's home and they have no issues with being handled.

Do know that the shelters are full of Pyrs in the States because someone just wanted to breed. They sold the pups but they didn't bother to follow up to ensure the pups were spayed/neutered at the appropriate age. Hence, unwanted pups are born.

Reputable breeders will have contracts with 'buyers' where they must show proof of spay/neuter at the right age and also take dogs back if the 'buyer' can no longer keep the dog.

There is so much more you need to know. If you must breed, please find a reputable breeder who can mentor you.

I know you probably didn't want a lecture but as someone who has volunteered in dog rescue for years, we end up with the dogs who come from backyard breeders. There are usually issues with these dogs because of bad breeding, and lack of socialization and handling by breeders which makes them difficult to adopt out and is the reason they were surrendered.
Mar 16, 2020
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by: Jacki

Our vet said that our great pyrenees must be at least 12-14 months old before she would do her sterilization surgery. This is due to the need for hormones during rapid bone growth. So, our 8 month old is now in heat, and we must manage this in order to avoid breeding.
We have the diapers, and both of us are going out with her when she potties. Her walks have been suspended as well. What we need now is words of wisdom from those who have been here, so that we can manage this for her and for us.
Mar 16, 2020
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by: Donna

This group is helpful. It is run by Susan Garrett's team.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedogtrainingworkshop/

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