Chihuahua Pregnancy

A Chihuahua pregnancy is often risky, as it is with all small dog breeds. Though generally healthy, a pregnant Chihuahua dog may develop serious health disorders. Therefore, Chihuahua dogs should be bred only by experienced breeders who know much on typical health problems of the breed and can provide the best possible care for the mother and newborn pups. Owners of pet quality Chihuahua dogs should spay or neuter them to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Spaying greatly reduces cancer risks in bitches and makes them less aggressive.

A Chihuahua pregnancy will become a serious problem for a hobby Chihuahua owner. Those who want to breed their Chihuahuas just to have cute puppies should surf the Internet and read numerous articles on the topic. Pregnancy and giving birth is a difficult stage for both the dog and the owner, especially when it’s the first pregnancy. If the owner lacks the experience of breeding small dogs, it would be extremely difficult to produce healthy quality puppies. The only reason to breed purebred Chihuahuas is improving the breed by planning the litter carefully. Many hobby breeders don’t bother by finding the most suited partner for their bitches and don’t screen the parents for genetic disorders.

A normal Chihuahua pregnancy lasts for 55-59 days, which is shorter than in most other breeds. Pregnant Chihuahuas get tired easily; their stomach enlarges very quickly; they start to clean themselves very thoroughly. The labor is often very complicated in Chihuahuas, because of their small size and weakness. A pregnant Chihuahua should be watched at least a week prior to the labor. The owner should be ready to devote time and money to provide proper care and vet assistance for the mother and puppies. The dog will need to be at the vet hospital when it’s time to give birth. A high number of Chihuahua females cannot give birth without a Cesarean section.

Every Chihuahua pregnancy is always carefully planned in reputable kennels. Breeders have special equipment to take care of prematurely born babies, if the mother cannot feed them herself. To minimize the risk, the Chihuahua pregnancy is supervised by an experienced vet.