Are you one of the dog owners that do not have an idea when the pet gets sexually mature? The decision to get a dog means responsibilities that goes beyond filling the doggie bowls with food. The association of man and dog has been going on for hundreds of years. Dogs have become the helper and protector of man. This is the reason why, knowing when the dog will attain sexual maturity is one of the important responsibilities of a dog owner.

Puppies are adorable and irresistible bundles of fur. Puppies will be a source of endless fun for the family more so if there are kids as dogs are known to form a strong attachment with the children. For some dog owners, the arrival of new puppies will be a much awaited moment. Other owners though would not want to have additional dogs – probably due to space, financial and time constraints.

Thus, when no homes were found, the poor puppies would be abandoned or “donated” to animal shelters. When supply of puppies exceeds potential owners, animal authorities would have no other recourse but to dispose the pups the humane way. Controlling dog population a very significant reason why dog owners must ensure that the pet would not accidentally get pregnant. It is always good to know how to tell if your dog is pregnant.

Dogs not only have different personalities as the reproductive cycle of our canine friend also differs from breed to breed. Some breeds would retain their puppy-like exuberance. Sexual maturity of dogs differs from dog to dog but smaller breeds gain sexual maturity much earlier than larger breeds. For instance toy breeds would go into first heat at six months or even at four months and when mated will get pregnant. It is quite ironic really because large dogs, the breed that could have been ready to carry puppies because of the size are the ones that get sexually mature at a later age. Large breeds of dogs like a Great Dane or a Saint Bernard would come into first heat and would accept the attention of male dogs after reaching 18 to 24 months of age. Dogs in heat can get pregnant when mated.

Although small breeds attain sexual maturity at an early age, vets do not recommend breeding until after the dog has passed its first birthday or after the second or third heat cycle. At this age, the dog has a much better chance of sustaining the pregnancy. A young dog may not be physically mature to carry and to care for the puppies.