Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My 1-year-old female GSD isn't in heat. Is that normal? When can I breed her?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 1 year old

Good day Doctor. My female GSD is one year old now and she hasn't been on heat yet. Not that I want to breed her now, but I just want to know if it's normal. And from what age is it safe to breed her?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 12th, 2017

Large dogs such as Tasha often do not come into heat until 10-15 months old so I'm not concerned yet. I like to have them be at least two years old and have their hips checked with an X-ray for hip dysplasia before breeding. German Shepard Dogs can have bad hips that can be passed on to the puppies so I always want to make sure both parents have good hips before breeding. Generally I recommend the female dog only have one to two litters as having puppies and raising them is a lot of work for her, and you too! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tasha.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My GSD hasn't had her first heat. When is it safe to breed her?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When an animal goes in to heat depends usually on the breed. Since Tash is a large breed dog 12-18 months isn't unusual. I would expect Tash should com e in to season soon! Toy breeds tend to go into heat sooner 6-8 months. There is a lot of debate on when to first breed a dog. I know a Veterinarian who breeds her Frenchie's on their very first heat cycle. Some say let them go in to heat once. I am more in the letting them have a heat cycle first. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 1-year-old male GSD: Is he old enough to breed a female dog?

It's not recommended to mate a male dog until he is at least two years of age. That's because large breed dogs can take up to 15 months to be sexually mature, and at two years of age, the dog will be fully mature both physically and emotionally. I would wait until Bruno is two years of age before mating him.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 1-year-old dog having brown discharge but no heat?

Sometimes female dogs do not come into heat until they are 2 years old. This would not be abnormal. If you would like to know whether Gypsy is in heat now, I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. The vet will take a vaginal swab and look at the cells under the microscope and can tell you exactly whether she is not cycling, in pre-estrus, or estrus.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When to spay a German Shepherd puppy? Should she have a litter?

I typically recommend that female dogs are spayed before they go into their first heat. With a German Shepherd being a larger breed, that can be closer to 12 months of age. I would spay Casper before that time. It is never recommended to breed a dog on their first heat, so no, I would not let her have litter first. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why isn't my 3-year-old female dog going into heat? Is it serious?

She may be extremely clean and you might not notice when she is in heat. If you intend to breed her I suggest you have her examined by a theriogenologist or veterinarian specialised in dog breeding . She may not be cycling due to ovarian cysts, or may be missing ovaries, or have hormonal problems.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 9-month-old husky is in heat. Is she too young to breed?

Ideally, she should not be bred until she is at least 2 years old. This will ensure she is fully develop and able to maintain and whelp a litter. It is likely you will not be able to complete any genetic testing or infectious disease testing on her and any potential stud before she is no longer receptive. A complete exam with your veterinarian if there are concerns about her current growth/condition.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share