My girl is 7 weeks in whelp and her body shape is not what I have seen before. She is classed as a small breed (11 inch high to shoulder) and was 7.1kg before mating.

She is carrying all the weight high up under and behind her rib cage. She does not seem very much bigger between her back legs and upto her second row of nipples. The puppies have dropped somewhat and given her a pinched look under her spine which I was expecting.

She was scanned but the vet confirmed pregnancy but would not say anything other than 'an average size litter? '( I do not think she knew what an average size litter for my breed would be anyway?)

Do you think she maybe carrying a big litter? Is this a normal shape? Is it just were the eggs inbedd in the uterous that is giving that shape?

Would love to know what others experiences are.

Thanx.

ther is a couple of things, either she is what you think 7wks in welp or she ovulated diferent date to what you think, maybe she actually ovulated later, sperm can live up to n5/7days so she may have conceived a week or so later, ultra sound could be good, and alsoshe may be carying a small litter, i thinkb each dog varies,

sami

sorry i didnt reat the scan bit,

My bitches only seemed bigger around the waist at this stage when looked at from above - underneath there didnt seem much difference from around 7 weeks onwards when the pups were bigger and started to drop a bit.

Hello,
She was tested by the vet and had ovulated before she was mated. The vet thought 24 to 48 hours before a successful mating.

She looks bigger than I would have expected at this stage, if I said she was due you could well belive me. But the majrity of her weight seems around her waist.

I guess only time will tell.

Hi
My girl was showing around her waist at 4 weeks from the only mating .I took her to a special scanner who was recomended here and as suspected she found a large litter , she actually stopped counting at 9 and said possibly more .
She is now 61/2 weeks and huge ! . she is wide at the sides and dropping down below , her teats are huge and her boobs swollen , they hang down and can be seen from between her back legs when she walks .
Her back is arched downwards with the weight .Its a big litter for her breed and although she is still merry in between sleeping I worry that its a lot for her to cope with especially as it's her 1st litter .
I have had 3 litters before with 5 or 6 in them but this is a concern .I am very glad I scanned her the cost of knowledge is money never wasted .
I am also interested to know from breeders with "large litter"experiences , perhaps I should set up a new topic ?

SALLYD - if you want to start a new thread, I have had large litters...

My dog had 9 puppy's and thats alot for her small size. Sadly 2 were dead at birth but fully grown and formed. I think they cope with what ever they are given. nature has a great way with animals. good luck with the pending birth. I am sure she will be fine with lots of help from you. Jo