While there are several factors that affect the length of pregnancy, on average a dog carries puppies between 58 to 67 days or about two months. The average time to delivery is 63 days.
There are several reasons why a dog's pregnancy can be more or less than the average gestation length of 63 days.
On average, a dog that is having a small litter has the potential to remain pregnant a little longer since fewer puppies ultimately means more room in the uterus.
- On the other hand, a dog that is having a large litter is likely to deliver a little earlier since the pups run out of room quicker and trigger labor sooner.
- The average litter size will depend on breed but for a general idea, Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas tend to have between two and five puppies while Labrador Retrievers have around seven puppies.
The size of the pregnant dog can also be a factor.
- Small breed females, such as Chihuahuas, usually carry their pups slightly longer than larger breed dogs like German Shepherds, although there are always exceptions to this general rule of thumb.
- Both the size of the mother and the number of pups in the litter play a pivotal role in how long the pregnancy lasts.
The length of a dog's pregnancy often runs true within family lines.
- If you wonder how long your own female's pregnancy might last, try to find out how long her mother and grandmother's pregnancies lasted.
- While this isn't always possible to track down, some professional breeders keep meticulous birth records for each litter they produce.
Most veterinarians agree that day 58 is the earliest date that puppies can safely be born because their lungs are just mature enough by that time for the puppies to have a chance at survival. Even so, the pups may still be slightly premature.
- You can usually spot the preemies because their paws are bright pink with very little fur on them.
- Puppies delivered before day 58 are typically stillborn or die within a day or two of birth.
Of course, unless your dog had a planned breeding, the first step in this process may be noticing that something isn't quite right about your dog and finding out she's pregnant. If you know about the stages of a dog's pregnancy, you can tell where your dog is in the cycle by recognizing the signs and symptoms.
It's not always easy to tell if a dog is pregnant during the first few weeks of gestation but if you notice these signs, you should get your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup right away:
- Lack of appetite that may be accompanied by vomiting is normal in the first few weeks.
- A decrease in activity which usually occurs during the initial two weeks.
- The dog's breasts will start to become bigger around two weeks in to the pregnancy and will continue to get swell.
- Her nipples will also get darker and rosier because of increased blood flow at about the same time.
- Your dog may start acting strange a few days after conception and this can include either an increase in clinginess and affection or grumpy, hiding behavior.
- Around week six, you will notice an increase in nesting behavior which will lead to more irritable behavior as labor gets closer.
If you want to be truly organized and track your dog's progress so you can provide her with the best care, you can make a simple chart with a list of what happens during your dog's pregnancy week-by-week. Doing helps you make sure your home is set up for all requirements for the dog pregnancy stages. It's also useful for tracking the intensity and duration of symptoms to make sure the pregnancy is going well and your dog doesn't need further veterinary care.
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The gestation period for dogs is approximately nine weeks, but in that time the most incredible transformation occurs. And once the puppy is born, it goes through even more growth and development before joining you in its new home.
Dog pregnancy week by week: From fertilisation to foetus
Weeks 1-3
Once the egg is fertilised, this future puppy nestles inside its mother’s womb and starts a nine-week journey from only four cells to fully grown puppy. This four-celled being quickly multiplies to 64 cells, ready to form a head and spine.
Week 4
The foetus continues to multiply and develop, and at week 4 it grows a head, eyes and its first vertebrae. At this point, the dog foetus has nearly tripled in size and has already grown to 15 mm, or as big as a hazelnut.
The foetus also develops its organs and can be seen in an ultrasound at the vet’s surgery.
Weeks 5-6
During weeks 5 and 6, the foetus starts to look more like a puppy, with toes, nails and whiskers. The foetus’s organs have completely developed, along with its skin colour. At the six-week mark, the foetus has sex organs and begins to develop into either a male or a female.
Weeks 7-8
Starting at week 7, the soon-to-be-pup’s skeleton has developed completely, and may be seen clearly by ultrasound. In preparation for the birth, the mother will start to develop a bald spot on her stomach so that her pup can easily find where to feed from her nipples.
Week 9
From day 57, the beginning of Week 9, the puppy can safely be born, although it will usually wait until 60 to 63 days. Not all puppies are born with the coat collar of adulthood. For example, Australian Cattle Dogs (red heeler, blue heelers) are all born white.
Puppy development: From birth to 12-weeks
Puppies are born blind, deaf and toothless, and are unable to regulate their own body temperature for the first week or two. A newborn pup depends on its mother and littermates for warmth.
Week 1
A newborn puppy spends 90 per cent of its time sleeping. All its energy is used for feeding and growing, and its weight will double in the first 10 days. A newborn is unable to support its own weight yet, but can crawl and wiggle about using its front legs.
Weeks 2-3
In the second week of life, the puppy’s ears and eyes open, giving it a whole new sense of the world. At this point, the pup becomes chattier and starts to test out its vocal skills with yelps, whines, and barks. By week three, a newborn will take its first wobbly steps.
This is a time of rapid physical and sensory development for any puppy. They begin to play with their littermates, and their personalities start to become evident. They will develop bladder control and so move away from where they sleep when they need to go.
Weeks 4-11
Puppies begin transitioning to solid food at around week 4 and develop their baby teeth at week 6. In weeks six to eight a pup will learn to accept others as a part of the family. By the time the puppy reaches 10 weeks old, they might be a little scared of meeting new people.
Staying with their mother and littermates at this stage helps a puppy learn useful skills like bite inhibition, how to understand and react to normal canine communication, and their place in doggy society.
Week 12
At week 12 the puppy is ready to leave the litter for its new forever home. If you are bringing home a new puppy, one of the most fun and most challenging parts of the journey can be finding the perfect name for your pup. At this point, your new puppy’s personality will be on full display, and a guide to naming a new dog can help you with the big decision.