Stupid question - first season?

As with humans, it can depend upon the maturity of the animal. I don't believe that there's any hard and fast rule. Generally, bitches will first cycle at anywhere between 9 and 18 months. Breed, or type can also be an influencing factor.

I've no evidence to support this, but I think that the earlier cycling bitches tend to then cycle on a 6 monthly basis, and the later ones on a 12 monthly basis.

Alec.
 
Small breeds tend to start earlier - 7-8 months often. Larger breeds, later. Anything up to 2 years for a 1st season is apparently considered normal for a mid-sized dog; I had one Spin that didn't start until 2.5 years.
 
Thanks, she is a long legged terrier, so on the small end of the scale. She is off for her vet check up tomorrow so can discuss spaying although I think our vets prefer them to have had one season.
 
I made a decision to get my lab spayed after her first season or at 12 months old.
She timed it perfectly and came into season at 9 months of age, and I had her spayed at a year old - I've read they recommend spaying 3 months after a season... Stand to be corrected though
 
I am wondering when to get my mini schnauzer spayed - she is 6 months old. No sign of a season yet. Vet said that if she did come into season we would have to wait 3 months afterwards before getting her done. I am thinking about booking her in next month to be spayed, but also wondering if I should wait a bit longer, although want to avaoid her first season if possible. opinions vary depending on which vet you talk to really, I have found.
 
My whippet x JR had her first season at 7 months. My whippet bitch was nearly a year old. Personally I think they ought to be at least 1 before you spey them, I think it is very big/serious op for an immature dog to have done.
 
As others have said it depends on the individual, but small breeds generally between 6 months (even from 5 months) to about a year and large breeds between 9 months and 18 months (upto 2 years). I've had 3 Border Collie bitches the oldest had her 1st season at 15 months, the next had her 1st season at 7 months and the youngest (daughter of the middle girl) had her 1st at just over 12 months. A friend of mine's BC girl didn't have her 1st season until 22 months.
 
I'm with BigRed, it is a big Op and personally I'd rather spay at anyway old.
My lab was a cry baby for the first night, and very nearly had a painkiller top up to get her through the night after being done - couldn't imagine done it to a puppy... But that's just me
 
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