First Heat Cycles

[Cunningham GSDs]

I have a young female that has not yet had her first heat cycle. She will be a year old next month. I don't plan to breed her until she is 2 but her littermate had her first heat cycle at 6 months so I am worried. I have read that sometimes they don't come into their first heat until they are 18 months or two years old. I have never had one wait that long. What has been your experience?

[TrickyShepherd]

I don't breed, nor am I highly experienced. But, I wanted to add that we are having the same issue. My female, Storm, is almost 10 months... but no heat. She shows signs every once in a while... and then everything just.... stops. Haven't seen a drop of blood yet, her female parts are 100% normal..... This is my first experience with a later heat cycle with a normal healthy dog. It's frustrating though because it keeps threatening to come, and then nothing! Ugh.

Anyways, good luck with your girl. Hopefully someone has experience with this and will reply. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this thread.

[Cunningham GSDs]

Thank you Tricky Shepherd. It is frustrating. I appreciate you chiming in. Just knowing someone else is having this issue makes me feel better. I've never had one wait this long. Good luck with your girl too and let me know if/when she finally comes in. I hope others' will share their experience.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Bitches cycle when they are ready. I've had ones that came in every 6 months like clockwork and others that were no where NEAR regular.

My Crested bitch comes in every 9 months. Her daughters had their first around 11 months of age and are just now having their second (18 months).

I know several breeds that only cycle once a year and don't have their first until they are almost 2 yrs old.

[Cunningham GSDs]

Thanks Lauri and the Gang. I had read that it varies, but I had no idea how much it could vary. I guess it is not just a breed thing either, but an individual thing....since my two girls who are litter mates are having such a hugely different experience. Thank you for your insight.

[Cheyanna]

Fiona is 9 months old and has not had her first heat. One of her litter mates is in heat, but 2 others are not. The trainer says that some don't have their first for a year. It has something to do with how close to the equator and how much sunlight. Not sure I get it. But at least we are not alone.


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[phgsd]

Kessy had her first heat at 15+ months - I think Djenga was 12-13 months. Kira was 10 months, my first GSD was at 9 months, my female JRT was 10-11 months old.

I wouldn't worry...when it happens, it happens

[Cunningham GSDs]

Thank you all. I appreciate knowing that it is very common. :-)