My [medium size] is due a litter  in a couple of weeks time. I’m looking to buy a petnap flexiguard heat mat. I’m between the medium and large. My whelping box measures 175cm x 90cm. The medium heat pad measures 44cm x 33cm and the large 55cm x 44cm. This will be my first litter, so I’d be very grateful for an experienced breeders who could advise me which size would be best. Thanks

We used a brood lamp which gave a nice even and dry heat on the floor of our 4 X 4 ft whelping box (initially) - we had a second 4 X 4 section (with no pig rails) to add once the puppies were up and moving around.

My breed is bigger than yours, but also heavier in coat.

I use the one that is A4 size (the smallest).  You don't want the heat mat to cover a large area, just for somewhere for pups in the first week or two to gravitate when Mum is not with them. Of course I also keep the room itself warm day and night, for the first two weeks (three if we get extremely cold nights) though not excessively so.

I used to try and have mine in the centre so bitch could lie around the sides, but found having it in one front corner works best as the flex is out the way should the bitch decide to dig up the bedding.

Thanks Barbara. I’m thinking that the medium sized one might be the best option then. We have radiators and under floor heating already in the room where the whelping area will be. My girl is solid black and gets warm quite easily too.

Then you would be best with the small one that I have it is A4 size

I used these for many years, and absolutely love them.  I've always bought the covers with them (I don't sew!) and I still put them under the vet bed.  Still plenty warm enough for a breed that can weigh as little as 2ozs at birth.

Just in case it makes any difference Cockers -  Another CD member, with a breed larger than yours, had one of my small heatpads off me when she knew that Barbara used the small size.  May be worth you considering.