Dogs typically carry puppies for about 58 to 68 days, with the average gestation period being approximately 63 days (about two months) from conception to birth
. This duration is fairly consistent across breeds, meaning small breeds like Chihuahuas and large breeds like Rottweilers have similar pregnancy lengths
. Pregnancy in dogs is divided into three trimesters, each lasting about 21 days. Early signs may be subtle, and the dog's behavior and appetite can change as pregnancy progresses
. When it comes to labor, it usually occurs in three stages:
- Stage One: Lasts 12 to 24 hours, with increased uterine contractions and cervix dilation. The dog may show restlessness, nesting behavior, panting, vomiting, and refusal to eat
- Stage Two: Puppies are born during this stage, which can last from 1 to 24 hours. Puppies typically arrive one at a time every 30 to 60 minutes, and each puppy’s delivery usually takes 1 to 2 hours at most. The entire litter is usually delivered within 3 to 12 hours, commonly around 6 hours. If labor extends beyond 24 hours or if more than 2 hours pass between puppies, veterinary assistance is needed
- Stage Three: The placenta is expelled after each puppy, often concurrently with stage two
In summary, dogs carry puppies for about two months, and labor to deliver the entire litter generally takes between 3 and 12 hours under normal conditions
