how long is a dogs heat cycle?
The Heat Cycle for Female Dogs Explained The dog heat cycle can vary dramatically. Dogs go into heat on average twice a year, but some dogs may go into heat three times and many larger breeds only once annually. The cycle lasts an average of 12 to 21 days but can be as short as a few days or last as long as four weeks. A female's first heat cycle will usually occur sometime between 6 months to a year, although it may occur as early as 5 months in smaller breeds and as late as 14 months in larger breeds. Females can get pregnant during the first heat, though it is not advisable.