Female dogs, like all animals, have natural instincts and drives when it comes to mating and reproduction. However, there are many factors that influence a female dog’s choice to mate or not with a particular male dog. In this article, we will explore the specifics around female dogs and their mating behaviors.
When a female dog goes into heat, changes in her hormones cause her to be receptive to mating with males. This is a natural, biological process intended for reproduction. During this time, generally twice per year, the female dog will be attractive to and allow mating by male dogs. However, this does not mean the female will mate indiscriminately with any and all male dogs.
There are many considerations and factors that a female dog takes into account, consciously or unconsciously, before mating. Factors influencing her choice of mate include dominance, compatibility, genetics, and even physical attraction via scent. The female has some degree of choice, and will often show preference for familiar and desirable males over unknown males or those deemed less suitable for mating.
Understanding the way female dogs evaluate potential mates and make decisions around reproduction can help owners better manage their dogs during heat cycles. Keeping female dogs away from roaming males they are not intended to breed with is important. Likewise, facilitating introduction to preferred males at appropriate times can be beneficial.
Considerations for Mating
When a female dog is receptive to mating, she is not necessarily willing to mate with any male that approaches her. There are several considerations that come into play in her choice of mate:
Dominance
Dogs have inherent social hierarchies and dominant-submissive relationships within packs. Often, a female dog will be more willing to mate with a dominant male dog than a more submissive or timid male. This preference likely stems from an instinct to reproduce with males exhibiting strength and leadership that will pass these qualities on to offspring.
Compatibility
Familiarity and compatibility between a mating pair is also a factor. Female dogs are more receptive to mating with males they are familiar and comfortable with, rather than unknown dogs. Males and females they have peacefully coexisted with are more likely mating partners than complete strangers.
Genetics
For female dogs that are purposefully bred, great consideration goes into their mate selection to produce certain desired traits in the puppies. Breeders carefully choose a stud dog that complements the female in terms of breed, pedigree, temperament, conformation, and other attributes. Quality of offspring is a priority over indiscriminate mating.
Physical Attraction
Physical traits and chemical scent signals also play a role in mating selection. Research indicates that female dogs tend to prefer males with wider faces, which are linked to higher testosterone levels. Females also sense pheromones in a potential mate’s urine and anal secretions that influence attraction on a primal level.
Behaviors During Mating
When a female dog has reached the optimal stage of heat for breeding, she will exhibit some clear behavioral signs and signals:
- Standing with hind legs erect and tail held to the side when in the presence of male dogs
- Exhibiting restlessness and nervous energy
- Puffing up the vulva region
- Tail held in a slight upward tilt
- Licking or nibbling the male dog’s face
- Play bows by the female toward the male
These behaviors attract the attention of male dogs and indicate receptiveness for mating. However, the female is still selective and may rebuff the advances of certain males, even if they attempt to mount her. A preferred male will be allowed to proceed with mating. He may need to make multiple attempts before achieving penetration and tie with the female during copulation.
Mating Preferences
When free to choose, female dogs demonstrate the following mating preferences:
Known Dogs Over Unknown Dogs
Given an option, a female dog is much more likely to willingly mate with a male dog she is familiar and comfortable with already. Male dogs the female has peacefully cohabitated demonstrate a level of compatibility and status for mating over complete stranger dogs.
Dominant Males Over Submissive Males
In a group scenario, the dominant, confident male dogs tend to be the ones the female mates with most readily. Timid, less dominant males are often blocked from mating opportunities. Strong indicators of dominance like raised hair, stiff posture and direct staring help males earn mating rights.
Previous Successful Mating Partners
If a female dog has mated with a particular male dog successfully before, resulting in a pregnancy and litter, she is more inclined to mate with this proven sire again over unfamiliar options. Her instinct drives her to reproduce with males capable of siring healthy offspring.
Unneutered Over Neutered Males
Since reproduction and the survival of the species are the ultimate goal, intact male dogs are inherently more attractive mating partners than neutered males who cannot produce offspring. Given a choice, female dogs show interest in mating that could result in pregnancy.
Physically Attractive Males
Along with social signals of suitability, female dogs are attracted to strong, virile and handsome male dogs when choosing a mate. Masculine features like broad heads, muscular builds and an confident gait are attractive for mating. These represent good genes to pass on.
Genetic Suitability for Breeding
When bred purposefully, the genetic background and health of both dam and sire are critical. Reputable breeders carefully select a male whose pedigree, temperament and health are ideal for pairing with the female to produce the healthiest, best quality puppies.
