Mating of French bulldogs should occur on certain days and only from the right age. These are dogs whose breeding is considered not the easiest process. The owner must take into account the nuances of character, breed characteristics, date and duration of estrus. It is necessary to monitor the health of both the dog and the bitch, and help immediately at the moment of mating, especially if this is the first time for the animals.
Suitable age
It is recommended to untie a French Bulldog bitch no earlier than at the age of one and a half years. If you mate immediately after the first heat, there is a high probability that the dog will stop developing and will not survive childbirth well. The most appropriate moment is starting from the third heat. Puberty of males ends by the first year of life, females - earlier, by 6 months. Before breeding an animal, you need to make sure that the required estrus phase has arrived. There are several of them:
- The first 9 days are proestrus. The bitch shows interest in males, but mating should not be allowed at this moment.
- From 9 to 14 days - estrus. This is the most suitable period for mating. Bitches are ovulating.
- After the 14th day - metestrus. The dog's behavior is changing, there is still discharge, but it aggressively drives away male dogs and does not experience sexual desire.
As can be seen from these periods, the dog needs to be bred from the ninth to the fourteenth day of estrus, so the owner must record the stages of estrus by day.
If, nevertheless, the moment to start counting was missed, then you can determine the appropriate moment by eye, by the dog’s behavior: it will sit down, when you stroke the back towards the tail, it raises its tail and crouches, without touching its backside to the ground.
But if, when you touch the loop (the genital organ of French bulldogs), its edges move apart spontaneously, then it means that the time has come, you can’t hesitate. Male French Bulldogs are usually bred by age two.
Complications during childbirth
Above, we looked at the process of normal childbirth, when the bitch gives birth on her own, and the owner only encourages her or calms her down and accepts the puppies. But due to the fact that French bulldogs have a specific skull structure, and they themselves have a tendency to obesity, this process does not always go without any problems.
So, what are the complications during childbirth in French bulldogs?
Weak contractions or pushing
Most often this happens when there are dead puppies in the uterus or when the bitch is overfed and not trained enough - excess weight and weak muscles weaken labor. Only a veterinarian can determine the reason for this. And he, if necessary, will give the bitch an injection to stimulate labor.
Too big puppy
A very common complication in French bulldog bitches, since puppies have very large foreheads, which is why they often get stuck in the birth canal . There is only one thing that can help here - a caesarean section.
Incorrect position of puppies
You can try to correct their situation. Only this should be done exclusively by a veterinarian, who, after giving the bitch anesthesia and waiting for the muscles to relax, can try to turn the puppies so that they lie correctly.
Strange discharge
They can appear if a puppy or placenta remains in the uterus. Such discharge is a reason to immediately contact a veterinarian.
Ectopic pregnancy
With it, one or more puppies develop not in the uterus, but in the abdominal cavity. In this case, only immediate surgery can save the dog, after which the bitch will require long-term treatment.
Lack of milk
In this case, you need to call a veterinarian to give the bitch a special injection.
Breeding Features
To obtain purebred individuals, you need to make sure that both French bulldogs are of good blood, have documents and meet breed standards.
Both animals should be moderately well-fed and not overfed.
Because this has a bad effect on the male’s ability to fertilize, and for the female it means a difficult pregnancy and childbirth.
It is believed that for this breed it is good to make a pair of a smaller male and a larger female.
This will help avoid the birth of very large puppies, which often causes problems during childbirth. Bitches have a hereditary tendency to fertility; the ability to bear offspring well and give birth without complications is genetically transmitted to them. And the character of the male is an important factor in the mating process. Mutual sympathy is encouraged in dog couples; if both animals show interest in each other and not aggression, the mating will be calmer.
How to understand that the female is ready to mate:
- Her appetite changes. Wants to eat more or, on the contrary, refuses to eat.
- Flirts with male dogs, takes characteristic poses.
- The loop noticeably increases in size and becomes softer.
What to look for when choosing a mating partner:
- Origin, titles, relatives of the dog.
