German shepherds are one of the most favoured breeds of dogs worldwide, and they are regarded as smart, obedient, and multifunctional. Suppose you own a big German Shepherd, a Black and Brown German Shepherd, an all-black German Shepherd, a king German Shepherd, or any of the numerous German Shepherd breeds. In that case, it’s very relevant to understand the periods of sexual maturity in the female German Shepherds.

It will assist you in monitoring their health, planning for breeding if necessary, and identifying any signs of problems as soon as possible.

Many other lovers of German Shepherds may have the same question. Therefore, it is essential to understand that female German Shepherds cycle and have periods that are slightly unique from those of human beings.

In this article, you will learn the details about the oestrous cycle and other issues, such as how often female German Shepherds have their periods, how long each stage of the heat lasts, the signs of pregnancy, the best times to mate German Shepherds, and when they are considered adults.

In order to have a better understanding about the breed check out What is Special About German Shepherds?

Understanding the Estrous Cycle

Cyclic progesterone secretion, which is observed in female dogs, including large breeds such as German Shepherds, is a sign of the oestrous cycle, which in women can be referred to as the menstrual cycle.

However, when they use the word ‘period’, it can be confusing, especially when it comes to dogs’ reproductive cycles. This is in contrast to human beings, where female German Shepherds are known to go on heat only once or twice within a single year.

Oestrus is also referred to as the heat cycle, it is the period that a female dog is receptive to service by male dogs and is capable of getting pregnant. This cycle is divided into four stages:

1. Proestrus: This is also called the follicular phase and generally takes seven to ten days to complete the heat cycle. During this period, the female German Shepherd will experience some heats, which include vulva swelling and bloody discharge. But she is not yet ready for copulation.

2. Estrus: Estrus is the second phase, which takes approximately 5-14 days. This is when the female is most receptive to the males and considered to be on stand with the potential of mating. The discharge may become less bloody, and she will start coming onto male dogs.

3. Diestrus: This stage takes about 60-90 days, provided the female dog is not pregnant or until the end of the pregnancy period. During diestrus, one cannot mate with the dog; her body is either preparing for pregnancy or returning to the non-pregnant state.

4. Anestrus: The final stage is anestrus, which takes 4-5 months. At this stage, the bitch’s reproductive system is inactive, and there is no sign that she is in heat. This phase is important in recovery since it precedes the start of the next training phase.

How Many Periods Do German Shepherds Have?

Female German Shepherd dogs can experience heat cycles about two times a year, though this may not necessarily be the case all the time. Some dogs may go through one heat cycle per year, and such phases are most likely to be observed in senior dogs.

It is normal for a big-sized German Shepherd or, in general, any Greater German Shepherd to experience two heats in a given year. However, some factors that can affect the timing include age, one’s health status, and the surrounding environment.

The first heat is most common above six months and often up to one year which is why this age range is a typical age of the first heat in the majority of the dogs.

To illustrate, a blue German Shepherd may start bleeding for the first time at eight months, while an all-black German Shepherd may not get into the same situation until she is 10 months old. Despite this, the cycles following the first heat normally occur, on average, after every six months.

Dogs also experience some cycles throughout their lifetime, and this really matters when planning for breeding. This way, you will be able to record her heat cycles to know when she is likely to have one.

How Long Does a German Shepherd Period Last?

The period when a German shepherd is in heat is not fixed, but it takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks. The time when she is actually receptive, otherwise known as the period of fertility, estrus, ranges from 5 to 14 days within this cycle.

Throughout the heat cycle, your canine will exhibit signs of heat as well as other behaviours and physical alterations. At the beginning (proestrus), she may get aggressive or be more attentive to show symptoms of heat, and there will be red-brown stains.

In the stage of estrus, she can again change and become sexually active trying to attract male dogs, she can even try to get over your fence.

The sign of heat may be minimal in some breeds of dogs, especially the King German Shepherd or Red German Shepherd, where the discharge may not be very evident. 

However, behavioural changes are normally positive signs that your dog is in heat. The heat cycle is complete when she goes back to diestrus, at which time the discharge ceases, and she can go back to her normal activities.

As you might already know, German Sheepherders are pregnant for about 63 days, during which time they may not show obvious signs of pregnancy.

How to Tell a German Shepherd is Pregnant?

It is sometimes rather difficult to understand whether your German Shepherd, black or large German Shepherd, is pregnant or not in the early days. However, there are several signs to watch for that may indicate pregnancy:

1. Behavioral Changes: A pregnant dog may become very friendly or not be as friendly as she used to be—this is expected in almost all breeds, including the German Shepherd.

Some of the dogs may start getting very protective, and the females out of the litter may start nesting, gathering blankets, or searching for a quiet place to lie down.

2. Physical Changes: Even during the early stages of pregnancy, changes in the dog’s body are not difficult to notice.

She will start to develop a bigger belly and may also develop bigger and harder nipples. This can be most especially observed on all-black-coated German Shepherds, given that the presence of higher contrast may highlight such changes.

