Determining the optimal time for mating in female dogs – between past and future

Accurately determining the optimal time for breeding, like many other aspects of canine reproduction, has often been a challenge for dog breeders and clinicians alike. The complexity of this biological phenomenon is well known and documented in the literature, but many of the techniques described for determining the time of ovulation have few clinical applications or have been shown to be inaccurate in terms of diagnostic accuracy. Choosing the optimal time for mating or artificial insemination of bitches is the most important factor for the success of breeding and plays a decisive role in problems related to canine infertility. None of the diagnostic techniques used is 100% accurate and, for this reason, it is recommended to combine at least 2-3 techniques to obtain the most accurate results. The fertile period in bitches usually lasts from two to five days after ovulation, but the possibility of a different ovulation pattern must be taken into account, especially for bitches with fertility problems.