How Many Puppies Can A Chihuahua Have

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Chihuahuas are counted among the smallest dog breeds in the world. These are trusted for their good companionship and are preferred for their size and intelligence. Facts reveal that these dogs are witty and hyperactive and, thus, are more likely to learn and adapt to their surroundings.

Chihuahua parents often worry about their pregnant chis considering their health and size. To your surprise, a pregnant chihuahua can easily give birth to one to three puppies in a single litter.

To know more about this miraculous dog, let’s discuss this matter in detail.

How Do You Know If Your Chihuahua Is Pregnant Or Not?

When your chihuahua female conceives, its appetite decreases, and it begins to feel weak and tired. You will observe a noticeable change in its playfulness, and its tummy will swell within 15 days only. Apart from that, you will also observe a change in its breasts. You may also observe puppies moving inside her bellies.

However, none of these signs is reliable. A better approach is to take your doctor to an experienced vet after 25 days of mating. An ultrasound test would then reveal if your dog is pregnant or not. Also, you can go for a blood test.

The presence of pregnancy hormones in the test will indicate pregnancy. Blood tests can be done after 25 days of mating.

How Many Puppies Can A Chihuahua Have?

Little chis usually have a litter of 1 to 3 puppies for the first time. However, as the dog gets older, it can give birth to a litter of 5 to 6 puppies. These puppies are delivered through a c-section, and as a result, both; mother and the puppies may suffer slight or severe health complications later on.

It is mostly because the milk supply of the mother Chihuahua is not enough to fulfill the nutritional needs of 5 to 6 puppies at a time. In that case, chihuahua owners are expected to bottle feed the young ones to develop into normal, powerful, and healthy living beings.

Experts suggest that if a chihuahua does not have 5 to 6 puppies for the third or fourth time, there is a possibility that your dog is having some health issues.

At the same time, experienced veterinary doctors suggest that this tiny dog must never breed more than four times. Otherwise, the mental and physical health of the mama chihuahua will suffer.

Why Do Chihuahuas Deliver Puppies Through A C-Section?

Natural birth is rare among this dog breed. However, some of them may deliver naturally without any complications.

This dog’s narrow hip size and larger head suggest that puppies might get stuck in the birth canal. It is the reason why most veterinary doctors prefer a c-section delivery for this loveable dog.

Here, prenatal care matters a lot, but unfortunately, most chihuahua owners do not pay much attention to taking care of their pregnant chihuahua girl.

Are you also struggling to find the right answer to this question? Let us help you with that.

How To Take Care Of A Chihuahua During Pregnancy?

Like a pregnant human, a pregnant dog also needs care, love, and attention while having her little ones in her womb. Everything matters a lot, from providing healthy and nutritional food to taking care of her physical rest and mental peace.

So, if your little Chihuahua is about to deliver her first litter, do not forget to seek medical assistance. Your veterinary consultant will give you a better idea of what needs to be done to take care of your dog in the best possible ways.

If your Chihuahua is in the process of delivering her puppies naturally, you must also know the following details.

How To Take Care Of A Chihuahua In Labour?

When your Chihuahua delivers her little ones, you must comfort her with your time, love, and attention. Provide her with a comfortable spot where she may contract and deliver in peace.

Keep in mind, a chihuahua will have to push to deliver her babies, but the pushing action must not happen for more than 15 minutes for each baby. Keep an eye on the timer and act accordingly because if the time exceeds, you will have to take your dog to the nearest vet urgently.

Similarly, also monitor the time gap between the births of every puppy. It should ideally be somewhere between 50 to 60 minutes only.

Pay attention to these factors if you wish to be with your beloved Chihuahua for a longer time. A nursing chihuahua must also be provided with the amount of food and water that its body needs to feed its newly born little ones.

Take care of your dogs; after all, they deserve your love for being the most loyal creatures on earth. Do not forget to read the next section of this article; some fun facts are waiting for you.

Interesting Facts About Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are loved for their flattened faces. From their looks to their size, everything contributes to making them a desirable dog for all households. There are many other interesting facts about this dog breed; let us share them with you right here.

