All my dogs/bitches in the past have come from Rescue Centres and have either been neutered by them or I've done it as soon as I've had them.  I now have the opportunity of taking on a Shiz tsu sp? bitch that evidently is KC papered so am loath to spay her just in case.  But I know absolutely nothing about seasons, what they look like, how long they last, when they occur, do they need to be kept in at that time??  Can someone please fill me in?  Sorry to be such a dimwit on this.

Hi - and welcome to Champdogs!

Even though your new Rescue is KC registered, I would still recommend that you have her spayed - in all probability there will be restrictions on her pedigree, and unless you know her medical history/lines, it is not a good idea to contemplate breeding from her!   

Basically, she will come into season roughly every six months, will bleed (sometimes profusely, sometimes not) for between 10 - 18 days (approximately) - and will be desireable to every male dog in the vicinity - be he great dane or chiuhawa!!   She could then have phantom pregnancies, where she might act as if she was pregnant and become very broody, trying to nest and some will even try to nurse their toys!

I suggest that you get hold of a copy of The Book of the Bitch, and read through it - it does help understand the reproductive side of owning a bitch!

Regards

Margot

Yes I think you are right.  Can't be doing with all the PMT!!!

>>>I now have the opportunity of taking on a Shiz tsu sp? bitch that evidently is KC papered so am loath to spay her just in case.<<<

Hi Sutton :)
do you mean with regard to future breeding or for showing purposes?

Oh I'm  not showing but I thought as her owner said that she was the pick of a litter of show puppies and was KC papered then I might be doing her an injustice not to further the line as it were.  But as I said, I think it would be better to have her spayed then at least I wouldn't be worried on walks!  Her owner is going to Oz and won't be taking her hence the opportunity for me.

she wont mind not having puppys,& youll save alot of trouble & worry by having her done. my friends still going through hell with her bitch,6 months after her first season shes still not back to normal!

... and PMT with teeth is no joking matter

Margot

Does that cover humans as well  Margot ? :)

...well according to my OH I have been known to snap from time to time    

Margot ;)

Sorry to disappoint you, but any breeder who says they have a litter of show puppies is kidding themself - and you :( A breeder is lucky to get 1 good show puppy in a litter - a full litter would be a miracle