Hi, Im just curious to know what the earliest premature litter you have known to survive? I recently spoke to someone who said they had a litter on 57 days from when she saw the first mating and the pups look full term. Is this possible?

My litter of eight was born on day 58, from one mating.  They were all of a good size and definitely full term so I would imagine it is possible.

Thank you Serge for the reply. Interesting to hear, I had always thought that 56 days was viable but would have expected them to look premature.

My litter of 10 was also born day 58 first mating at day 17 so quite late. As it was late due to problems using first dog I did a mating day 17 and 18.
All pups were strong and obviously full term. It is though the earliest birth date I have had so I was surprised.

I had a litter of 14 GSD's born at 57 days from the only mating. 1st pup born in the early hours the morning after I sorted out the whelping box and Mum spent her 1st night in isolation from the rest of the gang. 1st litter and she popped them out like shelling peas.... found her at the crack of dawn cleaning the first pup up born with no drama at all. Vet said they were just filling all the space and nature said enough. All pups survived fit and healthy. They were acceptable weights as well.
Aileen

One of our regulars with a troy breed expects most of her litters to be born on day 56. 

My largest litter of 9 was born on day 58 from a single mating.

Most of mine whelp day 61 - 62.

Thanks everyone, very interesting. When I have bred myself they were all 63-65 days, thats with collies and spaniels.

Probably me that Barbara mentions.  My bitches go 56 days as the norm.  Fully functioning lungs, and normal coat coverage.  Pups at day 56 are totally viable.  (I assumed that all Chihuahuas are early whelpers.)

hi, i have a toy breed and my vet has told me any day on or after 56. im debating what day we are on as she was bred late at night... around 7-8pm. so she has around 8-9 days now