How can i tell if my dog is in season

[janetsflower]

I have a westie bitch who is 8 months old now and I think she might be in season for the first time, but how can be sure. There were a couple of spots of blood on my cream sofa the other night but haven.t seen any sinceand our male german shorthaired pointer seemed very interested in her all of sudden so they have now been separated because i am not taking any risks!! But how can be sure if she is in season and how long will it last, and when can they be allowed back together because they both miss each other and want to play but as i intend to breed from both with their own breeds in the future i don't want any unfortunate accidents in the mean time

[Corinna11]

Something to think about... All dogs are awesome. Pedigreed or not. However, unless a person is breeding for conformation and to preserve a breeds standard, its better to ADOPT.
I have owned Newfoundland dogs over the past 14 years and I show both conformation and water rescue. For every AKC NCA dog I purchase for show, I rescue one. I have had 3 pedigreed dogs over the years. Not just an AKC Newf from a backyard breeder but over 2500.00 a puppy triple generation both sides recent champions. One girl a niece to Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show 'Josh." AND I have NEVER breed one litter.... Not because these are not gorgeous dogs in every way but because there are enough wonderful dogs available already!
Anyone who is a reputable breeder knows that you will LOSE money breeding. Even charging over 2K for each one. The dogs I buy not only have royal bloodlines but parents, grandparents and great grandparents are health tested.
This does not mean 'yeah my dogs are healthy'. NO this means OFA (orthopedic foundation for animals) heart exams by cardiologists, hip, elbow, patella and shoulder x-rays, blood and DNA testing, CERF eye exams and the list goes on and on....
WHY you ask? Because reputable breeders are in it NOT for Christmas money but to preserve and improve the breed for all the wonderful qualities it has!
Even after a reputable breeder has spent THOUSANDS of dollars checking the health or their dogs, even then most of the litter is NOT show quality but wil still make precious pets. These are usually given to wonderful homes with the assurance that the breeder will always take the dog back if needed.
PLEASE!! consider adopting or fostering a breed specific puppy or dog through the AKC breed club rescue. I have to go now but all I can say is think of the animals! If you cant do it right then please dont breed at all.:-)