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My 1-year-old female Lhasa Apso hasn't had her first heat. Is she okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Lhasa Apso | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 11 lbs

My Lhasa apso dog is female and is 1 year and 20 days old exactly but she has not gotten her first heat yet. I am worried it might cause health problems for her

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2018

She could still go into heat at any time. Some dogs go into heat later than others, although smaller breed dogs tend to go into heat by a year of age. It could also be that she has gone into heat, but it was a silent heat so you didn't notice any signs of it. I'd have her checked out by a vet to be safe. Best of luck.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 14th, 2017
Some female dogs will not even get their first heat until they are about 2 years old. So not having a second heat at this age is normal, and not associated with any illness or pathology. You should wait until the second or third heat before breeding your dog, and she should be mentally and physically mature.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 28th, 2018
She may have one heat cycle per year and probably the first one she had was showing few signs or none (it is fairly common in young females).
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 30th, 2019
It is best to wait to breed any dog until they are 18-24 months of age. I think she is too young and you should wait. Here is more information about breeding dogs. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

( https://www.petcoach.co/article/breeding-your-dog-questions-to-ask-yourself/ )

( https://www.petcoach.co/article/canine-reproduction-and-breeding-dogs/ )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Why haven't my female dogs gone into heat by age one? Is it normal?

They will never ne as large as their brother being female. Sometimes the first heat can be silent in that you dont see any outward sign. I would keep a close eye now as their second heat should be imminent.

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My 1.5-year-old female dog hasn't had her first heat. Can she breed?

It is unusual that Maria hasn't gone into her first heat at her age, and it's possible that she has had a heat but it was a silent heat. I'd recommend a check up with the vet for this problem. It would be rare if she was born without a uterus, but it could be possible. Only a vet can diagnose this. I'd make an appointment for her this week. I hope this helps!

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My 9-month-old Yorkie hasn't had her first heat. Is this normal?

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Health & Wellness

My 9-month-old female dog hasn't had her first heat. Is she okay?

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Why has my older female dog stopped going into heat? Is it normal?

Female dogs don't actually stop having [heats](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs). This is because as they get older, they do not always show the external or behavioral signs that they are actually having a heat, this can sometimes be referred to as a ‘silent heat.' It is important to remember that even though your dog may not be showing signs of being in season that she could still get pregnant if mated by an intact male dog. Ideally, you should consider having her [spayed](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-dogs). There may also be an undiagnosed hormonal disease or ovarian disease present that stopped her cycling. In order to make sure it is not a serious condition you should have her checked by a veterinarian. It is possible that it is a harmless reason, but it is also possible that there is a serious underlying condition.

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My 7-month-old puppy hasn't had her first heat. Is this normal?

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