Is there an average age for first heat?

[Thehallk]

I saw a similar post, but not quite addressing what I'm looking for. I am wondering when to start being proactive about Gilly's first heat, ie. keeping her indoors, on leash and being vigilant about boys and her curfew . Our contract has the requirement for the spay at one year, after her first heat, but I'm not sure when that is going to be. Should I ask my breeder when her girls start or is there an approximate average age that most newfs go into their first heat?

 

[charlieinnj]

I think the usual time is at about 9 months....That's when Emma had her first heat.

 

[mareserinitatis]

Anywhere between 8 and 14 mos. I was reading Judi Adler's Newfoundland Puppy book, and it recommends checking them every few days. You're supposed to see if their vulva is swollen and take a kleenex to do a quick wipe down there to look for discharge. I think she said the first one can sometimes be hard to pick up without actually checking.

(Given Ada's already had vaginitis twice, we're already checking, but for other reasons...)

 

[Sun Valley]

You should ask your breeder what age Gilly's Mother had her first heat cycle.....ages generally runs in families.

Lou Ann

 

[Thehallk]

Thanks, all!