Progesterone Testing in Dogs (2025 Guide): Breeding Timing & Results
Breeding American Bullies without understanding progesterone testing in dogs is basically guessing. This 2025 breeder guide breaks down dog progesterone levels, how to read your lab report, and exactly which days to breed based on the numbers—not myths. Whether you’re timing a first American Bully litter or managing a full breeding program, you’ll learn how to use progesterone testing to hit ovulation, avoid missed heats, and improve litter size and conception rates.
🗣️ Voice Search – Progesterone Testing in Dogs
Q: What is progesterone testing in dogs for breeding?
A: Progesterone testing in dogs measures the hormone level in the blood so breeders know exactly when ovulation happens. It replaces guessing and lets you time natural breedings or AI on the right days for the best chance of pregnancy.
Q: What progesterone level is best for breeding dogs?
A: Most repro vets recommend breeding when progesterone levels are between 15–25 ng/mL, depending on the lab and whether you’re doing a natural tie, chilled semen, or frozen. This guide explains each range and which days to breed.
Q: How often should I progesterone test my dog?
A: Many breeders start testing around day 5–7 of the heat cycle, then repeat every 48 hours until progesterone passes the ovulation threshold. Once ovulation is confirmed, your vet uses the numbers to calculate exact breeding days.
Q: Do American Bully breeders need progesterone testing?
A: Yes. American Bully breeding often involves shipped or chilled semen and expensive stud fees. Progesterone testing reduces missed breedings, failed shipments, and small litters—saving money and protecting the bitch’s health
📚 Table of Contents
- Why Progesterone Testing Matters
- Understanding Canine Reproduction
- When to Start Progesterone Testing
- Progesterone Levels Explained (Chart)
- What Ovulation Looks Like
- Timing for Each AI Method
- How to Determine the Exact Breeding Day
- Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid
- The Importance of Semen Quality
- AI, TCI & Surgical: Timing & Advantages
- Fresh Chilled vs Frozen Semen
- The Role of the Stud Owner in Breeding Success
- Case Study: 10-Pup Litter via Frozen Semen
- Choosing the Right Stud: A Breeder’s Perspective
- Downloadable Timeline PDF
- Helpful Internal Links & CTA
🧬 Progesterone Testing in Dogs – Basics for American Bully Breeders
In canine reproduction, timing is everything.
Guessing based on day 10–14 of the heat cycle is outdated and risky. The difference between a successful litter and a missed breeding often comes down to a few days—or even hours.
By using progesterone testing, breeders can:
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Predict ovulation with accuracy
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Time breedings precisely (especially with AI or frozen semen)
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Maximize fertility and litter size
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Avoid wasting money on stud fees or shipping
🐶 Understanding Canine Reproduction
The typical canine heat cycle includes:
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Proestrus (bleeding begins): Days 1–7
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Estrus (fertile period): Days 8–18
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Diestrus (end of fertility): Days 18+
Some females ovulate on day 6. Others on day 16. Without progesterone testing, it’s impossible to tell.
🕒 When to Start Progesterone Testing
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Start testing on Day 4–6 after bleeding begins
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If levels are low (<1 ng/mL), retest every 2 days
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Once progesterone passes 3.5 ng/mL, test daily until it rises above 5.0
📊 Dog Progesterone Level Chart – Ovulation & Breeding Days
Most progesterone tests are run using either IDEXX or MiniVidas machines. Always confirm with your vet which system was used, since the progesterone values are not interchangeable and each hs different thresholds for breeding.
📊 Progesterone Levels Explained (Chart)
| Progesterone (ng/mL) | Reproductive Stage | Action |
|---|---|---|
| <1.0 | Anestrus | Wait & retest |
| 1.0–2.9 | Pre-LH surge | Retest every 48h |
| 3.0–4.9 | LH surge possible | Test daily |
| 5.0–8.0 | Ovulation range | Begin breeding schedule |
| 8.0–25+ | Post-ovulation | Breed immediately with frozen/surgical |
🔥 “Ovulation typically occurs between 5.0–5.5 ng/mL. Track the jump to confirm the day of ovulation.”
