Which hormone is primarily responsible for the attraction of male dogs during mating?

Estrogen is the hormone primarily responsible for attracting male dogs during mating. In female dogs, estrogen levels rise significantly during the estrus phase of their reproductive cycle, also known as heat. This rise in estrogen is key to signalling that the female is ready for mating, both behaviorally and chemically. The pheromones released by the female dogs during this time are influenced by the presence of estrogen and play a crucial role in attracting males.

As estrogen promotes several behaviors in the female dog that signal receptiveness, it essentially sets the stage for mating to occur. Thus, the role of estrogen in this context is critical, as it facilitates the interaction between male and female dogs during reproductive activities.

Understanding the influence of estrogen helps clarify the reproductive dynamics in canines and the mechanisms behind mating behaviors.