For many years I bred large breeds including Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds. During that time I rarely used progesterone testing and still had very good success with breedings.
Like many experienced breeders, I relied on behavioral cues from the female and the male. When the bitch began flagging and the male showed strong interest, breedings were typically done around days 10 and 12 of the cycle. With those breeds, that approach worked very well and most breedings resulted in pregnancy.
However, when I began working with French Bulldogs, I quickly discovered that the same timing methods were not always reliable.
French Bulldogs often have much less predictable cycles, and relying solely on behavioral signs can easily lead to missed breedings or poor timing. Because of this, I decided to incorporate progesterone testing into my breeding program so that ovulation timing could be determined much more accurately.
Why Progesterone Testing Matters
Progesterone testing allows breeders to determine when ovulation is approaching and identify the optimal breeding window. Proper timing can make the difference between a successful litter and a missed breeding.
This is particularly important when:
• breeding cycles are unpredictable
• artificial insemination is being used
• chilled or shipped semen is involved
• coordinating breedings between different locations
Accurate hormone testing removes much of the guesswork and allows breeders to make more informed breeding decisions.
Laboratory Experience and Accurate Testing
In addition to my experience as a breeder, my professional background has also prepared me well for performing progesterone testing.
I am a respiratory therapist and have spent many years working in and managing hospital laboratories. I have extensive experience with blood gas analyzers and other diagnostic equipment, including performing calibration, quality control, and proficiency testing to ensure accurate laboratory results.
Because of this background, maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring accurate testing procedures is something I take very seriously.
My in-house progesterone analyzer is maintained with the same attention to calibration and quality control that is expected in a clinical laboratory setting.
In-House Progesterone Testing
Many veterinary clinics must send progesterone samples to outside laboratories, which can delay results by 12 to 24 hours. During a breeding cycle, that delay can sometimes mean missing the optimal breeding window.
By performing progesterone testing in-house, results are available in approximately 35 minutes, allowing breeders to monitor the cycle closely and make timely breeding decisions.
Final Thoughts
While traditional breeding timing methods may work well in some breeds, progesterone testing provides a much more precise way to determine ovulation and plan breedings.
For breeders working with breeds that have less predictable cycles, this testing can significantly improve breeding success.
Breeders who are planning a litter and would like more information about progesterone testing or other reproductive services can learn more here:
TerraSassa French Bulldogs 