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Dog A-Z > R > Reproductive bits
Males
• In most male dogs, the testicles will be present either at birth or shortly afterwards. In some dogs they will descend later, but it is usually before six months of age.
• In some dogs, only one testicle descends. If surgery to remove the undescended testicle is not performed (castration) then it may develop a tumour in later life.
• Males will usually become sexually mature between the age of six and twelve months.
Females
• Bitches reach puberty between the ages of seven and twelve months.
• Most bitches will have a season (her fertile period) every six to nine months throughout their lives.
• An average season lasts 15-21 days, with the most dangerous time for her to become pregnant around the middle of this time, although this can differ from dog to dog.
• During the season the bitch may suffer with abdominal discomfort, lethargy and a change in temperament ranging from excitability to irritability, or even depression. She may also lose interest in her food.
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