How to Read Your Dog’s Progesterone Test Results
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LH surge occurs at 2.0 ng/mL
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Ovulation happens ~48 hours later (~5.0 ng/mL)
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Eggs mature 2-3 days after ovulation
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Fertile window: 48–72 hours after egg maturity
💉 Timing AI, Fresh, Chilled & Frozen Semen by Progesterone Level
| Method | Best for | Breed on Day | Progesterone Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI (Vaginal) | Fresh semen | Day 1–2 after ovulation | 5–8 ng/mL |
| TCI | Chilled/Frozen | Day 2–3 after ovulation | 6–15 ng/mL |
| Surgical AI | Frozen | Day 3 after ovulation | 15–25 ng/mL |
🧬 Timing must be based on ovulation, not just behavior or cycle day.
🧭 How to Determine the Exact Breeding Day
Example:
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Monday: 3.9 ng/mL
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Wednesday: 6.5 ng/mL ➜ Ovulation occurred Tuesday
Ovulation = Tuesday
Breed accordingly:
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AI (fresh): Wednesday or Thursday
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TCI: Thursday or Friday
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Surgical: Friday or Saturday
❌ Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid
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Starting testing too late
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Skipping daily testing at surge
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Shipping semen before surge
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Using frozen semen with vaginal AI
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Relying on day counts (Day 9, 12 etc.) over progesterone levels
🔬 The Importance of Semen Quality
Even perfect timing means nothing without viable semen.
Key Semen Quality Metrics:
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Motility: 75%+ active forward movement
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Morphology: Less than 10% abnormalities
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Concentration: 10+ million sperm per pound of body weight
❗ Low-quality semen = failed breedings, small litters, or no conception.
At Venomline:
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All studs are health & DNA tested, DNA-Profiled and semen quality-tested
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Only high-motility, high-quality samples are shipped
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Fresh chilled and frozen semen is prepared by professionals
- All semen shipments include full semen analysis with sperm count, motility, mobility and a video of the live collection for verification.
⚙️ AI, TCI & Surgical: Timing & Advantages
1️⃣ Regular AI (Vaginal Artificial Insemination)
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Ideal for fresh semen & local breedings
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No anesthesia, low cost
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Best timing: 1–2 days post-ovulation (5–8 ng/mL)
2️⃣ TCI (Transcervical Insemination)
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Non-surgical, high success
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Uses endoscopic guidance to place semen in uterus
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Best for: chilled or frozen semen
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Timing: 48-72 hours after ovulation (6–15 ng/mL)
3️⃣ Surgical Insemination
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Most accurate for frozen semen
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Minimally Invasive with experienced Vets but highest success rate
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Timing: 72 hours after ovulation (15–25+ ng/mL)
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Best for one-shot breedings, low-quality semen, or international matings
💡 Ask your vet ahead of time which methods they offer!
❄️ Fresh Chilled vs Frozen Semen
| Feature | Fresh Chilled | Frozen |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 72-96 hours | 12–24 hours |
| Storage | Insulated Container | Cryogenic tank |
| AI Type | Vaginal/TCI | Surgical |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Timing Flexibility | Medium | Low (Must be exact) |
Fresh chilled offers more margin for error. Frozen requires surgical precision.
⚕️ The Role of the Stud Owner in Breeding Success
A stud owner’s experience can make or break your breeding.
At Venomline, we:
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Perform semen evaluations before shipment
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Use medical-grade extenders (5-7 day) for chilled/frozen prep
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Coordinate directly with your vet
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Assist in timing based on real progesterone results
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Provide documentation and tips for AI method selection
📦 We’ve successfully shipped to clients in 5 continents with documented success.
🌍 Case Study: 10-Pup Litter via Frozen Semen
Client: Evolved Bullies (Australia)
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Stud: Venomline’s King Koopa
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Method: Frozen semen ➜ Surgical AI
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Coordination: Vet + timing based on progesterone levels
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Result: 10 healthy puppies from one dose
🎯 This illustrates the power of pairing properly prepared frozen semen with precision timing and breeder coordination.🧬 Choosing the Right Stud: A Breeder’s Perspective
A stud isn’t just about looks or titles.
What matters:
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Proven producer
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Consistent litters
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Health-tested
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Strong semen quality
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Part of a true breeding program, not just one Stud dog
📝 Downloadable Timeline PDF
📝 Downloadable Timeline PDF
✔️ Download our printable progesterone timing cheat sheet to share with your vet:
⬇️ Download PDF
❓ People Also Ask (PAA)
Q: What is the best progesterone level to breed a dog?
A: Typically between 5–8 ng/mL during ovulation.
Q: When should I use frozen semen for breeding?
A: 72 hours after ovulation, ideally with surgical or TCI.
