Dog Pregnancy Calculator

Calculate when your dog is due to give birth with the dog pregnancy calculator. Simply select the mating date below and we’ll provide the estimated date range for your new puppies!

How long is a dog pregnancy?

Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days (around 2 months). However, this period can range from around 58 to 68 days.

How many puppies are there in a litter?

The number of puppies in a litter varies greatly depending on the dog breed. Small breeds typically have 1-4 puppies per litter, while medium breeds usually produce 3-6 puppies.

Large and giant breeds can have much bigger litters, often ranging from 8-12 puppies. Some breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers commonly have 6-8 puppies per litter.

We’ve found that a dog’s age affects litter size too. First-time mothers generally have smaller litters, while dogs between 2-5 years old tend to have the largest litters.

Average Litter Sizes by Breed Size:

• Toy breeds: 2-4 puppies
• Small breeds: 3-4 puppies
• Medium breeds: 4-6 puppies
• Large breeds: 6-10 puppies
• Giant breeds: 8-12 puppies

Health and genetics play crucial roles in determining litter size. Well-nourished dogs in good health typically produce larger litters than those with poor nutrition or health issues.

A veterinarian can perform an X-ray or ultrasound around day 45-55 of pregnancy to give us a precise count of the puppies you can expect.

Signs Your Dog Will Deliver Soon

As your dog’s due date approaches, watch for a drop in body temperature to around 98-99°F (36.7-37.2°C). This temperature drop typically occurs 12-24 hours before labor begins.

Your dog might start nesting behaviors, such as rearranging bedding or searching for a quiet spot. We often see this behavior intensify in the final days before delivery.

Look for changes in appetite. Many dogs will eat less or stop eating completely when labor is approaching.

Physical signs include enlarged and firm nipples, with possible milk production. The vulva will become swollen and may have a clear mucus discharge.

Restlessness and pacing are common indicators that labor is near. Your dog might seem anxious or clingy, and may pant more than usual.

Key behavioral changes to watch for:

• Refusing food
• Frequent urination
• Shivering or trembling
• Isolating themselves
• Excessive licking of the genital area

Most dogs will start active labor within 24 hours of showing these signs. Keep your vet’s contact information handy and prepare a whelping box in a quiet, warm area of your home.

Kyle J. Larson

Kyle grew up with Yellow Labs in his family since he was a child. He is a SIRIUS Certified dog trainer and loves all dogs. As a professional web designer and author, he keeps our dog name and breed search tools running.