Hi everyone (anyone!)
Its the first time i have used the site so please be gentle!
My wife Debbie and i have our first Dalmatian called Minstrel ,a liver spot, dob 18.05.2003. We are considering breeding from her and although we are hearing alot about injections to stop her seasons we are also told that she needs to have the first which we obviously have no problem with. But what we are concerned about is just when it will come?...what are the signs?....how high will we have to build our garden fence?....will we need guns?....etcetc!
Any advice would be welcome.
Regards
Keith, Debbie and Minstrel

Hi there,6-9 months of age is the general age that my dogs come into season,but there are the odd ones that dont go by the book.As for knowing when she is in season she will have a swollen and flabby looking vulva(i so hate that word lol).Then she will bleed for about 9 or so days then it will turn into a light orange straw colour loss.Thats when they say the most fertile time is.But dont take that as a rule because i have had bitches take before and after this time.As for letting her out,i wouldnt let her out alone at all until her season is well and truly over.She will be just as willing to get out as the boys will be to get in.But thats what my dogs are like,so only a guideline as i dont have dalmations,someone will let you know what they are like though.And go on amazon and buy 'the book of the bitch'all you need to know is in there.

Folks calm down, just give your bitch the sort of care you do to stop her getting run over. Do not let her out into your garden and ignore her, do not let her off the lead where there is danger (male dogs) And if you do not wish to be a problem to any owners of male dogs in your area do not take her out after day 7 until she has finished. Owning a brood bitch has problems attached but with commons sense it is not that much of a problem. Far less worry than your daughter will cause, they can't be confined to their home.

Hi Keith,
I have had dalmatians for very many years. If you register with the Forum you will have access to my email address - I'll be happy to help in any way I can.

In the meantime, she could come into season anytime between 6 months and a year. I would suggest you buy "The Book of the Bitch" which will tell you everything you need to know about bitches and their seasons, mating etc. You have plenty of time to learn because breed club Codes of Conduct stipulate that no bitch should be mated before her second birthday (usually on her 4th season).

When she is in season you will not be able to leave her unattended in your garden at any time, so the height of the fence is irrelevant! An eager suitor can easily scale 6'.

I am assuming she has been BAER tested and has passed bilateral?

Just being nosy. What is BAER test?

It stands for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response.
See here for details.
:)

Thanks, thought it was something to do with deafness but couldn't work out what it stood for - never would have done either! Now I know.

well Jeangenie, here we are STILL with Minstrel a `season` virgin at 6 month plus and despite her size she is our muddy puppy. Never having owned ANY kind of of a dog before i am amazed how important she is to me! She truley is my wifes soul mate and as close to her in her own way as was the 12 year old son we lost almost 4 years ago......does that sound weird???........its not meant to and i`m not sure how Debbie would feel about me saying that but Minstrel is so very special and i think i owt say goodnight so i will...Keith an Debs

Keith, i can't have any more children any my girl is the baby i'll never have!! She sleeps with me, comes in the car with me, Everything i do she is there. She adores me and vice versa........Everytime i see humans i prefer my dog more roflmao (that saying always makes me smile :D