Introduction
Many dog owners wonder if breeding their female dog can have any negative impacts on her health and lifespan. While breeding is a normal, natural process for intact dogs, some studies have suggested it may take a physical toll on the female over time. This raises an important question – does breeding truly shorten a female dog’s lifespan?
In this article, we’ll examine the available research on how pregnancy, whelping, and nursing litters affects female dogs. We’ll look at impacts ranging from the estrous cycle to long-term effects on the body and behavior. By reviewing the science, we can better understand if and how breeding might alter average longevity in girl dogs.
Background on Dog Lifespans
The average lifespan of dogs varies significantly by breed. According to research, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. For example, Chihuahuas may live from 14-16 years while Great Danes tend to live between 8-10 years. In general, small breed dogs live the longest, with average lifespans of 15 years or more. Medium breed dogs typically live 12-15 years, while large breeds often live 10 years or less.
A number of factors influence a dog’s lifespan, including breed, size, nutrition, exercise, and health care. Larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans on average because they are more prone to musculoskeletal issues and heart problems. Smaller dogs live longer in part because their slower metabolisms cause slower cell turnover. Providing proper veterinary care, a high-quality diet, exercise, and mental stimulation can help dogs live up to their breed’s average lifespan.
While genetics play a major role, responsible pet ownership also has significant influence. With attentive care, it is possible for some dogs to live 20 years or more. However, the average lifespan for most dogs ranges between 10-16 years depending on breed and other factors.
The Dog Estrous Cycle
The estrous cycle is the major reproductive cycle in dogs. It is the time between recurring periods of sexual receptivity and fertility.
According to Cornell University [1], the estrous cycle has 4 phases:
- Proestrus – vaginal bleeding and female begins attracting males. Lasts around 9 days on average.
- Estrus – female is receptive to breeding and ovulation occurs. Lasts around 9 days on average.
- Diestrus – corpus luteum develops and produces progesterone. Lasts 60-90 days on average.
- Anestrus – sexually inactive rest period. Lasts around 120-150 days on average.
So the complete estrous cycle from the start of one proestrus to the next averages about 6-7 months according to VCA Animal Hospitals [2]. However, there is variation among individual dogs with cycles ranging from 4 months to 12-14 months on average.
Pregnancy and Whelping
The normal gestation period for dogs is approximately 63 days or 9 weeks, though this can vary from 56 to 70 days depending on the breed and other factors (source). During this time, the puppies will grow and develop inside the mother dog’s uterus. Litter sizes vary significantly based on the breed, with smaller dogs tending to have 1-4 puppies and larger breeds having litters of 5 or more. Some risks and complications that can occur during pregnancy and whelping include:
- Miscarriage
- Stillborn or premature puppies
- Uterine inertia – failure to go into labor
- Dystocia – difficult birth/labor
- Retained placentas
- Mastitis – infection of the mammary glands
Therefore, it’s important for breeders to monitor the pregnant dog closely, provide proper nutrition, and watch for any warning signs of complications. With good prenatal and whelping care, most dogs can undergo pregnancy and delivery without major issues.
Short-term Effects of Breeding
After going through pregnancy and whelping, there is a recovery period for the mother dog’s body to bounce back. According to VCA Hospitals, vaginal discharge should decrease significantly within 24-48 hours after whelping. The discharge should completely resolve within 2 weeks post-whelping. If abnormal discharge persists, it could signify an infection requiring veterinary attention.
The mother dog’s next estrous cycle may be impacted by pregnancy and whelping. As noted by VetTechPrep, dogs undergo hormonal changes after giving birth which may delay the onset of the next heat cycle. It’s typical for the next estrus to occur 5-10 months after whelping, compared to every 6-8 months under normal circumstances. Monitoring the mother dog after breeding can help identify when she re-enters estrus.
Long-term Physical Effects
Breeding dogs can have detrimental long-term physical effects. According to the RSPCA, female dogs that are spayed before their first heat cycle have a 0.5% risk of developing mammary tumors. However, the risk rises to 8% for dogs spayed after their first heat, and up to 26% for dogs spayed after their second heat cycle.[1]
Additionally, intact female dogs have a high risk of developing pyometra, a serious uterine infection, as they age. In fact, around 25% of intact female dogs will develop pyometra by 10 years of age. The risk increases with each heat cycle. Pyometra can be fatal if left untreated and often requires emergency spay surgery.[2]
Other long-term impacts of multiple pregnancies and births may include an increased risk of incontinence, vaginal prolapse, and C-sections for future litters. The breed, size of litters, and complications during whelping can also take a toll on a female dog’s body after multiple breeding cycles.