- His state of health (including the presence of hereditary problems).
- The dog has reached the age of two.
- If the bitch is having her first mating, it is best to use an experienced male.
Preparation stages
Since the dog owner usually knows in advance that the bitch will be bred in a future heat, he should take care of the health of the animal.
About a month before the upcoming heat, take your dog to the vet.
Treat for parasites (worms, etc.), vaccinate if necessary.
If the bitch is overweight, you need to stick to a diet, bringing her to the desired state. As soon as estrus begins, vitamin and mineral complexes are added to the dog’s diet. This will help during pregnancy and childbirth in the future. Immediately before mating, the dog needs to be given a good walk and fed no earlier than three hours before mating. It is best to carry out mating in the male’s territory, this will allow him to feel confident.
The room where mating takes place must be spacious, safe, without extraneous noise, objects, other animals, and the floor must not be slippery.
Basic rules, instructions
There are two ways to carry out mating: manually, with the help of the owners, or without it, when the dogs do it on their own. Experts recommend turning to the second method more often, and resorting to the help of owners only if the dogs categorically refuse to breed themselves. The animals are introduced to each other and then left alone. You need to periodically check how the process is going. If circumstances go well, the animals will do everything themselves. But if this does not happen, the female is stubborn, aggressive, the male is smaller and cannot get closer, the dogs need help.
Problems
Often, problems may arise during mating that can be resolved by the owner or an experienced dog breeder present at the mating.
Bitch is not given for mating
This can happen if the dog is not ready for mating, is afraid of its partner, or feels unwell. At the beginning of the acquaintance, the female may growl at the male and not give in, but this should pass. If she does not allow the male dog to mount, then you need to calm her down. You need to put on a muzzle and sit down with your muzzle between your knees. There is no need to press hard and cover the dog with your body and legs; the male must have access to her. The bitch should be calmed down.
When the male has sexual intercourse, she may begin to struggle (if the sensation is painful for the dog, she is afraid). Then you should hold the dog under the stomach with your hand and do not let it sit or lie down. You need to hold the bitch tightly. Subsequently, the animal will calm down. The response to the male's friction and his orgasm is the bitch's own orgasm, after which the penis is clamped by the walls of the vagina. This condition is called gluing and is completely natural.
The male shows no interest
This can happen if the male is young and is mating for the first time.
The owner should encourage the dog, help him climb onto the bitch, placing his paws on the croup.
If even after this the dog does not understand what needs to be done, the animals are separated for a couple of hours, then brought together again.
After this, in most cases, the male begins to mount himself.
If this is not the first time a male dog has been mated, he is experienced, but refuses further action, which means that the day of estrus is determined incorrectly.
Males instantly react to the readiness of females, and if the period is not suitable, they will refuse mating.
Ejaculation outward
This happens if the dog is inexperienced. If the dog has made several attempts to seize the female and is unable to cope, ejaculation occurs externally. You cannot continue mating, the male is not ready for this. It is necessary to separate the animals into different rooms and repeat the mating after a few days.
No sticking
A lock is not necessary for pregnancy to occur. Even if there was no mating, fertilization can still occur. What to do if the lock does not happen? It is necessary to prevent the male from getting off the female; the dogs should be held in this position for about 15 minutes, then allowed to separate without sudden movements.
If mating does not occur, perhaps the day for mating was chosen incorrectly. It's better to do it again.
Character
The calm dog gets along well in a family with all members of the household. A stable psyche allows you to get along with children and be patient if the owner is busy. But the sociable nature of dogs requires a lot of attention to the pet.
Games, entertainment, and walks together reveal the courage and intelligence of the French bulldog. A dog with a serious look turns out to be the most cheerful companion, not allowing anyone to get bored.
Fearless defenders do not know panic or fear. They have excellent reactions and are wary of unfamiliar people. Dogs rarely bark; this requires a special reason. In case of danger they will always give a voice.
