At what age is a male dog nomally mature?  I have a 12 week old male and a 20 week old female.  I plan on getting one "done" as soon as possible but was wondering if he would be at the stage to "perform" when my bitch has her first season of should I take action anway to seperate them and let my mam look after one until the end of her first season?  I rehomed these pups so please dont think I have bought them to breed or say I should have thought about it before now.  Thanks in advance you are all stars

At least male dogs DO mature, unlike their human counter-parts :rolleyes:

lol liberty I am that mature Im like cheddar lol

I think the best idea would be for your Mum to look after the little fellow - you then could make sure that little lady doesn't get out - then you could book her spaying for about 3 months later roughly half way between seasons!

Mmm - mature chedder cheese - not going to be allowed if we're all going on diets :D

Margot

like cheddar   !!!!!!!    what sweaty and stinky ????      :D

Hi Dizzy!!! Will PM you.

I've read that a male dog is fertile from about 6 months of age. Of course it would be unwise to let him mate at that age, so I would suggest that he stays with your mum while your bitch is in season, and if you're going to have her spayed, have it done about 3 months after her season.
:)

I personally know of a male puppy that mated a bitch when he was four months of age which resulted in puppies. It is best not to take the risk.

Snomaes

Thanks I will keep an eye out for her first season (what is normally the first sign, havent had a bitch before and awaitng my copy of the bitch)  His bags are packed ready for the off lol mum has been warned lol

What breed or type (x-breed, size) is the bitch?   The time to first season can vary enormously between different breeds of dogs and some bitches do have a 'silent' first season with little indication (to the human) that the bitch is in season.

Hi the breed is Shih Tzu :-)