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Why is my unneutered male dog obsessed with my female? Is he in heat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 13 lbs

He keeps wanting to have intercourse with my other chihuahua Cosita (female), he’s too attached to her and I tried separating them but he keeps crying and I don’t want him die or get sick (I’ve lost too many dogs). What can I do? Is this normal? He also feels a little warm and panting, he’s never done this before, but he stops when Cosita is with him. I don’t know what to do, please help! Is he in “heat”? Or is this a phase?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on August 18th, 2018

Hi there. Male dogs do not have heat cycles like females dog. However, I see that Tiny is a young adult dog, only about a year old - so it's likely that he's just now becoming interested in females. So unfortunately, this behavior is likely to continue for quite some time. He may eventually calm down a bit when he's older, but it's going to be extremely frustrating for him in the meantime to live in the same household as an intact female. Unless you're planning to use him for breeding, I would recommend having him neutered - this is the easiest way to resolve the problem :)

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 17th, 2018

    This is no surprise at all, if he is not neutered and she is not spayed this will keep happening every time she is in heat and maybe even when she isn't, putting them in different houses is the only solution, at least in period she is in heat, or you can of course get them neutered.

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 18th, 2018

    If your female dogs is in heat then he really cannot physiologically keep himself from trying to get to her, and this is normal behavior. You would need to separate them to different houses until she comes out of heat. If your female dog is spayed (therefore definitely not in heat), then his behavior is abnormal. Separate them completely if your female is in heat. See if a friend or neighbor can keep him for a week or two and then try bringing him home (if her heat cycle seems to be over). Regardless, it would be wise to neuter him, as that will likely reduce this behavior whether your female is spayed or not. Part of this behavior may be just their interaction in that he's being dominant, so neutering him may not completely resolve the issue. However it definitely will not get better if he is intact and she is in heat. I hope that helps you. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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