Several weeks ago I noticed Jazz had come into season.  This was a little early for her, as her recent cycles have been running 8+ months and this was right at 6 months.  Still, I looked at the calendar, called Linda up in Nashville to make sure Tag was available, then ran our girly up for her much anticipated tryst with Tag.  When I contacted Linda, I told her that Jazz’s cycle was not normal.  Aside from coming in early, she also wasn’t bleeding much nor as swollen as previous cycles.  I know, to much information, but there is a reason I’m talking details.  At first, Tag seemed interested and we were hopeful, but after about 24 hours his interest waned to curious, but far from excited.  Linda kept Jazz for almost a week and there wasn’t any sign from either of her boys that Jazz was ready to breed.  When I brought her home River was interested, but not crazy.  It was more of a “Oh, girly in season is here!   I should be excited!” then he decided he could just take a nap.  As you know, River has been neutered for a year, but he is still a good radar for girls in season.  I watched Jazz for the next week and came to the conclusion this just wasn’t ‘right’.  Because the cycle was extremely short, I’m guessing she is having what we call a split heat cycle.  She could come in again in a few weeks, a few months, or not again until July or later.   In short… I have no idea when she will be bred or having pups.  I still plan to breed her to Tag even if it means driving back here from TX after we move.  I saw them together again and both Linda and I agree, they are an awesome match.  Next cycle I will track her progesterone and we will have a vet do a side by side collection if Tag isn’t very interested.  If she doesn’t get pregnant by that point, I’m going to assume she is done being a mommy.

With this information in mind those of you waiting for a Jazz puppy and were hoping for something by summer should consider your options.

Option 1:  Go for a Ziva and Cory puppy instead.  These guys will be super sweet and calm.  If your goal is a sweet, funny puppy like I had in the Billie and Cash litter last year, you would be happy with a Ziva and Cory pup.  For those in Texas, Keith and I plan to make a trip to San Antonio around spring break to house hunt once we get his orders to move.  We do have a home in San Antonio already, but as most of you know we own a lot of houses and it is hard for us to pass up the chance to pick up another.   The Ziva and Cory pups will be about 10 weeks old by that point.  In short, I can bring your new baby to you or at least most of the way.

Option 2:  Wait for Jazz x Tag and hope we can get Miss Jazz pregnant.  If not, you can move to the Mica and Quincy litter which will also be happening soon after we move back to Texas this summer.  That means Fall / early Winter pups.  I did not want to breed two litters at once, but if I must do it, I will if everyone ends up cycling at the same time.  Mica is getting older and need to have her first litter and I have been waiting to breed her to Quincy since she was a puppy.  Mica’s health testing is almost complete and we don’t expect any issues.  Both Mica and Quincy live with Heather in San Antonio, but Mica will come to me to whelp the babies.   The Mica x Quincy litter will be medium to large in adult size and be of the more active level like the Jazz and Tag babies.  For those who do not know, Quincy is River’s half brother and Jazz’s cousin.  His temperament is very similar to my River x Jazz puppies.

http://www.anutta.com/standardpoodles/mica/

So, that is the update.  Not exactly what I had hoped for, but breeding dogs isn’t a guarantee.

~Becky