Reproductive Services
Breeding & Artificial Insemination in Lincoln, AR
Welcome to Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, where our staff is able to collect semen, conduct vaginal cytology to determine the best day to breed, provide artificial insemination, and assist with natural breeding. A successful breeding takes good timing, healthy dogs and a little expert help.
Understanding Breeding & Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination places collected semen in the female without the dogs mating directly. It can be a good option when a natural breeding isn’t practical, such as when the dogs are very different in size, one dog is inexperienced or reluctant, or you want to reduce direct contact between the dogs.
Assisted natural breeding gives your dogs support and supervision so the breeding goes as smoothly as possible. Either way, timing matters. A female’s fertile window is short, so knowing the best day to breed gives each breeding its best chance.
Whichever route you choose, our team works with you to plan each step, from timing tests to the breeding itself.
What to Expect From Breeding Support
Planning ahead makes breeding day go smoothly. Here’s how our team helps:
Pre-Breeding Checkup
Before the heat cycle begins, a physical exam for both dogs helps make sure they’re healthy and ready.
Finding the Best Day
Our team uses vaginal cytology, which looks at cells from the vaginal lining that change through the heat cycle, to help determine the best day to breed. Progesterone testing can be added for an even clearer picture of timing.
Semen Collection
Our staff collects semen from the stud dog in a calm setting. The sample can then be used for artificial insemination.
Insemination or Assisted Breeding
On the chosen day, we either perform the artificial insemination or help with a natural breeding. Our veterinarian will talk with you about whether a second breeding is recommended and what to watch for afterward.
Why Choose Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln for Breeding Support
Our hospital puts the same level of care and attention to detail in our canine reproductive services as you do with your kennel. Breeding support is helpful for first-time breeders, experienced kennels, females that have missed in the past, and any breeding where timing or logistics are tricky.
- Complete breeding services: Semen collection, vaginal cytology, artificial insemination and assisted natural breeding.
- Careful timing: Cytology and progesterone testing help pinpoint the best day to breed.
- Conception to birth: Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln is there for you with pregnancy ultrasound, delivery support and care for the new litter.
- Local care: We serve the canine reproductive and breeding needs of Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and beyond.
Explore everything we offer on our reproductive services and small animal reproductive services pages.
Schedule Your Dog’s Breeding Today
Call us as soon as your female shows signs of heat so we have time to determine the best day to breed. Our team will help you plan each visit.
Call us at (479) 824-3299 or visit us at 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln. We’re open Monday through Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm.
Breeding & Artificial Insemination: Frequently Asked Questions
What is vaginal cytology and why does it matter?
Vaginal cytology is a simple test that looks at cells collected from the lining of the vagina under a microscope. These cells change in a predictable way as a female moves through her heat cycle, so the test helps our staff determine the best day to breed. Many breeders pair it with progesterone testing for added accuracy.
When is artificial insemination a good choice?
Artificial insemination can help when a natural breeding isn’t practical, for example when the dogs differ greatly in size, a dog is inexperienced or uncomfortable, or there’s a physical issue that makes mating difficult. It can also reduce direct contact between the dogs. Our veterinarian can help you decide whether it fits your plans.
What does assisted natural breeding involve?
With assisted natural breeding, the dogs mate naturally while our experienced team provides support and supervision. We help keep both dogs calm and safe and make sure the breeding goes as smoothly as possible. It’s a good option when you want a natural breeding but would like a professional on hand.
How should I prepare my dogs before breeding?
Schedule a checkup for both dogs before the heat cycle so they’re healthy and up to date on their care. Then call us when you see the first signs of heat so we can start timing tests. Having breeding dates, past history and any prior test results on hand helps us plan.
How do I schedule breeding or artificial insemination and what are your hours?
Call us at (479) 824-3299 as soon as your female shows signs of heat, or visit us at 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln. We’re open Monday–Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm, and our team will help you plan each visit.