Estimated Due Date
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Breed Size
Medium (20–50 lbs)
Gestation
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Enter the date your dog was bred or artificially inseminated
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Result
A medium-sized dog mated on January 15 has an estimated due date of March 19 (63 days later), with a normal delivery window of March 15–22.
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Toy breeds often deliver a day or two earlier than larger breeds. A Chihuahua mated on February 1 has a due date around April 3, with 1—4 puppies expected.
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Giant breeds tend toward longer gestation at 65 days on average. A Great Dane mated on March 10 would be due around May 14, with a large litter of 8–12+ puppies.
Dogs are pregnant for approximately 63 days (9 weeks) from conception, though the normal range is 57 to 68 days. Smaller breeds tend toward the shorter end (58–63 days) while giant breeds often go 63–68 days. The gestation period is divided into 3 trimesters of roughly 21 days each.
| Breed Size | Avg Gestation | Range | Avg Litter Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy | 60 days | 58–63 | 1–4 puppies |
| Small | 61 days | 58–64 | 3–5 puppies |
| Medium | 63 days | 59–65 | 4–6 puppies |
| Large | 64 days | 61–67 | 5–10 puppies |
| Giant | 65 days | 63–68 | 8–12+ puppies |
A veterinarian can confirm pregnancy by ultrasound as early as day 25–28 after mating, which also detects fetal heartbeats. Abdominal palpation is possible around day 28–30. X-rays to count puppies are best after day 45 when skeletons have calcified enough to be visible.
| Method | Earliest Day | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound | Day 25–28 | Heartbeats, viability |
| Palpation | Day 28–30 | Pregnancy confirmation |
| Blood Test | Day 30+ | Relaxin hormone confirms pregnancy |
| X-Ray | Day 45+ | Puppy count (skeletal detail) |
The most reliable sign is a temperature drop below 98.8°F (37.1°C), which typically occurs 8–24 hours before labor begins. Other signs include restlessness, nesting behavior, loss of appetite, panting, and visible contractions. Active labor usually begins within 24 hours of the temperature drop.
Litter size depends mainly on breed size. Toy breeds average 1—4 puppies, small breeds 3—5, medium breeds 4—6, large breeds 5–10, and giant breeds 8–12 or more. First-time mothers often have smaller litters. An X-ray after day 45 gives the most accurate count.
| Breed Size | Avg Litter | First Litter | Max Recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy | 1—4 | 1—2 | 5—6 |
| Small | 3—5 | 2—3 | 7—8 |
| Medium | 4—6 | 3—4 | 8–10 |
| Large | 5–10 | 4—6 | 12–14 |
| Giant | 8–12+ | 6—8 | 15–20+ |
During the first 5 weeks, feed your dog her normal diet. From week 6 onward, gradually switch to a high-calorie puppy food and increase portions by 25–50% by week 8–9. Pregnant dogs need more protein, calcium, and calories in the final trimester as puppies grow rapidly.
Set up a whelping box by day 50–55 (about 1–2 weeks before the due date) so your dog has time to get comfortable in it. The box should be large enough for the mother to lie down fully stretched, with low sides the mother can step over but puppies cannot escape.
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.