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Unfixed male & unspayed female dogs: aggression or pregnancy risk?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hello! I am a dogsitter, and I've been asked to sit an unfixed dog at the same time as an unspayed bitch. I was wondering if there is a risk they'd act weird or aggressive around each other, if the dog wants to mount but the bitch gets very defensive for instance, or if there is a risk of pregnancy. I will be with them at all times. The female is a Landseer and the male is a Labrador, so there is a considerable size difference. They are both around 3 years old. Thank you very much

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 26th, 2018

If there is any chance that the female could be going into heat then I would avoid this situation. While most people think they can keep dogs separated, accidents happen (dogs jump fences, etc.) and unplanned mating occurs. Whether or not they are aggressive towards eachother will really depend on each dog's personality, as many unfixed dogs will get along. Perhaps if the bitch was starting to come into heat but not yet ready to breed and the male wouldn't leave her alone there might be some problems.
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