Attachment to the owner is manifested in obedience and the ability to feel the mood. Owners value pets for their talent to recognize a person’s sad state, their ability to dispel their melancholy with their attention and positive attitude.
The French Bulldog is a proud dog that requires respect. Does not tolerate spanking, bullying, or any aggression. Violence towards a pet causes a response. The dog can bite the enemy and harbor a grudge.
If the punishment was undeserved or cruel, the dog will take revenge when the opportunity arises. It should be noted that the pet will willingly accept the desire to reconcile if it feels sincerity and friendliness. Communication on equal terms is a guarantee of true friendship and devotion of the French Bulldog.
The attitude towards other animals in the house is contradictory. If the pets grew up together, then the bulldog will not harass another puppy or cat. But he will perceive the appearance of a new inhabitant jealously, will stubbornly fight for increased attention, and show aggression towards the newcomer. Meeting other dogs on walks does not arouse the bulldog's reciprocal sympathy; only proper education will help restrain his fighting impulses.
The dog's disadvantages include stubbornness and laziness. The extent to which French bulldog puppies will develop these qualities depends on the owner. If the pet owner does not devote enough time to training and does not show persistence in training, then the dog will not show the best natural inclinations.
Has fertilization occurred?
It will be possible to say that the dog has become pregnant no earlier than the fifth week after mating.
In the first month, no signs appear, the bitch’s behavior does not change.
In the second month, the nipples should swell, they will become pale pink, and clear vaginal discharge will appear.
During pregnancy, the belly will appear in the sixth week.
The behavior will change, the dog will look for a nesting place, shelter. At the eighth week you can already feel movement in the abdomen. This is the only guarantee of fertilization.
It is not recommended to breed a dog immediately after the first heat, at 6 months.
Pregnancy: how to care and what to feed
Pregnancy in French Bulldog bitches usually lasts from 53 to 70 days. In the case of medical indications for a cesarean section, an operation is performed, then delivery occurs on the day chosen by the doctor.
In the first stages of pregnancy, its signs are still very poorly expressed, so whether a bitch is pregnant or not can only be judged by excessive excitability and sensitivity to irritants, as well as a deterioration in appetite.
In the first three weeks of pregnancy, the bulldog’s routine and diet do not need to be changed. There is no need to force feed if you refuse food: the bitch herself knows when she can eat.
In the fourth week, a bitch who is fed natural food should begin to be given more protein foods and fresh greens , and a dog who eats ready-made food can be switched to food for pregnant dogs.
By the beginning of the fifth week, you need to more closely monitor the condition of the bitch. At this time, the nipples swell and colostrum begins to appear from them when pressed. Thread-like mucus is released from the loop.
IMPORTANT! If at any stage of pregnancy bloody, brown or dark green discharge begins, then you need to take your dog to the clinic without delay!
By the sixth week, the dog’s ribs are expanding and its belly is enlarging; it begins to look for a place for a den where it will raise its offspring.
The bitch is now fed 3 times a day, and starting from the seventh week, she is transferred to four feedings a day.
It is better not to reduce physical activity over time, but now walks with the dog should be leisurely; you should not force it to run a lot or, especially, jump.
You will also need to prepare a maternity box for the pet and, somewhere from the seventh or beginning of the eighth week, accustom the bulldog to it.
At the eighth week, the puppies begin to move. At this time it will be possible to determine how large the litter will be. The best way to do this is to do an ultrasound.
From the eighth week you need to stop giving your dog meat, replacing it with sea fish in a ratio of 1:1.5.
From the ninth week of pregnancy, the bulldog should be fed 4-6 times a day, with the daily intake reduced by about a quarter.
2 or 3 days before giving birth, in order to prevent eclampsia, you need to completely exclude fish from your diet. The dog should be fed frequently in small portions at this time.
The day before giving birth, the bitch usually refuses to eat on her own; in this case, there is no need to force feed her.
When can you breed a dog?
