Breeding Timing & Progesterone Guidance
EverOak Preservation Protocol
At EverOak Labradors & Sussex Spaniels, breeding decisions are never left to guesswork. Proper timing is essential to maximize conception rates while protecting the health of the bitch and preserving the integrity of the breeding.
Unlike many species, the canine reproductive cycle is unique. Dogs ovulate immature eggs, which require approximately 48–72 hours to mature before fertilization can occur. Canine pregnancy is also progesterone-based, making accurate progesterone testing critical.
Progesterone testing is mandatory when using any EverOak stud dog.
No exceptions. Proper documentation must be provided prior to breeding or semen shipment.
Understanding Progesterone Levels (ng/mL)
For a natural breeding or using extended chilled semen, general timing guidelines are:
2.0–2.9 → Breed in approximately 4 days
3.0–3.9 → Breed in approximately 3 days
4.0–8.0 → Breed today or tomorrow
8.0–15.0 → Breed immediately
Most bitches ovulate between 3.0–7.0 ng/mL, with 5.0 ng/mL commonly serving as the ovulation benchmark.
The rise from 3 to 7 often occurs within 24 hours.
Key considerations:
Eggs mature 2–3 days after ovulation
Eggs remain viable for about 4 days
Fresh sperm requires 7–8 hours to capacitate
Sperm can live 5–7 days
Optimal fertilization occurs within 48–72 hours post-ovulation
Confirming Ovulation
At EverOak, a minimum of two progesterone tests is required to confirm ovulation:
One reading below 5.0
One reading at or above 5.0
Some bitches may stall or plateau, making repeat testing essential. An early low progesterone baseline helps establish accuracy throughout the cycle.
Artificial Insemination (AI) Timing
Timing varies by semen type:
Fresh or Chilled Semen
4 days after a 2.5 reading
2 days after a 5.0 reading
Frozen Semen
5 days after a 2.5 reading
3 days after a 5.0 reading
Frozen semen requires especially precise timing due to its limited lifespan post-thaw.
Progesterone Reference Ranges
<1.0 → Anestrus / Early Proestrus
1.0–1.9 → LH surge (approximately 2 days prior to ovulation)
2.0–3.0 → LH spike
3.1–4.9 → Day after LH spike
5.0 → Ovulation (eggs immature)
10.0–15.0+ → Eggs mature and ready for fertilization
After Breeding
Once breeding is confirmed, a pregnancy calendar is used to estimate due dates and monitor fetal development.
At EverOak, precision is part of preservation. Responsible timing protects our females, supports healthy litters, and upholds the standards we are committed to maintaining.
Rooted in Faith • Committed for a Lifetime
