Length of Pregnancy for Brittany Dogs
Brittany dogs go into heat twice a year. At that time, according to Dog-Obedience-Training-Review.com, they may mate with several different males. A female dog's heat lasts around three weeks, during which mating may occur again and again. If the Brittany is successfully bred, she starts showing sings of pregnancy almost immediately.
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Brittany Dogs
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Brittany spaniels are bird dogs that were originally bred in France in 1896. They are medium sized at 17 to 21 inches and 35 to 40 pounds. Brittany spaniels are extremely energetic but also clever and easily trained. They are friendly and affectionate with their families.
Gestation
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Brittany dogs are physically and sexually mature at 12 to 15 months. At that time any breeding activity is likely to result in a litter of puppies. They length of gestation in Brittany spaniels ranges between 63 and 65 days, and will consist of some specific signs and developments.
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Stages of Pregnancy
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When a Brittany first becomes pregnant, she may lose her appetite and exhibit signs of canine morning sickness. She will become lethargic and possibly reserved. As the pregnancy continues, her nipples will grow and begin to fill in as they prepare for milk productions. Her abdomen will grow, with obvious puppy movement toward the end of the pregnancy.
Signs of Labor
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When a Brittany spaniel starts her labor, she will begin to act restless and moody. At this point, she will begin obvious nesting behavior and become either clingy or reclusive. It's important that she be separated from other dogs and put in a quiet place with her whelping box. The second stage of labor begins when the dog's water breaks and her contractions begin. The birthing process should begin within an hour of her water breaking.
Considerations
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Pregnancy and birth can be messy and complicated. Although labor is a natural process, there are a number of things that can go wrong. Owners should be prepared to help a Brittany clean and protect the pups when they are born, and should have the number of a 24-hour vet on hand in case of questions and emergencies.
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References
- Photo Credit cavalier king charles spaniel image by Judy Ben Joud from Fotolia.com
