Females can come into heat as early as 6 months of age but between 8-12 months is more normal. They can physically become pregnant when they start having heat cycles. It is better to wait until they are full grown before placing the demands of pregnancy on their body--at least 1 year of age.
Males come to sexual maturity at about the same time. Some will show mating behavior even younger. Some males are not very good at breeding until they are 1.5-2 years of age. Immature males may not be aware of how to mate and breeding is unsuccessful.
Both male and female should be examined by a veterinarian before breeding to make sure they do not have any hereditary conditions that may be passed on.
Males come to sexual maturity at about the same time. Some will show mating behavior even younger. Some males are not very good at breeding until they are 1.5-2 years of age. Immature males may not be aware of how to mate and breeding is unsuccessful.
Both male and female should be examined by a veterinarian before breeding to make sure they do not have any hereditary conditions that may be passed on.