Surprisingly, male dogs appear to be more stress sensitive than females during mating. Successful matings are more common when the male dog is in its own environment. For this reason females are usually taken to the male dog's home for breeding.

The time of mating is extremely critical and it is highly recommended that you have tested your female to determine the optimal days for breeding. For most females, the best time for breeding is between the tenth and fourteenth day of oestrus. However, some females ovulate as early as the third or fourth day or as late as the eighteenth day. Blood tests will assist in determining the best period for your dog.

It is normal to arrange for two matings for your dog, often twenty-four or forty-eight hours apart. Check these details with the owner of the stud when making initial enquiries. Also inquire as to the procedure if your female dog does not become pregnant as a result of the stud service. It is common for owners of the male dog to offer a free service next time.

This is mostly used to help detect when the optimum time for mating is for bitches. The hormone tested for is usually progesterone. Often multiple tests are required to predict ovulation.

Hormone testing can also be useful for detecting if a neutered animal has any remnant tissue left behind in cases of unusual behaviour.

This can be done for breeding purposes or to help look at the reproductive health of a male dog. It is a simple procedure able to be performed on most conscious dogs during a consult.


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