Page 85 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Whelping

(labour of puppies)

If you own a female dog (also known as bitch) and would like to breed

from her, how do you go about finding a suitable stud dog to mate her
with that has all the good qualities that you’re looking for in a male?
Searching for the right stud dog can sometimes be time consuming

and challenging, but it’s worth it if you find a mate that complements
your dog, helping to produce healthy, happy puppies that improve

the breed. Article “How to find Mr. Perfect” you can find in next issue
Photographs provided by: M. Kreuzova, N. Newman, M. Hvezdova, N. Beskova, V. Jara, T. Kvasnickova
STUD ANNUAL.

Now imagine your bitch is pregnant… From the with several layers of newspapers. These provide
time of breeding, many dogs show behavioural a private hiding place for the expectant and
changes. Most develop an unusually sweet delivering mother and will absorb the birthing
and loving disposition and demand more fluids. The upper, soiled layers may be removed
affection and attention. However, some may with minimal interruption to the mother and her
become uncharacteristically irritable. Some newborn puppies.
experience a few days of vomition ("morning
sickness"), followed by the development of a Most dogs experience delivery without
ravenous appetite which persists throughout the complications; however, first-time mothers should
pregnancy. During the latter stages of pregnancy, be attended by their owners until at least one or
the expectant mother begins to look for a secure two puppies are born. If these are born quickly
place for delivery. Many become uncomfortable and without assistance, further attendance may
being alone and will cling closely to the owner. At not be necessary, although it is desirable. If the
the onset of labor, many nervously seek a place owner elects to leave, care should be taken so
to make the "nest" or birthing place. If the dog is that the dog does not try to follow and leave
attached to her owner, she will not want to be left the whelping box. The signs of impending labor
generally include nervousness and panting. The
alone at the time of delivery. If left alone, she may
Text written by: Martina Svecova Prior to the time of delivery, a whelping box should hours before labor. She will also usually have a
delay delivery until the owner returns.
dog will often quit eating during the last 24
drop in rectal temperature below 37.8 °C. The
temperature drop may occur intermittently for
be selected and placed in a secluded place, such
several days prior to delivery, but it will usually be
as a closet or a secluded corner. The box should
constant for the last 24 hours. Delivery times will
be large enough for the dog to move around freely,
vary. Dogs having slim heads, such as Aussies,
but have low enough sides so that she can see out
Collies, or Dobermans, may complete delivery in
and so you can reach inside to give assistance, if
one to two hours. Dogs having large, round heads
needed. The bottom of the box should be lined

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023 | 85