Had some potentially bad news today - apparently, the mother of my future pup, who isn't due for two weeks, is showing signs that she is extremely near giving birth. She hasn't actually gone into labour yet, but is very uncomfortable and in breeder's opinion is very close. Obviously we are all worried because two weeks might not be alot in human terms but I guess in dog terms it's a hell of a lot. I was wondering, how soon is too soon? I didn't want to ask breeder as she sounded a bit upset and I wanted to avoid making it worse. If the mum-to-be lasted until the end of the week, is a week premature normal (for a dobe) or still dangerous?

Jo : (

A week early should be perfectly OK. My friends long haired dachxie had six strong healthy pups a week early (8 days actually), and had no problems. Early birth is more likely with large litters.

63 Days - 9 weeks is usual.

I have had a bitch give birth on Day 57 (1 mating) and all was fine.

Hope all goes well with your breeder's litter - they can start to "nest" very early without actually producing.

Christine

Hi Jo
my bitch showed all the signs of whelping sixteen days before she was due and I panicked but she actually whelped on time she drove me mad for sixteen days shredding her bed and pacing up and down and I nearly drove our vet mad keep ringing him every hour!!!

Thanks for the advice everyone, it has put my mind at rest to a degree. Haven't heard from the breeder, so fingers crossed that the mum of my future pup is keeping her legs crossed!

Jo