Visa usually breeds late too! Last litter she bred from days 18-26. This time she started standing earlier; I think it was day 14. She has never wanted to breed this early before. Honestly I think they didn't tie before because Jake knew it wasn't her time yet. Funny thing is, I sat him for a few days while she was in heat, until the day before she was standing. He was not interested in her in the least. Yet, he tied with her THE DAY she was due to ovulate. Interesting; I guess the old man knows a thing or two.
I also had a smooth male once, excellent stud dog. He is retired now, but again, he wouldn't even care about the girls in season until they were REALLY ready to breed... never went off his food, never lost weight when girls were in season.. nothing.. he paid no attention to them, unless they were really ready!! (and he still NEVER went off his food LOL) He was a great stud dog, could get a bitch bred really quickly as well...
Good luck with your litter! Hope she gives you a decent sized litter this time!