Breeding Issues - Page 2

i have a female that does not swell much , but she still has no problem getting pregant, i am quite amased that the stud can still get inside her. i do think this has to do with the hormones. 

Well when she first bred she would swell some so I was sure a male could fit but now she doesn't swell at all. I will get her hormones checked.

For starters a vet does not look at a vaginal culture to determine if a bitch is ready to be Ai'd. Possibly your vet looked at a vaginal smear to determine the cornification of the cells in relation to her progression of estrous? You need to have blood work done by your veterinarian ( preferably one who specializes in reproduction ) to determine the progesterone levels and time an AI properly if you are going to do one.  Otherwise it can not be determined if the female has even ovulated in order to conceive. Why the AI's and not again a natural breeding?  If you are not prepared to spend a lot of money or put a lot of money into a breeding especially if going the AI route then you need to do your homework BEFORE hand and reconsider breeding. Discounting services and trying to save money lands you right in the place you are in currently. With no answers and very little knowledge. Because a bitches vulva does not swell means nothing. Some females barely show any signs of heat at all, get bred right on time and then whelp litters of perfectly healthy size. There are several excellent books out there on canine reproduction. I highly suggest understanding the basics of breeding before ever considering breeding to begin with and getting your facts from these sources as well as investing your time and money into following all the steps required to do successful if possible artificial matings. This includes pre-breeding exams and cultures prior to breeding, blood work to follow progesterone timing, proper bitch care during pregnancy and additionally being prepared for complications of delivery. Knowing sign of distress and what you will need to do should you get into trouble.  Breeding is a serious business and can go wrong very quickly. Anyone who breeds should be prepared for this and not expect the bitch to have a perfect litter and all to be right. If you are someone who wants to avoid having to pour out your pockets extra money you should reconsider breeding to begin with.