Q: How many days after the LH surge should I breed?
A: Ovulation occurs ~48 hrs after LH surge. Breed 2–4 days post-LH.
Q: Can I breed my dog naturally using frozen semen?
A: No. Frozen requires surgical or TCI.
Q: What makes a good stud dog?
A: Production consistency, semen quality, health testing, and pedigree.
🙋 Breeder FAQs
1. Can I breed without progesterone testing?
Not if you want predictable success—especially with shipped semen.
2. What’s the cost of progesterone testing?
Usually $75–$150 per test.
3. What happens if I miss the ovulation window?
Conception becomes unlikely, especially with frozen semen.
4. Is it safe to breed multiple times in one heat?
Yes—staggering breedings improves chances and covers the fertile window.
5. What is the success rate of frozen semen breeding?
Up to 85% if timed perfectly with surgical or TCI and quality semen.
6. What happens if semen arrives too early?
It may die before ovulation. Timing is crucial.
7. Should semen be tested before shipment?
Absolutely. Motility and morphology should be verified.
8. Do all vets offer TCI or surgical?
No—call ahead. Many only offer basic AI.
9. Is Venomline experienced with shipping semen?
Yes—with hundreds of successful breedings and international shipments.
10. How can I ensure a large litter?
Perfect timing, viable semen, proven stud, and proper vet care.
Frequently Asked Questions – Progesterone Testing in Dogs
1. Can I breed my dog without progesterone testing?
Technically yes, but you’re guessing based on calendar days and behavior. For American Bully breeding—where stud fees, shipping and AI are expensive—progesterone testing in dogs dramatically improves pregnancy rates and litter size.
2. Is one progesterone test enough?
Usually not. Most vets recommend multiple progesterone tests to track the rise from baseline through ovulation. A single test is only a snapshot; a series shows the pattern and lets you choose the optimal breeding days.
3. What if my dog’s progesterone level is high but she won’t stand?
Some females are shy or inexperienced. If progesterone levels and the repro vet say it’s time, you can use AI instead of a natural tie. This is common in American Bully programs using shipped semen or outside studs.
4. Does each lab have different progesterone numbers?
Yes. Different machines and units (ng/mL vs nmol/L) can have different reference ranges. Always follow the breeding chart and recommendations specific to the lab and repro vet you’re using.
✍️ About the Author – Venomline Elite Team
Venomline’s expert team leads this guide—headed by the acclaimed author of The Bully Bible, founder of BULLY KING Magazine, and a top-tier breeder. With 10+ years in breeding, training, and advocacy, Venomline has produced 50+ ABKC Champions and 25+ Grand Champions.
As passionate breed advocates, rescue donors, and volunteers, Venomline offers field-tested insights and expert guidance to help you raise a confident, well-trained Bully.
🔗 Helpful Links
- 🔗 About Venomline
- 🔗 American Bully Stud Services
- 🔗 Available Studs & Fees
- 🔗 Available Pocket Bully Puppies
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🔗 Venomline Client Litters
- 🔗 Produced Pocket Bullies
💬 Have questions? Contact Us for help coordinating your breeding today.
📚 Further Reading
Linebreeding, Inbreeding & Outcrossing in American Bully Breeding (2025 Guide)
An in-depth exploration of genetic strategies—linebreeding, inbreeding, and outcrossing—and how they form the blueprint for developing American Bully bloodlines.
Foundation Females in American Bully Breeding: Why They Matter (2025 Guide)
A guide showcasing the critical role that foundation females play in the success of Bully breeding programs, using Venomline’s proven examples.
Phenotype vs Genotype in American Bully Breeding: Complete Guide
Clarifies the difference between “look” (phenotype) and genetic makeup (genotype), and how together they differentiate hype from legacy in breeding.
American Bully Breeding Guide: The Complete “Breeding 101” for Beginners & Pros
A thorough primer on breeding—from foundation females to breeding contracts—tailored for both newcomers and seasoned breeders.
The $2 Billion American Bully Market | 2025 Size, Value & Trends
A market report revealing the American Bully industry’s valuation—$1.161B in the U.S.—and explores how global demand is shaping the breed’s future.
Venomline Pocket Bullies Blog Hub (2025): The Ultimate Knowledge Center for American Bully Owners, Breeders & Enthusiasts
A centralized hub that consolidates Venomline’s best educational content—covering genetics, studs, buyer guides, health, growth charts, and more.
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