The average Chihuahua female will have about three puppies in her litter, but it can range from one to six puppies.

The gestation periods typically last between 58 and 68 days. A female Chihuahua can get pregnant as early as six months, but she will not be physically mature enough to deliver a healthy litter until about ten months.

chihuahua playing tug

How Many Puppies Can a Chihuahua Have In Her First Litter?

Chihuahuas are toy breed dogs, and as such, have large litters. Generally speaking, a Chihuahua will only produce one to three puppies in the first litter if healthy and well-bred. Much you and many others may only deliver a smaller litter.

Hot debris Is a Chihuahua Pregnant?

The average gestation period is about 60 days, although it can be between 50-70 days for each litter.

Outlined below are the three stages of a Chihuahua’s pregnancy.

  • The first trimester (0-29 days)
  • Second trimester (35-58 days)
  • Third trimester (58-63 days)

In the first stage, a Chihuahua will start tons of pregnancy within three weeks after ovulation has occ this period; she may be moody and vomit from morning sickness. Her tits may also become grander, and her nipples darker in color at this point as well.

By the time her breasts begin to swell and become more pliable, she’s probably 29 days into pregnancy. At this point, if she’s carrying more than one fetus, it will be possible to feel them by touching her abdomen. Though this is not advisable and should only be done by your vet, it could lead to an accidental miscarriage. 

After 40 days, the fetuses’ skeleton, coat, and legs begin to form, and their eyes will open within another week of their birth. At that point, there is a good chance of surviving on their own without medical intervention.

The third stage of a Chihuahua pregnancy is when puppies become viable outside the womb with proper care. After 58 days of gestation n, they can survive if they are born early through a cesarean section or induced labor.

They will need immediate medical attention to stay alive because they are incredibly vulnerable at that point. If the puppies survive, it’s usually possible for them to live long lives with proper care and attention after this type of delivery.

a long haired chihuahua

How Do I Know if my Chihuahua is Pregnant?

The period a female can get in dogs is called the estrus cycle. There are no pregnancy signs during the first few days, either after she comes into heat or before it starts. It is hard to tell whether a female dog is pregnant without an ultrasound.

The signs that your dog is pregnant will vary depending on the number of puppies she’s carrying, but you may notice an increase in her appetite and a swelling around her mammary glands. She might also gain weight rapidly, which makingfficult to see if she’s pregnant at first.

It’s eEngagingdog’s vet throughout the process as this essential y will do their best to keep your dog and her puppies safe. They will also help with ultrasounds, nutrition counseling, and other health concerns. As wemore you know ahead of time, your Chihuahua has better chances of a smooth pregnancy.

Can Chihuahuas Give Birth on their Own?

Chihuahuas require more attention and care than other breeds. A Chihuahua can give birth naturally or via a C-section, where vets often recommend the latter to reduce the risk of injury or death during labor due to their small size.

The most considerable risk to the mother is that she’ll have trouble recovering from surgery. Therefore, you should only breed your Chihuahua under veterinary supervision. However, it’s important to note that knowing if a female Chihuahua will have any locations before labor can be challenging.

Chihuahua Birth Complications

Chihuahuas have a small uterus, making it difficult for them to carry many lilitterithout complications. If they have more than four or five puppies at once, there could be problems with the pregnancy and birthing process.

Highlighted below are some of the main complications.

  • Dystocia – the female doesn’t have enough time between pregnancies because of her small uterus.
  • Uterine inertia adequate cervical dilation at birth, causing slow or difficult labor.
  • An enlarged uterus is another result of the small uterus not holding enough puppies for a fuentireregnancy.
chihauhua loves water

Are Chihuahuas Too Small to Have Puppies?

Chihuahuas are a tiny breed of dog that can weigh up to six pounds and stand only about four inches at the shoulder when fully grown. Despite their small size, they can have puppies with relative ease compared to other breeds of dogs.

The average Chihuahua will only have one litter in her lifetime, but some may be able to give birth multiple times if she was spayed too late. However, the size of your Chihuahua will not affect how many or what sex they produce during their breeding cycle.

When Can a Chihuahua Get Pregnant?

Chihuahuas can get pregnant when they are four months old, but this is not advisable. It is best to wait until they are over six months old as the risk of problems with their reproductive system increases if they become pregnant or give birth before this time.

Is It Safe For Small Dogs to Have Puppies?

The answer to this question is yes. Generally speaking, there are no significant health risks in a small breed dog having puppies.

However, Chihuahua mothers neglect their pups if they don’t bond with them within a week or so after birth. Therefore, chihuahua owners must keep a keen eye on the mother and the pups if they want them all to survive.

short hair chihuahua outdoors

Conclusion

If you’re considering breeding your Chihuahua, you must know the expected litter size. While it’s impossible to tell exactly how many puppies you can get from your Chihuahua, you can expect anywhere from one to six.

It is nearly impossible to guess exactly how many puppies you will get from your pregnant Chihuahua.

However, you can engage your vet, who will do an x-ray, and it is the most effective way by which you can tell what’s the size of your dog’s litter.

Your vet will also be professional and will not cause any harm to your Chihuahua’s pregnancy. You shouldn’t try and feel the size of your dog’s litter by hand, as it could lead to a miscarriage.

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