At the end of Sep. 2007 I acquired a dog from a breeder(not a good one) who was downsizing due to some animal control violations. It is a miniature dachshund female. I was told that she was born Sep. 12, 2006 and has never been in heat. I was told that they were giving this dog away because she was too small to breed. She was very very skinny(bone sticking out) and malnourished. She still had her puppy canine teeth along with her adult canine teeth smashed in her small mouth. She was only 5.2 pounds when I got her. I have gotten her up to date on shots, had the puppy teeth removed(there was an infection in her mouth), dewormed, heart-worm tested(neg) and on preventative. She is now 7.9 pounds. She has not come into heat since I have had her. How long do you think it would be before she comes into heat? I wanted to wait until she comes into heat before I have her spayed. This would be the closing that I need to feel that she is finally healthy.
Thanks,
Jennifer

If she hasn't come in heat yet, she should come in any time. A couple of the puppies we raised recently never showed any sign of coming into heat before going away to dog guide school at about her age. Some females don't come into heat the first time until after a year old. Others, it may not be noticeable.

I would talk to your vet about it. Waiting until after the first heat was common practice in the 50's. Usually now, it is done at 6 months avoiding the heat cycle altogether. Vets disagree on a lot of things. If yours wants to let it go until after she comes in heat, I would go along with it. Bare in mind, it will be a hassle, with her and every male for miles doing their best to get together.

I do want to thank you for giving her a home, good care, and planing to spay her.

This would be the closing that I need to feel that she is finally healthy.

If she has been malnourished she may not come into heat like a normal dog would. If the vet was willing I would go ahead with the spaying.
I also want to thank you for taking this little girl in and doing what is right by her. Good Luck you are an angel.
This reminds me of a story that I saw last week a man had 1200 hundred dogs in a puppy mill in Southwest VA and was allowed to keep 200 and give up 1000.. some where brought to Ohio. I am just sad that all of them weren't taken away.