reproductionGB

Canid reproduction is distinguished by large litters of up to 15 pups, although 6 to 7 is more common, usually born once a year. Canid gestation periods range from 51 to 80 days. The young are blind and helpless at birth and require an extended period of parental care. Pups consume only their mother’s milk until two to six weeks in age, when they learn to eat solid food as adult animals bring them dead prey or regurgitate partially digested food. After about a year, most canid pups reach sexual maturity, although the larger species, such as the gray wolf, can take up to three years to mature.

Mating occurs when female canids are in heat, a time when hormonal changes make females both attractive and attracted to males. In most canid species, sexually mature females are in heat once a year. Domestic dogs are often in heat twice a year. Mating in canids includes a distinctive feature called the copulatory tie. Following mating, the male and female reproductive organs remain linked together for up to an hour. This adaptation may have evolved to prevent other males from mating with the female during this time.

Physical characteristics	Introduction	Types of canids
Social behaviour	Humans and the dog family	Domestic dogs
Menu
To receive our newsletters subscribe unsubscribe

Majuscule authorized me to use some of her graphics. It is strictly forbidden to use her graphics to create data banks or to offer them on your own website. If you wish to use her graphics, please ask her first. Thank you for respecting her work.