Behavioral and Psychological Effects
Female dogs used extensively for breeding can suffer numerous behavioral and psychological impacts, especially when bred in puppy mills or commercial breeding facilities. According to research from Faunalytics, dogs formerly used as “breeding stock” in commercial facilities display signs of poor mental health, long-term anxiety and fear due to unsuitable housing and lack of socialization (Faunalytics, 2012). Another study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found similar results, with former breeding dogs displaying abnormal behaviors like excessive barking, fearfulness, and aggression (McMillan, 2011).
Specific behavioral changes that can occur in breeding dogs include increased reactivity and fear, lack of tolerance for puppies as they grow, and difficulty bonding normally with human caretakers. The repetitive cycle of pregnancy, birthing, and puppy removal causes severe psychological stress, and dogs bred too often don’t get proper recovery time between litters. Dogs in puppy mills may be confined for years in small, dirty cages with little socialization or exercise. This deprives them of normal canine activities like exploring, playing, or bonding with a family (Tufts, 2012).
In summary, the combination of intense breeding cycles, poor conditions, lack of socialization and enrichment can profoundly impact breeding dogs’ mental health and behavior.
Sources:
Faunalytics. (2012). Mental Health Of Dogs Formerly Used As ‘Breeding Stock’. https://faunalytics.org/mental-health-of-dogs-formerly-used-as-breeding-stock-in-commercial-breeding-establishments/
McMillan, F. D. (2011). Mental health of dogs formerly used as ‘breeding stock’ in commercial breeding establishments. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 135(1-2), 86-94. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159111003005
Tufts. (2012). Puppy Mills: The Scientific Evidence of Harm They Cause To Dogs. https://centerforshelterdogs.tufts.edu/blog/puppy-mills-the-scientific-evidence-of-harm-they-cause-to-dogs/
Impact on Lifespan
Some studies have found that female dogs who have had multiple litters tend to have shorter lifespans on average. However, there are many confounding factors that make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
One study published in 2013 looked at over 14,000 Rottweilers and found that dogs who had 4+ litters had a lifespan that was 1.4 years shorter on average compared to dogs with 0 litters (source). However, this study was observational and could not control for other lifestyle factors. Breeding dogs are more likely to be intact rather than spayed, which in itself can influence longevity.
Additionally, breeding dogs may receive different nutrition and medical care that could impact lifespan. The physical strain of pregnancy and nursing may contribute, but well-cared for breeding dogs do not experience dramatic health declines due to having a few small litters. One study even found that female dogs who had 1-2 litters lived longer than dogs with no litters (source).
Responsible breeding practices, health testing, excellent veterinary care, and avoiding over-breeding likely minimize any potential negative impacts. Many breeding dogs live well into old age after they retire from breeding (source). Overall, while there are risks, moderate breeding itself does not inherently shorten a female dog’s lifespan.
Recommendations for Responsible Breeding
Breeding dogs ethically and responsibly should be the top priority for any breeder. Here are some best practices to follow:
Carefully screen potential breeding dogs for any hereditary health issues and have necessary health testing completed before breeding. Only breed dogs who are physically and mentally sound per AKC recommendations.
Allow females to fully physically mature before the first litter, usually around 2 years old. Limit a female to no more than one litter per year and closely monitor her health. Give her time to recover between litters.
Provide excellent veterinary care for the mother before, during and after pregnancy. Have a vet monitor her throughout pregnancy and be present during whelping if possible. Ensure the mother dog receives proper nutrition to support pregnancy and nursing.
Make sure all puppies receive necessary medical care like deworming and vaccinations. Screen potential owners carefully and be selective about finding the right forever home for each puppy.
Require spay/neuter contracts for pet puppies to prevent irresponsible breeding. Be prepared to keep puppies yourself if you cannot find appropriate homes.
Breed infrequently and focus on health and temperament over profit. Keep thorough records of the pedigree and health of your dogs.
Educate yourself thoroughly on dog breeding ethics and best practices. Join reputable breed clubs and registries like the AKC. Make health and wellbeing your top priority.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several factors to consider when evaluating the impact of breeding on a female dog’s lifespan. While pregnancy and whelping do place physical demands on a dog’s body, with proper veterinary care and responsible breeding practices, these short-term effects can be managed. The long-term impacts on lifespan are less clear, but there does not appear to be strong evidence that a reasonable number of litters inherently shortens lifespan. Much depends on the dog’s overall health and genetics.
When making breeding decisions, the dog’s wellbeing should always come first. Work closely with your veterinarian to ensure adequate health screening and optimal care throughout the process. Limit the number of litters to avoid repeated strain on the dog’s body. With a responsible approach, breeding may not have to mean a shortened lifespan. However, more research is still needed on the long-term effects.
In the end, responsible breeding practices and high-quality veterinary care can go a long way in preserving a female dog’s health and longevity. While the impact on lifespan remains complex, a thoughtful approach can help mitigate risks.