Hi all,

Just wondered if it is normal for bitches to pant while they are feeding the pups.  I'm sure it is cause i can imagine it takes a lot out of them having hungry little babies to feed.  I have been giving Megan lots of water with either goats milk or evaporated milk, and yesterday she wouldn't drink much till i put it in a syringe and fed it to her,  she ended up having 15ml in one go.

On a good note, the littlest pup (or Runty as the poor little mite has been nicknamed) is gradually putting on weight.  He went from 74g, to 78g, to 83g this evening.  Slow and steady, but in the right direction.  He's so lush, he has the tiniest, cutest bottom and the softest belly.  How i'm gonna part with any of them i just don't know.

Love Leanne
xxxxxxxxxxx

Yes its completely normal for her to pant it could be that she is in discomfort from her womb contracting back or she is getting warm with their little bodies.

they generally pant as it is the womb contracting back to size, the same as us ladies when we breast fed our babies... but if you are worried at all then check with the vet, but when feeding i have found it to be perfectly normal, it will wear off soon though.. Pleased the little boy is doing well and it seems he is putting on a good rate

My girls pant for quite a while afterwards.  Apart from the contractions, their little bodies are working really hard now.

do you think that is maybe because you have a small breed Jean? As I know Xena only really done it for the first week then all calmed down, she is a large breed, just wasn't sure if it made a difference?

My large girl is in the whelping box at the moment, panting away like a steam train -pups 8 days old.She doesn't pant when not in the box.

> do you think that is maybe because you have a small breed Jean?

Not sure that I am qualified enough to give an opinion.  I do have the Collies but have only ever bred toys (starting with Toy Poodle back in the 70's) first time in 30 years that I haven't had one to rule the roost. 

Only ever kept Pastoral and Toys. 

In fact, going on from that - do others think that some groups get on better than others?

My Collies and tiny tots really gel well, and I was once asked to home a whippet, but wasn't sure that I wanted to risk upsetting the boat.  My Yorkies worship my BC boy, and it is a delight to see the play between them.

And I use my elderly Beardie for introducing Chi pups to larger dogs, it really works so well.

Sorry, perhaps I should start another thread asking this.  (Apologies)

In fact, going on from that - do others think that some groups get on better than others?

Well funnily enough it's pastoral and toy for me as well, and they get on great. It's quite a common combination of breeds I have as well, I have noticed. The gundogs have NOT been a good part of the mix (either with pastoral or toy) and there won't be any more here.

Certainly hounds and Terriers seem to do well, as the feisty terriers have the calming effect of the Hounds. 

Hound breeds generally being more dog tolerant, and don't get upset with the more volatile natures of the terriers.

Toys do with with the Scent hounds, certainly many of my breed do very well with Terriers and Toys, but then they are Spitz and not true hounds..

My GSD would just love to have a Spitz play mate, I know they would get along just fine.
He's very playful and has the patience of a saint, so loyal too. He wouldn't mess the Spitz around but look out for it every day. That's my opinion of the 2 breeds anyway. But then my GSD wouldn't hurt a fly. :)

Please can we keep this on topic - it's probably best to start a new thread on General if you want to talk about which groups/breeds get on with each other

Thanks