3. Appetite Changes: As with all pregnant animals, pregnant dogs have noticeable differences in their eating habits. 

Some pregnant women may want to eat more, while others may feel nauseous and, therefore, eat little food in the early pregnancy. At some point in the pregnancy, one may record some degrees of weight gain.

4. Morning Sickness: Like human beings, some female dogs during pregnancy may show signs of morning sickness, which entails vomiting or nausea. This tends to happen in the first weeks.

5. Ultrasound: Certain signs of pregnancy can be defined only with the help of a veterinary ultrasound, which can reveal puppies as early as 25 days of pregnancy.

If you have a German Shepherd of any type and believe it may be pregnant, it is important that you book an appointment with your vet.

They can easily diagnose the problem and recommend a method for caring for your dog during her pregnancy period.

When to Mate a Female German Shepherd?

That is why mating a female German Shepherd should be done as a last resort and only if it is planned. Breeding German Shepherds should only be done in the heat cycle, especially when the female is at her most receptive.

They last for 9-14 days after the onset of the proestrus days, though this may differ between breeds and cycles.

It is very important for breeding to take place, and the female and male dogs have to be in good health.

Any pregnant German Shepherd female or king German Shepherd or Red German Shepherd should undergo a comprehensive medical check-up to determine other health complications that may be associated with pregnancy or affect the health of the puppies.

Both females should also be healthy with correct vaccination and should not be affected by any kind of parasite.

When selecting a female German Shepherd for breeding for the first time, it is advisable to do so when the female is fully mature; this normally takes 2 years.

Females that are taken through the breeding way at this tender age are at risk of suffering from complications of pregnancy as well as the developed puppies’ health complications.

Also, getting her when she is grown to full maturity ensures that you evaluate her temper, and many other physical features, which are hereditary and important for reproduction.

At What Age is a Female German Shepherd Full Grown?

Female German Shepherd is normally grown by the age of eighteen to twenty-four months. But in any case, certain varieties of German Shepherds, extra large German Shepherds or king German Shepherds, may keep gaining weight and muscle until age 2. About five years old but not less than three years old.

Breed maturity in female German Shepherds can be observed by physical size, weight, and musculature. A matured black or Brown German shepherd will be well built, with a deep chest and muscular nature.

Their bones will have grown the entire length, and their outer cover will have become dense, producing that exquisite double coat prevalent with the breed.

However, I know it’s not enough to have a physically mature dog; you need to have an emotionally and mentally mature dog, especially if you plan on breeding.

A mature female will also have a relatively stable character, hence able to cope with the ovulation period, carry a pregnancy to completion, and give birth.

Managing a Female German Shepherd’s Reproductive Health

On this page, we discuss the reproductive cycle of German Shepherds, whether black, or any other breed, so that you can properly care for your pet.

Knowing your dog’s heat cycles, signs of pregnancy, and the most appropriate times to breed will help you in the process, especially if you intend to breed her or just want to keep her healthy.

You should discuss spaying with your vet if you don’t intend to reproduce your female German Shepherd.

Sterilization also helps in eradicating the possibility of pregnancies as well as helps in avoiding things like uterine diseases and some types of cancer in the female dog.

It is advisable to spay your dog before her first heat, although you should discuss this with your vet regarding your dog’s health and personality.

Check out How To Create a Safe and Stimulating Environment for German Shepherd to have a few tips over making your dog comfortable.

Conclusion

In as much as choosing to own a female German Shepherd whether it’s a King German Shepherd, all-black German Shepherd or any other type of German Shepherd you desire, comes with the responsibility of ensuring that she is well taken through managing her reproductive system.

Female German Shepherds do get periods, or heats, which are vital in the dog’s breeding process.

In order to be a good dog breeder, it is very important to know the basics, such as the number of heats your dog will have, the length of the heat, the signs indicating pregnancy, and the time when you should mate your dog.

Also, you will not have to guess when your female German Shepherd is fully grown and,, therefore make decisions regarding breeding and her care.

Knowledge is always power: keeping yourself abreast of the necessary information will help you maintain your female GSD in good health and happiness well into her dog years and beyond, whether she chooses to become a mother GSD or just a wonderful family pet.

FAQs

1. How often do female German Shepherds go into heat?

Female dogs, especially German Shepherds, get into heat twice a year or every six months.

2. How long does a German Shepherd’s heat cycle last?

The heat cycle normally ranges from 2-4 weeks.

3. How can I tell if my German Shepherd is pregnant?

Some of the changes include: some change in behavior, the abdomen of the woman becoming larger, the nipples also becoming larger, and Changes in appetite.

4. When is the best time to mate a female German Shepherd?

When choosing the right time to mate with a female German Shepherd, the best time is during the stage of her heat cycle, referred to as the oestrous cycle, which is 9 to 14 days after proestrus.

5. Female German Shepherd: When is it fully grown?

Female German Shepherds have some factors that may take up to 18 to 24 months to become grown dogs; depending on some other conditions, it may take up to 2 years. Pre-school age is between 5 and 3 years of age.