Rottweiler pupppies are like tiny baby rottweilers. They’re cute and cuddly. Some people may be surprised to learn that a Rottweiler litter can average from six to twelve puppies—but it is normal for a first-time Rottweiler mother to have just two. But how much variation can there be in their litter sizes?
How Many Puppies Do Rottweilers First Litter Have?
The first litter usually has fewer puppies than the second or third litter. A given breed’s third and fourth litter will generally have the most significant number of puppies. Breeders often recommend buying a Rottweiler puppy from third and fourth litters.
The Surprising Factor That Affects How Many Puppies You Have
Age of a Rottweiler
The age of a Rottweiler female affects the size of the litter. Here are some rules regarding age and rottweiler litter size:
- A Rottweiler will give birth to a smaller number of puppies per litter if she has her first litter when she is above seven years old because she is growing old.
- To get a larger litter, a rottweiler should give birth between 2 and 5 years old because it is young and productive at this age.
- If the male is more than five years old, the female has a smaller number of puppies because of the drop in sperm count due to old age. To get a larger litter, the male should be under five years.
Health
The well-being of the male and the female Rottweiler also determines the litter size. A rottweiler who is not healthy will give birth to a smaller number of puppies per litter, while a healthy rottweiler will give birth to a larger litter.
Diet
The diet of the Rottweiler also affects the size of her litter. A diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for the reproductive health of a female dog. It’s not just about her ability to conceive a litter; it’s also about her ability to produce healthy pups from healthy pregnancies.
Inbreeding Rottweilers
Inbreeding occurs when two related individuals mate. Rottweilers with similar characteristics are more likely to pass those traits to their offspring.
Inbreeding can cause problems because it allows specific bad genes to become more common in a breed over time.
Gene flow
It is also called a gene pool. Your dog’s gene pool is the list of all of its genes. It affects how big the puppy will be and how many puppies will be in a litter. A small gene pool will lead to a small litter, while a larger gene pool will lead to a larger litter.
Number Of Pregnancies
The first litter from a dog is often smaller than the second, third, and beyond. But it gets bigger in each subsequent pregnancy. When we look at animal pregnancy numbers in the wild, many species have huge litters.
Tricks To Increase Your Dog’s Litter Size
Nutrition
Feeding your Rottweiler a protein-rich diet is the best way to increase litter size. The general health of both the male and the female Rottweiler affects the size of the Rottweiler. If a rottweiler is not fed healthy, her litter will be smaller than that of a well-fed Rottweiler.
Best Season
If you want to go out and buy a new litter of puppies or breed your rottweilers, listen up: the best season is in the spring to do all that. There’s no reason that it has to be spring. It’s just what happens naturally, so don’t worry about it. Here is a complete guide we wrote about how to pick a rottweiler puppy from a litter.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination is a great way to get your Rottweiler puppies without traveling. It’s also a great way to meet a bunch of different breeds and choose the one that suits you best. As good as artificial insemination is, you might want to think again. Because while it’s a great idea, in theory, it often has some pretty negative consequences in practice.
This is because it tends to produce smaller litters. It is due to the reduction of the quality of the sperm, or it might have died during transportation.
In Need Of A Larger Litter?
If you’re looking to get a Rottweiler puppy and want a large litter of them, don’t use artificial insemination. Using artificial insemination to impregnate your dog is more likely to result in small litters than large ones.
How Long Is A Rottweiler Pregnant?
Rottweilers are pregnant for 63 days. They are pregnant for three trimesters, like people, each about 21 days. If a rottweiler exceeds 65 days, it should be taken to the veterinary to ensure no complications preventing labor.
Signs That Your Dog Might Be Pregnant:
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Vomiting or loss of appetite (in the early weeks)
- Increased affection and cuddling (even if your pet is usually aloof)
- An increase in nesting behavior
- Excessive panting
- Contractions
- Shakiness
How Many Puppies Survive In A Litter
When it comes to dogs and puppies, the more, the merrier. Just because a dog can give birth to 8 puppies doesn’t mean that every puppy will survive the birth process.
It’s common for dogs to give birth to 8 puppies, but only 4 or 5 survive. Some puppies can be given birth to while dead, whereas others may not survive for a long time after birth.
How Do You Know Your Rottweiler Is About To Give Birth
When your Rottweiler is about to give birth, you should take her temperature daily.
The average body temperature for a Rottweiler is 100-102°F. When the rectal temperature drops below 100°F, this is a good sign that labor will begin within about 24 hours.
How Long Does Labor Last For A Rottweiler
There’s good and bad news if you’re wondering how long labor lasts for a Rottweiler. The good news is that it can be as short as six hours. The bad news is that it can take as long as eighteen hours.
Should Your Rottweiler Eater Drink During Labor?
Your Rottweiler might not eat or drink during labor. As much as you would be willing to have fresh water and food nearby, it is unnecessary unless your Rottie has been in labor for more than 12 hours. She probably won’t eat, but if she wants to, there is no harm in it.
Will There Be Blood When My Rottweiler Has Her Puppies?
It is usual for your Rottie to continue “spotting” a little blood for up to a week after delivery. The bleeding to be concerned about is the blood that bleeds out at a rapid and requires immediate medical attention.
How To Take Care Of Your Rottweiler During Her Pregnancy
Take The Rottweiler To The Veterenian
As soon as you suspect your Rottweiler is pregnant, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They’ll give you guidelines for how often to bring her in during her pregnancy, but it’s essential to be a responsible dog owner and follow the protocol they lay out for you.
Why You Need A Veterinarian?
Your veterinarian will recommend x-rays around week 28 of the pregnancy. It allows them to look at all the puppies and ensure they’re alive and well so that you know what to expect when your pup is ready to deliver.
Do Pregnant Rottweilers Need Exercise?
Yes, pregnant Rottweilers need exercise. It makes the whole reproductive process healthier (and easier) and helps your Rottweiler. She may slow down as the pregnancy progresses, but that’s okay. Offer regular walks and let her set the pace.
Offer It Some Massage
If your dog is feeling any of the normal discomforts that come with pregnancy, then we’ve got the solution for you: a massage. Rottweilers’ skin stretches as her puppy grows inside her, which can cause back pain, leg pain, and just an all-over feeling of discomfort.
Massage is the best source of relief for this discomfort. It is also a fantastic bonding tool for you and your Rottweiler.
Grooming The Rottweiler
If she’s used to it, you may not need to bathe her during her pregnancy. However, if she does need one, remember that your Rottweiler’s comfort should be your top priority. Even if she usually loves bathtime, she might balk at it while expecting because of the fluctuating hormone levels.
You can use a warm wet cloth for touch-ups on her fur if she doesn’t want a bath.
What You Need During Delivery
You have waited so long for this moment, and now it’s finally here. Your dog is pregnant, and she is ready to give birth. You know she will deliver her puppies sometime in the next few weeks or months, but you don’t know precisely when.
Once she does, you want to be prepared with everything you need to ensure everyone stays safe during delivery and after the puppies are born.
What You Will Need:
A whelping box, also known as a nesting box, is where puppies spend the first 20 days of their life. It keeps them safe, protects them from the cold, and ensures their mother doesn’t crush them.
- Towels
- Emergency supplies include scissors, rubber gloves, heavy thread, dental floss, and an antiseptic solution.
- Emergency veterinarian number
When To Call The Veterinarian
You should call the veterinarian if the Rottweiler:
- Starts bleeding
- Cries because of pain
- Cannot pass urine and faeces
- Miscarries the puppy
