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. Dogs have been the companion of man for ages. Dogs have protected and have helped man in a lot of capacities. This is the reason why, knowing when the dog will attain sexual maturity is one of the important responsibilities of a dog owner.

Anyone would be attracted by cuddly bundles of fur. Puppies would bring lots of fun times to the family especially if there are children as kids and dogs are known to form legendary attachment. A lot of dog owners would eagerly anticipate the puppies of the pet. Other owners though would not want to have additional dogs – probably due to space, financial and time constraints.

If no one would want to care for the puppies the wee things will simply be abandoned. These “surplus” dogs commonly have a tragic end as most are put to sleep. Controlling dog population a very significant reason why dog owners must ensure that the pet would not accidentally get pregnant. Do not forget to read up on how you can tell if your dog is pregnant.

Dogs are known to differ not only in personalities but in reproductive cycle as well. A lot of dogs would reach social maturity at an advance age as the puppy-like exuberance will be retained even if the dog matures. The same thing is true with sexual maturity as some breed would be sexually mature at an early age and other would be considered as “late bloomers”. For instance toy breeds would go into first heat at six months or even at four months and when mated will get pregnant. Large breed females would generally come into first heat at a much later age. A Great Dane or a Saint Bernard would exhibit flagging and would be ready to be mated at 18 to 24 months of age. Dogs in heat can get pregnant when mated.

Small breed come into heat at an early age but breeding is not recommended if the dog has not yet passed the 2nd or 3rd heat cycle. Small breed mature sexually at an early age but their bodies are still developing. Young dogs that are not yet prepared to get pregnant can endanger not only its life but the puppies as well.