Dog Owner's Manual › Chapter 8: Dog Health Care › Canine Reproduction ›

When Your Dog Gives Birth

For a number of reasons, chief among them pet overpopulation, the breeding of dogs is not recommended by most veterinarians and trainers. However, if you own a purebred (some of whom are sold on condition that they be bred at least once), this section contains a brief overview of what to expect during the mating and reproduction process.

During the first stage of labor, the female may pant, whimper, lick herself energetically, and repeatedly get up and lie down in her whelping box. As the situation progresses, she may lie down on her side with her head up, looking at her hindquarters. Visible straining will be evident. Puppies will usually appear head first (though tail first is not uncommon), enclosed in a bluish membrane. Once birth is accomplished, the mother will tear open the membrane, chew through the umbilical cord, and vigorously lick the puppy to stimulate respiration. Shortly after the birth of each puppy, its individual placenta will also pass. Births can occur from 30 minutes to 2 hours apart.

expert tipCAUTION: Inexperienced mothers may not chew open the membrane or cut the umbilical cord, so be prepared to help her. In general, the larger the dog breed, the bigger the litter. Toy breeds often have one to four puppies, while larger breeds can have eight, twelve, or more.

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Chapter 8: Dog Health Care

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Quirk BooksThe Dog Owner's Manual is a basic guide to dog care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides dog owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!