How many months before a Shih Tzu can mate?

How many months before a Shih Tzu can mate?

A male’s sperm will be viable at 7-months-old (it typically is by 4-months); however, we suggest waiting until a male Shih Tzu is at the 1-year-mark, to ensure strong sperm. Additionally, a female should be retired from breeding at 7-years-old, if health status does not warrant this done sooner.

At what age do Shih Tzu puppies go into heat?

How Often Do Shih Tzu Go Into Heat? A female Shih Tzu can go into heat as young as four months old, which for most dogs is quite early. This might seem quite early as your Shih Tzu will still be a puppy but they are capable of having puppies at quite a young age but not recommended.

What age do puppies start to menstruate?

On average, puberty (or sexual maturity) is reached at about six months of age, but this can vary by breed. Smaller breeds tend to have their first estrous cycle at an earlier age, while large and giant breeds may not come into heat for the first time until they reach eighteen months to two years of age.

How many puppies do Shih Tzus usually have?

On average, Shih Tzus will have around 3 puppies in each litter usually. 3 to 4 would be the average range, however it’s not unusual for older Shih Tzus to have larger litters after their first time, with up to 5 or 6 puppies.

How long do Shih Tzu have their period?

The average heat cycle lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. You may not notice all of the signs for this entire period; however, even if there are no obvious signs near the beginning or end of the cycle, a female can still become impregnated.

How do I know if my dog has her period?

What Signs Indicate That My Dog Is in Heat?

  1. Swollen vulva.
  2. Bloody or straw-colored discharge from the vulva.
  3. Receptive to male dogs.
  4. Excessive licking of the genital area.
  5. Agitated, nervous, or aggressive behavior.
  6. Urinating more frequently.
  7. Change in tail position.

When do Shih Tzu puppies go on heat?

At 4 months, shih tsu puppies are very active. When the puppy is 6 months old, it has reached adolescence and puberty. Females will go on heat for the first time and this is the time to consider spaying them. Pups now understand the household hierarchy and might even challenge the ranking depending on their judgment of the situation.

How long is the pregnancy cycle for a Shih Tzu?

If you normally walk your dog, continue to do so. But don’t allow her to over exert herself. Knowing week by week timeline of events and how long they last can help you to face any difficulties with bells on. All in all, the length of pregnancy cycle is nine weeks in total.

When do Shih Tzu puppies start to gain weight?

It’s interesting to note that although these puppies don’t grow much beyond one year of age, they can gain some weight after that time. If they are fed a healthy diet, they won’t gain more weight beyond 12 to 15-months. They reach their full adult height at around 6 – 8 months.

When do Shih Tzu puppies get their baby teeth?

Of course, most Shih Tzu owners will never get to see this phase in their dental development stage as Shih Tzu puppies should not be leaving their mother until they are at least 8 weeks old. Here’s the order in which your Shih Tzu’s baby teeth will come though:

How often does a shih tzu puppy have a menstrual cycle?

Dogs do not really have a menstrual cycle but they have oestrous (being in heat) instead, twice a year and from around 6 months approx ( differs in different breeds and in individuals). There is a saying that ” Ovulation and oestrus go together but menstruation and ovulation do not”.

When does a Shih Tzu start its heat cycle?

Small breeds like the Shih Tzu usually have their cycle earlier than the other breeds. This starts between the age of 4 and 7 months old which is a surprise to a lot of owners because around this time, the Shih Tzu is still considered a puppy.

How old does a shih tzu puppy have to be?

Usually at 6-9 months of age but should not be bred in this time for she is very young. Can be as early as 4 months or as late as 7 months but is usually 5 or 6 months for them. Here is the breed parent club and some other information for you.

When do you know if your Shih Tzu is pregnant?

The Shih Tzu gestation period is 63 days on average, which is the same for all breeds of dogs, large and small. The first sign that your dog is pregnant, is a change in behavior. She might be less active if she used to be active or she might become markedly more active.