Authors : Michal Dzieciol, Wojciech Nizanski, Malgorzata Ochota, Roland Kozdrowski and Ewa Stanczyk
Abstract: According to the reports of other researchers, some dogs are able to determine not just if the bitch is in estrus but if she is at the optimal time for breeding. The aim of the study was to evaluate if this thesis is true. Nineteen stud dogs of different breeds and thirty five bitches were used. Bitches were presented to the males at the beginning of estrus, confirmed by the low level of progesterone (<2 ng mL-1) and at the time considered as a optimal for breeding (10-15 ng mL-1). The males reaction to the female was recorded. The seven males confirmed their ability to recognize the best time for breeding in the bitches. They were ready to mate only the females being at the optimal period for conception. The average age and experience of these dogs were significantly higher than the age and experience of the dogs not presenting those capabilities. That could suggest the meaning of learning in process of developing such a skills.
Michal Dzieciol, Wojciech Nizanski, Malgorzata Ochota, Roland Kozdrowski and Ewa Stanczyk, 2012. Observation on Possibility to Identify by the Stud Dogs the Signs of the Fertile Period in Bitches. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 962-967.