Hello everyone. I am new to breeding Goldens, & am having a moment of confusion! I bred Gordon Setters in my home country (Canada), & am now just getting started breeding Goldens here in Australia. One of my girls (Charlotte) is due in about 12 days, another, (Georgia) who was bred just before Charlotte is apparently not pregnant. She has had two ultra sounds: during the first my vet said she was pregnant, during the second, two weeks later, he said she isn't. She is big, (38 kilos) tends to run to overweight anyway, but is bigger than she was. Has behaviour changes: barks a lot, protective of yard & food (chases Magpies!) much attention-seeking behaviour, & is more excitable than usual, though she has always been somewhat needy. Her nipples are somewhat larger, but nowhere near the changes one would expect: certainly not as changed as Charlotte's. What do you all think? Should I be getting ready for two litters or one? By the way, this is a great sight, has lots of useful information.

I would prepare for 2 litters, she may have re absorbed some and just have a couple of pups left which may not give the same outward appearances. One or two can sometimes be "hidden" from the scanner. I have been caught out before and had a bitch produce one live puppy at 70 days gestation- a complete surprise as there were none of the usual outward signs at all.

Thanks Westie for reply. Am keeping close eye on her, but she really shows no signs on pregnancy at all.

It could be a false pregnancy, in which case keep an eye out for pyometra, especially if she does lots of nesting behaviour and there are no pups. Pyometra is one of the true medical emergencies and if you suspect she is unwell take her straight to the vet. I had a vet once who would not come out or let me take her in (night time) saying an 11 month maiden bitch could not get pyometra. Luckily I KNEW there was something seriously wrong and phoned another vet who saw her straight away and said if she had been left til moring may well have died. She was spayed on the spot and her womb was full of pus.