Estrus

Three distinct stages of the heat cycle:

“Proestrus”

During this stage there will often be bleeding from the vulva. It is the period immediately before estrus in most female mammals, characterized by development of the endometrium and ovarian follicles. The bleeding itself can be slight or she can leave evidence of her condition everywhere she sits or lays. In addition to bleeding, the vulva will also swell and the dog will usually have an increase in urination. The most obvious signs are the increase in population of male dogs around their house. This proestrus part of the cycle will last between 7-11 days and the female will make it clear she wants no part of the male during this time. Unfortunately, the male dogs don’t know how to take no for an answer. They will climb or dig under fences, attempt to breed through the fence if the female strays close enough and often serenade the dog and owner into the wee hours of the night.

“Estrus”

This is the "In Season" or "In Heat" cycle of the female dog. It is the period all unsprayed female dogs go through at least once and usually twice a year .The heat cycle will often begin between day 8 an10 after the first sign of color (bleeding). The average estrus cycle in a dog is approximately 21 days and this cycle usually occurs every 6-7 months. The first cycle will often depend on the size of the dog. Small breeds will come into heat between five and seven months. Large breeds may have their first heat cycle at 6 months but it isn’t unusual for them to delay until they are 12-16 months. During this time the color of the blood goes from bright red to pink and then to an almost clear discharge. She will show her willingness to be bred by “flagging” whenever you scratch the area directly above her tail. By flagging, she will actually stand still and lift her tail up and out of the way. For those Dobermans that have had their tails docked very close, you may want to have a veterinarian do a vaginal smear. Each stage of the cycle will have different types of cells appear on the slide. It is during this stage most females will allow any dog to breed with her. The estrus stage can last between 4-7 days and the female can become pregnant with mixed litters. Just because you bred your purebred Doberman to another purebred Doberman doesn’t mean she can’t have puppies from the same litter with the German Shepherd up the street. It is best to keep her confined in the house during the entire estrus cycle or take the easy way out and board her during that period of time. If she is kept at home, you may want to purchase a crate to keep her in.

“Diestrus.”

This is when the female is going out of heat. During this time she will still be giving off the heat “scent” and males will still be congregating for her attentions. Once again she will be out of the mood and will snap at the males or sit and lie down when they try to mount her. The diestrus stage will last approximately 7-10 days. Once it is over, the dog will remain out of heat for approximately six to eight months.