The female French bulldog is ready for the first mating when the third heat occurs, that is, at the age of approximately 1.5 years . From 9 to 14 days from the beginning of the emptying, the bitch can be mated with a male. By the behavior of the bitch you can determine her readiness (hunting): when stroking her back towards the tail, she raises her tail and squats without touching her butt to the ground.
Important! However, if when you touch the loop, its edges move apart spontaneously, then you cannot hesitate, since tomorrow it may already be too late.
It is not recommended to use male dogs for mating until they reach two years of age and after eight to ten years of age (depending on the state of his health and preservation of functions). Mating is best done in the first half of the day after a good walk and 3 hours after eating.
The second control mating is carried out one or two days after the previous one. Some also conduct a third meeting in order to increase the chances of conception. It is better to record mating dates on a calendar to know the approximate due date.
How long does heat last?
Estrus in dogs consists of three main stages:
- Stage 1, also known as proestrus . Estrus lasts from days 1 to 9, but in some bulldogs it lasts from 3 to 17 days. During this period, the dog's loop looks swollen and discharge appears: at first bloody-scarlet in color, but later noticeably lighter.
- Stage 2, estrus . It usually lasts 9 days, but in some dogs it can last from 3 to 21 days. At this time, the bitch shows interest in male dogs, her loop softens, and the discharge in most bulldogs lightens to a golden-pink color. As a rule, it is during this period that ovulation and mating occur.
- Stage 3, metestrus . Starting approximately on the 19th day, it continues for 60 days. At this time, the bitch loses interest in male dogs, the spotting disappears, but mucus may still be released.
After metestrus, anestrus begins - the time when the dog completely loses interest in the opposite sex and reproduction..
This period lasts for about six months - until the next empty space.
In order to avoid unwanted matings, the bulldog should be taken for walks exclusively on a leash during the entire estrus.
Choosing the right pair
In order to maintain the purity of the breed, when crossing, it is necessary to inquire about the pedigree of the “groom”, the conditions of his detention, the history of his birth and life, any successful fertilizations, and also look at documents about his origin and state of health.
Only healthy individuals should be allowed to breed. Dogs must be healthy both physically and psychologically . It is worth asking the breeder whether he paid due attention to the puppy’s sex education, and whether he limited his social freedom to communicate with other animals. The dog, both male and female, should not be overfed, that is, be physically fit, since obesity negatively affects the ability of male sperm to fertilize, and an obese female will tolerate pregnancy and childbirth worse, which in turn can pose a threat to life and the health of offspring.
This is interesting! It is better if the male is a little larger in size than the female - this will make it easier for him to breed.
The fertility of a bitch is a hereditary factor and does not depend on the male. The ability to bear offspring well and give birth without complications can also be inherited, but is not a guarantee. His behavior during mating will depend on the character of the male dog: some first show signs of attention to the lady and then begin intercourse, while others can immediately begin mating.
It is better if the potential “groom” and “bride” like each other, since the aggressiveness of the bitch can scare away the male and, conversely, a too shy and frightened “Frenchwoman” may be so afraid of her partner that she will have to be practically forcibly held back for mating, which in turn, can affect her attitude towards her offspring and distort maternal instincts.
How many puppies are there usually in a litter?
On average, a bulldog gives birth to 6 or 7 puppies, but their number may be more or less depending on heredity, conditions of keeping the dog, age and state of health.
But, if the owner of a truly magnificent dog has a desire to get no less wonderful offspring from his pet, then he needs to approach this issue extremely responsibly already at the stage of selecting a partner.
In the future, after mating, it is necessary to provide the bulldog with proper maintenance and feeding..
Compliance with these conditions helps to facilitate pregnancy and childbirth and contributes to the birth of full-fledged, healthy puppies.
Preparing a bulldog for mating
Before mating, it is necessary to carry out a number of measures: worming and taking other preventive measures to control pests, take care of the availability of vaccinations: if the vaccination period falls on mating or presumptive pregnancy, then it can be done a month before mating. Also, a month and a half before the expected date of breeding, the bitch should undergo a blood test to find out her main indicators and the presence of infections in her body.
