Sexual maturity in males
When your young male reaches puberty, he begins to show his first interest in female dogs. During this time, his body begins to increasingly produce sex hormones. In addition, the formation of sperm cells begins during puberty. For you, your dog’s puberty is particularly noticeable when he practices his first attempts at mating and begins to mark his territory.
When your male dog actually becomes sexually mature depends in particular on the size of his breed. Because large dog breeds usually hit puberty later than their smaller counterparts. As a rule, however, you can assume that puberty will start in a male dog between the ages of five and eight months.
The Breeding Maturity
Incidentally, sexual maturity must not be confused with breeding maturity. Breeding maturity is defined as the point in time when the body and genitals of the male have developed to such an extent that it can be used in breeding.
The VDH (Association for German Dogs) prescribes a minimum age of between 12 and 24 months for male dogs used in breeding. As with sexual maturity, the exact age depends on the breed of dog or its average size.
Sexual maturity in bitches
Sexual maturity usually occurs in bitches between the ages of six and twelve months. As with males, the timing of sexual maturity is largely dependent on the size of the breed. Females of large dog breeds mature later than those of smaller breeds.
In addition, differences can also be observed within a breed. In rare cases it can take up to 20 months before the first heat. However, it usually occurs when the dog has reached about two-thirds of its body weight.
As a dog owner, you can tell your bitch is sexually mature when she comes into heat for the first time. The heat is noticeable, among other things, in the form of bleeding and an emerging interest from and in male dogs. Some bitches, however, show little external cue when they first heat, so frequent urination and licking of the genitals are the only signs in this case.
Usual heat intervals
Normally, a bitch that has reached sexual maturity comes into heat twice a year, with about six to seven months between heats. However, differences are also possible here. Because the cycle is individual for every bitch.
For this reason, it is not uncommon for a bitch to come into heat once or even three times in a two-year period instead of twice a year. In addition, there are some dog breeds for which one heat per year is normal.
If your dog’s cycle is within this range, there is usually nothing to worry about. However, if she comes into heat three or even four times a year, the function of the ovaries is very likely to be impaired. If this is the case, you should have your dog examined by a veterinarian.
Sexual maturity in dogs at a glance
In most cases, dogs become sexually mature within their first year of life. Exactly when sexual maturity begins depends on various factors.
- Small dogs generally become sexually mature earlier than representatives of large breeds.
- Individual differences in timing of sexual maturity are possible.
- Males reach puberty between the ages of five and eight months.
- Males reach breeding maturity between the ages of 12 and 24 months.
- Bitches come into heat between the sixth and twelfth month of life.
- Normally, bitches come into heat twice a year, with longer intervals not being uncommon.
When do dogs become sexually mature? Our conclusion
The onset of puberty or the first heat show that your dog has outgrown puppyhood. As the owner, this time in the life of your four-legged friend can certainly present some challenges that you have to get used to first.
You may be considering neutering your pubescent dog, which has some benefits. After all, castration in dogs can not only prevent unwanted reproduction, but also help prevent some diseases. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and, if in doubt, seek advice from your veterinarian.