Mating Behaviors to Expect
When a female dog has consented to mating, typical mating behaviors will follow:
- The male will sniff and lick the female’s vulva and anus persistently and mount her repeatedly, grasping her waist with his front legs.
- The female will stand with her tail held to the side, allowing the male to mount her from behind.
- Once penetration occurs, the male and female will “tie” or get “stuck” together at the genitals.
- While tied, the male may lift a leg or swing it over the female’s back while waiting for the tie to end before dismounting.
- The tie may last 5-20 minutes before the swelling goes down allowing separation.
- The male may breed the female multiple times in succession over several days of heat.
These natural mating behaviors typically result in pregnancy in the female as sperm is deposited. Some behavioral signs like grunting, whining or growling are normal during dog breeding. Both male and female usually appear satisfied after separating post-tie.
Exceptions to Indiscriminate Mating
While female dogs in heat are biologically driven to mate, they can still be selective and exercise some choice. This leads to some exceptions where a female will not mate with just any male:
Fear or Avoidance
Some dogs may be fearful, anxious or traumatized around mating. Past negative experiences or abuse may cause a female to act timidly or aggressively towards unfamiliar males trying to mate with her. She may actively avoid breeding attempts.
History of Aggression
If two dogs have exhibited aggressive or combative behaviors towards each other in the past, the female is unlikely to allow that specific male to mate with her, though she may accept others. Fighting and mating behaviors do not mix well.
Lack of Interest
Sometimes a female may simply not show interest in certain male dogs and will refuse their advances for mating through growling, snarling, snapping or running away. She may not be attracted for whatever innate reason.
Age and Health Limitations
Very young females, very old females or sick/injured females that are not in optimal health for breeding will not be as receptive to mating. Their bodies prevent them from mating indiscriminately when not physiologically ready.
Neutered Males
Neutered males lack the hormones and drives to pursue mating as persistently as intact males. This makes them less likely candidates for females to willingly mate with during heat cycles. The mating instincts are not activated.
Confinement
When a female in heat is confined away from contact with males by her owners, there is no opportunity for mating with multiple partners. She cannot be selective when no males are accessible at all.
Managing Mating
An owner has options when it comes to managing their female dog’s breeding times:
Segregation
Keeping the female dog confined away from males during heat prevents unwanted mating activity. This is recommended for dogs not intended for breeding purposes. It also allows a choice of one particular stud male when looking to breed intentionally.
Mating Schedules
Following the female’s heat cycles and introducing her to preferred males for planned breeding sessions allows for greater choice and control while working within natural instincts.
Artificial Insemination
Collecting and using semen for artificial insemination is an option that provides female dogs no choice in mates, but allows owners to select desirable sperm from stud dogs based on genetics.
Spaying
Surgically preventing heat cycles through spaying eliminates mating behaviors permanently and is an option for dogs not needed for breeding. Their heat cycles and mating interests are removed.
Chemical Suppression
Pharmaceuticals like contraceptives can temporarily suppress female dogs estrus cycles and suppress mating urges though health risks may be present in prolonged use. These delay or prevent mating behaviors.
Breed Registries
Requiring registration of parent dogs helps ensure thoughtful selective breeding for traits. Indiscriminate mating and uncontrolled breeding is discouraged through registries like the American Kennel Club.
Summary
Here is a summary of key points:
| Female Dogs… | When it comes to Mating |
|---|---|
| Have natural heat cycles and mating instincts | But can exhibit preferences and choices in mate selection |
| Are attracted to dominant confident males | While usually avoiding submissive insecure males |
| Prefer known, familiar males they coexist with peacefully | Over unknown stranger males |
| Will return to proven sires they bred successfully before | If given the option |
| Show interest in virile, healthy and physically attractive males | As being prime candidates for mating |
| Still require receptiveness and active cooperation for mating | Mating is not forced, but a joint behavior |
| Can refuse and rebuff mating attempts | From undesirable or inappropriate males |
| Need health, maturity and safety | To enter optimal mating condition |
Conclusion
While female dogs have inherent biological urges to mate when in heat, they are not completely indiscriminate when it comes to mating and reproduction. Though the mating instincts are strong, female dogs still exercise preferences and choice to some degree when presented with multiple potential male suitors. Dominance, familiarity, attraction and compatibility are considerations.
Responsible owners should understand these behaviors and work within their female dog’s instincts as much as possible, being protective and guiding when needed. Allowing dogs to follow natural preferences and selectivity for mating creates the healthiest, best matched breeding outcomes. Through respect for their mating behaviors and choices, owners can manage female dogs appropriately during heat cycles according to the dog’s purpose and welfare.