Is your dog extra happy and cuddly, wanting more attention and playtime than usual? She might be on heat! And if she is then it won’t be long before she’s in a family way. Knowing how long your dog is pregnant for is helpful to being prepared for the big day. 
How Long are Dogs Pregnant for? 
The average gestation period for dogs is 63 days. The length most dogs are pregnant is between 58 to 68 days. Smaller breeds will be slightly shorter and some larger breeds a little longer.
A dog, breeding for the first time, usually has a smaller litter, with the number of puppies often ranging from 1 to 6 depending on the breed. 
How Large are Dogs’ Litters?  
- Bulldogs on average have 3 to 6 puppies in a litter.  
- Some Dalmatians have been known to have as many as 15 puppies in a litter. 
- Chihuahuas sometimes only have one puppy but useually 2 to 3 puppies.  
- Cocker Spaniels on average have 4 to 5 puppies in a litter. 
For How Long are Dogs Fertile? 
There is no doggie menopause, but her fertility will decrease, and her heat cycles will gradually become further and further apart. However, there have been reports of dogs becoming pregnant as old as 16 years of age! 
It’s good to know that if your dog has accidentally been mated, there is an injection that will stop pregnancy. And if you’re not a registered breeder speak to your vet about spaying and neutering.  Let’s leave the breeding to the registered breeders!
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