A female is referred to as a bitch and a male is a dog or a sire. A typical female dog comes into heat once every six months. It is highly discouraged to breed a dog during its first heat cycle. This is because the dog has not completely matured itself. Breeding too early can cause developmental problems in the bitch.
Growth is stopped, needed calcium and nutrients is transferred to the puppies.
The actual heat cycle itself can be a frustrating thing for owners. It starts out with the female having a clear type of discharge. Then the vulva starts to swell and bleeding commences. Make sure the dogs are kept separate during this time. Many injuries to dogs are seen because the male wouldn t take no for an answer.