Progesterone Testing – What Is It & Why It’s Key for Successful Breeding

Planning a litter takes time, care, and attention.

Breeders invest heavily to give their puppies the best start. After all that effort, nothing is more disappointing than a breeding that doesn’t result in pregnancy.

The main reason healthy bitches fail to conceive? Mistimed matings.

Why Guessing Doesn’t Work

Even experienced breeders can be surprised by ovulation timing. Some bitches may ovulate as early as day 4 of their season, others as late as day 28. Old “day 12” rules or assumptions based on previous cycles are often misleading.

Mistimed matings can result in:

• Small litters or singletons

• Additional health or management challenges, especially in large breeds

• Stress for the dogs and owners

• Wasted time and effort

Progesterone testing removes the guesswork and helps plan matings with confidence.

How Progesterone Testing Works

A bitch’s reproductive cycle has three stages: proestrus, estrus, and anestrus. Estrus, the fertile period, lasts 3–21 days (average 9). Signs like vulval swelling and discharge are useful to notice, but they are not reliable for pinpointing ovulation.

Typical progesterone testing schedule:

• First test: 5–6 days after bleeding or swelling starts to establish a baseline

• Retesting: Every 1–2 days once progesterone begins to rise until ovulation is confirmed

Ovulation occurs when progesterone reaches around 5–10 ng/ml, with eggs taking roughly 48 hours to mature. Breeding at this time with fresh semen (natural or AI) gives the best chance for pregnancy. Breeding with chilled or frozen semen may require slightly later timing under specialist guidance.

Why Progesterone Testing Matters

Testing is essential because it:

• Pinpoints optimal mating time

• Maximises litter size and health

• Helps plan C-sections or delivery support

• Tracks a bitch’s cycle for future breeding planning

• Reduces stress for both the bitch and stud owner

Accessing Progesterone Testing

While Swish Sheps does not perform testing ourselves, we strongly recommend using a reputable provider. Our recommended providers who we have utilised their services for our own dogs previously include:

• North West Breeding Services in Bacup – in-house progesterone testing with same-day results and tailored advice

• Prime Vets in Chesterfield

• Fit & Fertile in Preston

• Elite Kennel Fertility in Whitchurch

These clinics have the equipment and expertise to give accurate results and guidance, helping breeders plan with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bitch be ready on day 12?

No. Every bitch is different. Progesterone testing is the only reliable way to know.

Can progesterone testing predict when she’ll come into season?

No, it only shows if she has ovulated. It can, however, help identify silent heats.

Is one test enough?

Rarely. Tracking progesterone rise over several days gives the most accurate picture for optimal mating timing.

Do I have to pay per test?

Yes, but the accuracy and peace of mind it provides are invaluable.

Why We Require Progesterone Testing Before Using Our Stud Dogs

At Swish Sheps, we love seeing healthy puppies come into the world, and we want every breeding to have the best possible chance of success.

That’s why we have one simple rule:

We will not accept a female for one of our stud dogs unless she has been progesterone tested and the results are sent directly from your vet or reproductive clinic.

We understand that some breeders may wonder why this is necessary. After all, isn’t it just a “matter of timing”? Well… not quite.

Why Untested Bitches Can Be a Headache

Even experienced breeders can be surprised by ovulation timing. Here’s what can go wrong without progesterone testing:

• Mistimed matings – Ovulation can happen as early as day 4 or as late as day 28. Guessing often results in missed pregnancies.

• Stress for the dogs – Multiple trips to the stud with no result is stressful for both the bitch and our stud.

• Wasted time and effort – Planning, travel and costs can all be wasted if the timing is wrong.

• Smaller litters or singletons – Mating at the wrong time increases the risk of small litters, which require extra care.

• Unnecessary stress for the owners – Progesterone testing prevents the disappointment and heartbreak of failed matings.

  
  

How Progesterone Testing Helps

Reliable progesterone results allow us to:

• Plan the best day(s) to mate

• Avoid unnecessary trips or stress for the dogs

• Maximise healthy litter sizes

• Make the process smoother and predictable for everyone

  
  

Our Policy

To keep things simple, safe and fair:

• We only accept bitches with current progesterone results

• Results must come directly from your vet or reproductive clinic

• If a bitch is untested, we’ll advise how to get testing done before any arrangements are made

It’s not about being difficult—it’s about giving your breeding the best chance of success, keeping our stud dog healthy and stress-free, and respecting everyone’s time and effort.

At Swish Sheps, we love what we do and we want every breeding to be a positive, rewarding experience. Progesterone testing is a small step that makes a big difference—for the dogs, the breeders and the puppies.

Dawn & Phil 🐾