My bitch has recently had her season and I am planning to mate her on her next one, now, I know it is not an exact science but by my calculations she will be ready in the week between christmas and new year.  This makes it very awkward for us, we have a lovely dog lined up but he lives in London and we live in Hull so it is going to cost an absolute fortune to stay down there over christmas/new year.  I don't particularly want to leave it till next season as she will be four then.  I wouldn't object to paying out for accomodation normally, I know it's an expensive business, plus it would sort of spoil the holiday season as I hate London.  Do you think I should look for one closer to home?  Hull is a terrible area for dogs, there seem to be alot of sub standard dogs (apologies for anyone else from Hull with lovely dogs) and those out to make a quick buck. Does anyone else have a bitch with awkward seasons?  If so what did you do?

My bitch was also ready to be mated that week last year.  We left her with the owner of the dog, our breed is very small and we are good friends with the dogs owner.  She lived in the middle of nowhere and when i picked her up i had to climb a hill with snow up to my knees, it took me about half an hour to get up the hill.
If you are friends with the owner of the dog, would this be possible?

There are two ways of looking at this. If he's the very best dog you could possibly use on your bitch then bite the bullet. The pups will be born around early March and ready around May. That sounds lovely. Otherwise wait till the next season, six months will make no difference in my opinion 4 years old or 3 1/2, pups born August sometime and ready October ish, that's alright too. I think if this were me, I'd be hanging on the 6 months.

However, she might not even come into season when you think, my normally 6 month between, waited 8 months this last time. Stud dog owners are used to the will she or won't she scenario.

Good Luck.
Dawn R.

Thanks for your replies, just started looking at some other dogs that are available, there are some lovely ones about.  I've emailed her pedigree to a few owners to see what they think.  She is pretty regular with her seasons, she has already had one lovely litter, unfortunately the sire has passed away but I would like to try a different dog anyway this time.  I just worry that if I wait till next season and she misses then she will be four and half next time (shes a bulldog and I would worry about her age at four and a half.)  Anyway it's my birthday in May and it would be the best birthday present to pick out a puppy!!!  She also stands fairly early aswell usually about day 8 so I would have to take her for an ovulation test and would need to bear this in mind.

Gosh, I've never before heard that Bulldogs are too old at 4 or 41/2. Especially when it's not a first litter.
Dawn R.