At the same time, it is necessary to begin adding a complex of microelements and vitamins to the food after prior consultation with a veterinarian. The same measures should be taken for the male dog. It is important that dogs do not experience stressful situations before mating (attacks or skirmishes with other animals, severe punishment from the owner, hunger, thirst, other experiences); they are also contraindicated during mating, and for bitches in the future.
Important! It would be a good idea to invite a breeding instructor or an experienced breeder.
For a better process, the bitch's loop is lubricated with Vaseline. The room for mating should be isolated, impassable, it is better for the curious to leave. The floors should not slip; to be more sure, you can remove toys and food from the room, leaving drink.
Common mistakes made by breeders
To achieve success in the breeding of French bulldogs, it is necessary to follow the rules of keeping and raising animals, starting from the very first days, giving proper nutrition, household and sex education, ensuring the socialization of animals, but without being excessive in these matters. An important role is played by the owners' awareness of the characteristics of the breed, as well as the structure and function of the reproductive system of the female and male, which helps to avoid many problems.
To avoid mistakes and miscalculations during the first mating, it is of course better to ensure the presence of an experienced breeder with extensive positive experience . The advice of such a specialist will help owners in the future, especially when knitting by hand. Even with free mating, the dogs should not be left alone, since the bitch may jerk during entry or mating, which will result in injury to the male’s penis, if she previously favorably accepted his advances.
The nervousness of the owners when the dogs’ efforts are unsuccessful can be transmitted to the pets and nullify all the efforts of the participants in the process. An inexperienced male who does not move from courtship to cages needs encouragement; he can also be allowed to rest for 10-15 minutes, for which the bitch is taken to another room. An experienced male who refuses to mount sometimes makes it clear that the bitch is not yet ready for mating, so instead of forcing him to fulfill his “duties,” it is worth rescheduling the lady’s visit to another, more suitable day.
If a male member is in a loop, but a lock is not formed, this does not mean at all that fertilization will not take place; in this case, it is necessary to help the dogs and hold both of them in this state, simulating a lock, for about 15 minutes. In the end, without allowing sudden movements, let the male get off the bitch's back. If the lock does not work during all mating attempts, you need to seek help from a veterinarian - perhaps not everything is normal with the girl’s reproductive system. Young male dogs may ejaculate before entering the loop if he is overexcited and inexperienced. In this case, the penis most likely swells and can no longer physically enter the bitch’s vagina. There is no point in repeating attempts right away; it is better to reschedule the meeting or give the dogs the opportunity to rest separately for 2-3 hours.
This is interesting! Another serious mistake owners make, which leads to stress for the bitch and, accordingly, to a decrease in the chances of her fertilization, is holding her upside down by her hind legs after intercourse.
With a more serious study of the structure of the female reproductive system, one will be convinced of the uselessness of this procedure for a successful pregnancy, but such manipulations can be harmful to the mental and physical state of the female.
Help
If we talk about helping a dog, then immediately after giving birth the dog needs to be given something to drink , and if it does not refuse, then something to eat. Warm milk or light broth is good for these purposes. After this, you can take your pet for a walk.
If a dog has undergone a caesarean section, the owner will have to feed the babies himself, and the bitch will have to regularly treat the suture with medication. When a bulldog feeds puppies on its own, you need to take care of the air temperature in the room - it should be at least 24 degrees.
When, for certain reasons, puppies are left without a mother, in addition to feeding, another problem arises - they cannot yet defecate on their own. Therefore, you should regularly massage each baby’s tummy with a damp cloth.
5 days after birth, small French bulldogs have their fifth toes removed. This procedure should only be performed by a veterinarian.
To start breeding French bulldogs, you should monitor its health, diet, and activity from the first time your pet appears in your home. By approaching the issue of caring for the dog responsibly, the owner will receive healthy offspring from his pet.
