Validation of Age at Puberty of Nigerian Bitches

The age at puberty of Nigerian dogs around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja was determined in order to validate earlier reports from other parts of Nigeria and to provide additional information for canine reproductive research. 16 pre-pubertal female dogs were purchased from different dog markets and households within the FCT. They were housed in cages in groups of four and allowed to acclimatise for two weeks, during which time they were treated against external and internal parasitic infections until they were clinically free from disease. They were also vaccinated against common diseases such as rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, parvo and hepatitis using standard vaccines and fed twice daily with household meals. They were then observed daily for the onset of puberty through behavioural changes, haematology and vaginal cytology. All the dogs attained puberty between eight and thirteen months of age. Dog owners are therefore advised to be properly guided to prepare for the bloody discharge that is associated with onset of reproductive cyclicity. There is also need for patience as many dogs in this environment attain puberty at a later age than exotic breeds