At what age is first heat and at what age should we spay?

[sharman 2004]

Good Morning,
Okay, several questions here. First of all, at what age do females normally go into their first heat?? I have a 5 1/2 month old and I'm just wondering when this happens.

We did think about possibly breeding her however we both realize that we just do not have the time needed to put into a litter, it wouldn't be fair to her or the puppies. So, with this being said, at what age is the best age to spay her? I've heard a whole variety of answers from 6 months to let her have her first heat and then spay her. If the latter is correct, what can I expect when she is in season (other than her wanting to hop the fence! )? For instance, will she just spot or is it more than spotting? How long does it last, etc... I've always spayed my other dogs at 6 months so have never gone through this.

Any and all help is appreciated!

[moondog]

I'm glad you've wisely decided not to breed, although I must say it takes more than having time to justify breeding. It takes health clearances and proven (meaning titled) adherence to the standard and working ability, too.....not to mention the ability to make the right match to give puppies the best chance of minimizing health risks and maximizing proper Rottweilerness!

If you can GUARANTEE that your girl will not have access to intact males while in heat (this means NEVER outside unleashed or unattended during heat so NO possibility of hopping the fence or having a male hop in), then I would wait until she's at least 18 months to spay. Studies have shown that early spay increases the incidence of bone cancer in Rottweilers, and waiting until she's finished growing will reduce that risk.

My dog's first heat was at 8 month and lasted 4 weeks, with noticeable spotting during two of the four weeks. She kept herself very clean and between that and well-placed blankets, any cleanup on my part was minimal. She was a bit edgier during her heat cycle, but nothing major.

[trish603a]

zoey had her first heat right before she turned six months old and it lasted for four weeks. there is some "heavy" bleeding, that is not just spotting that takes place for about 2-3 weeks during the heat. i agree with Moondog, unless you can keep her inside and away from ALL possibilities of getting pregnant, i would spay her now. we did the cloth diaper for zoey for the first 3 weeks then she started to show signs of irritation so we took it off and just baby gated her to the kitchen and living room. she had her blanket which she would stay on for a majority of the time. zoey also had her edgier moments during this time, but she rebounded quick.

[sharman 2004]

Thanks Moondog! Of course I should have added in there about the proper health clearances and the breed standard to make puppies with the proper "Rottweilerness"!!! It was in my head, just didn't make it to the keyboard!

We would be able to ensure she doesn't get out or have males getting into our yard. So, if we do wait until 18 months, how often do their cycles come?

[sharman 2004]

Trish603...6 MONTHS?? Are their "signs" that heat is about to start...other than the obvious?

[trish603a]

well with zoey, i noticed she started to shed A LOT about two weeks before her heat. then her vulva started to swell and her tits became more noticeable and enlarged. about three days after these symptoms she started to spot, about a week later she was in her "full blown" heat. they normally cycle about every 6 months. but every female is different, as far as how long they will be in heat, when they will have their first, and how long in between.

[lowriderswoman]

I am very concerned about spaying a very young rottie, I have done research about it, and it closely links ostersocoma to rottie when spayed too young. I am by far not an expert by any means, but this is very alarming to me.

[chinth]

Very good question.indeed some of our breeders here does it twice a year every six months..Is this okay??? And I want to know is this the same for MALES too??? after 18months????

[elustrations]

thank you to all that posted in here, i have a 9mths (today) old female rottie. And i havent go t a clue about how long her heat lasts but after reading some of your posts i'm sure i wouldnt be as worried as i was before ... 4weeks ... i'll keep an eye out for that as she's been spotting for about 2weeks now.

It feels good to be a male all over again!