...when should I mate her she is 3yrs? My friend has a male dog of the same breed and we want to breed them but I am not sure of the dates to do this I am nearly sure she only started bleeding today as I haven't noticed it before today also she is very swollen .She was 3yrs old in November so I think she is old enough any advice would be welcome

The fact that your friend has a male dog of the same breed is beside the point. You need to know the history of both dogs and study genetic.

Breeding dogs is no longer for amateurs and dogs who are not well bred could be dumped on the scrap heap. There are people who will buy puppies from you at a greatly reduced price and because you are not a recognised breeder you could be left with puppies on your hands.

At present you are possibly thinking about the wonderful bundles of fun, or perhaps bundles of cash. Don't go there, think of the vets bills if you dog has problems, possibly a Cesarean operation or worse.

Your dog could die. It is apparent from your question that you don't know much about dogs and that you haven't a clue about breeding them. PLEASE DO NOT EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR DOGS HEALTH.

She's old enough now. You typically have to wait until the female is past the age of 2. Happy puppying!!

How bout you go to the pound and see how many dogs ended up there that have been BRED! Then get the list of the ones that have 72 hours till they are put to sleep. It's just selfish.

If you do not know anything about breeding, you should not be asking now. Spay your dog and make her life longer. Thousands of animals die every day because owners do not spay or neuter their dogs. Do not contribute to the problem

WTG LEO!

NOW, I don't believe anyone has answered the Q.

While this can vary from dog to dog and heat to heat - most females will acept the male around the 11th or 12th day of the heat. Breeders usually bred twice during the heat ie day 12 and day 14. The discharge should be much lighter at this time.

As far as estimating the birth of the puppies, you count the day you bred her as day 1. Gestation is from 59-67 days.

Good luck

What is the OFA records of your dog and your friends dog? Is the parents and grandparents of the dog heart clear, eye healthy and hip healthy? If you don't have the answer to this question, my advice to you would be to leave the breeding to people who know what they are doing. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, and luxating patella. If you were to breed your dog and she has a MVD you could lose your dog. Spay your dog and leave breeding to breeders.

Just because you have 2 dogs around does NOT mean that you should breed them. What makes you think your dogs are of Breeding Quality? Have you have their health exams done? Have they won numerous Titles at dog shows??

Please don't breed just to breed. There are already enough Back Yard Breeders in this world and too many unwanted dogs.

Please just enjoy your dogs as pets...not a source of income.