1. This Breed Belongs To Mexico

Studies suggest that chihuahuas are predecessors of a Mexican breed called techichi.

2. Earlier, The Dogs Of This Breed Had A Larger Size

Chihuahuas were never this small from the beginning. They have transformed themselves over time. Their size was reduced when they were crossed with a small-sized dog of a Chinese breed.

3. Chihuahuas Are Aggressive

Aggression is a scary trait of every Chihuahua. However, you can always control their aggression and antisocial behavior by regularly exposing them to new people and new surroundings. The process takes time, but this therapy has amazing results.

4. A Chihuahua Gave Birth To 11 Puppies In A Single Litter

Chihuahuas are unpredictable dogs and have their ways of surprising people with their amazing abilities. It was proved when we heard of a chihuahua giving birth to 11 healthy puppies in a single litter.

5.Chihuahuas Come In 2 Different Head Shapes

If you closely look at chihuahuas around you, you will find that they come in 2 different head shapes. These have apple-shaped or deer-shaped heads, but this has nothing to do with their beauty or health.

6. Can Avoid C-Section

Yes, you have read that right. You can easily avoid a c-section delivery for your Chihuahua if you decide to breed it with a smaller male. In that case, the size of the puppies would be smaller, and thus, the female dog will be able to deliver them naturally without any complications.

7. Chihuahuas May Have A False Pregnancy

This fact is not limited to chihuahuas only. Any female dog can experience and exhibit signs of pregnancy even when she is not carrying puppies in her womb. Its stomach swells up, and its breasts will start producing milk.

However, everything gets normal within a month or so, and it is nothing to worry about.

8. Pregnant By Two Different Male Dogs At The Same Time

Female dogs naturally have more than one womb. If one womb has been conceived, the other is still available for impregnation by another dog.

9. Chihuahua Female Delivers After 60 Days Of Conception

Yes, a chihuahua takes only 60 days to deliver its little ones. It means that if you are waiting to play with the little ones of your precious pet, you will not have to wait for a long period.

10. Can Be Conceives By Large Dog Of Other Breed

Studies suggest that a chihuahua can conceive babies of a larger breed. However, there are multiple health risks associated with this type of pregnancy. In complicated cases, the female dog is most likely to lose its life.

11. Chihuahuas Snore While They Are Asleep

Most chihuahua owners reveal that their dogs sometimes snore while they are asleep. It adds to the cuteness quotient of the dog. However, some dog owners find it unbearable to have a snoring dog at home. Surprisingly, they adopt a rude attitude and stop caring for their pet in that case.

Frequently Asked Question

Why are chihuahuas so expensive?

Chihuahuas are an expensive dog breed because of their litter size. These dogs give birth to 3 to 4 puppies on an average and are thus available at a high price only.

Why do chihuahuas face health issues while delivering?

Poor eating habits, aggression, hyperactivity, and emotional stress create complications for a chihuahua while she is delivering. To avoid this, take good care of the dog while she is expecting.

Why do people prefer chihuahuas over other dog breeds with bigger litter sizes?

Chihuahuas are easy to train. These intelligent dogs love their human friends and are preferred for pet-keeping purposes. Their small size, witty nature, and possessive attitude compel people to prefer them over other dog breeds.

How to attend to the nutritional needs of a chihuahua?

The nutritional needs of this dog breed depend upon the dog’s age, weight, and height. A growing chihuahua must have three balanced meals per day. However, an adult chihuahua should ideally eat 4 to 10 oz a day.

What is the average life expectancy of a chihuahua?

Despite their weak appearance and small size, these dogs might live for 15 to 20 years, easily provided with the right care and nutrition. However, their average age is 10 to 13 years.

Conclusion:

Despite their small size, chihuahua females can easily give birth to a litter of 3 to 4 babies on average provided the right medical and nutritional care. These dogs are loveable and adopt a possessive attitude towards their masters.

Therefore, if your Chihuahua is expecting, you must avoid exposing your little pet to physical, mental, or emotional stress at all costs. Be with your dog and give it all the care, love, attention, rest, and food it needs.

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