How Many Puppies Do Australian Shepherds Have First Litter?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Average Aussie litter size is about 6-7 pups . If an Aussie sometimes has normal size liters and sometimes small ones, and the mates with which it had the smaller ones are not the other parent on the normal size litters, you may want to test both parents for Pelger-Huet Anomaly (PHA.)

How many puppies are usually in a first litter?

The number of puppies your dog can have varies widely. Smaller breed dogs usually only have 1-4 pups per litter . Medium and larger breed dogs can have upwards of 10-15 pups per litter. That being said, even some larger breed dogs may only have 1-2 puppies.

Is the first litter of puppies the largest?

The age of the dog when breeding plays a key part in litter size. ... Dams bred from 2-5 years usually have the largest litters. Despite the age of the dam, the first 2 litters will generally be smaller than the ones afterwards. According to an article in Royal Canin, the 3rd and 4th pregnancies are generally the largest.

How many puppies does a toy Australian Shepherd have?

Toy Aussies tend to be born into litters of 3-5 puppies and weigh 1-2 ounces at birth. They are considered fully grown between 18 months-2 years old.

How much do Australian Shepherd puppies cost?

An Australian Shepherd costs $600 to $3,000 depending on whether you buy one from a pet store or get a special AKC-recognized pup. This is about in line with many other dog breed prices, which is good to know. Buying your Aussie is only the beginning, of course.

Is a dog's first litter the best?

The best pups usually sell first , so try to set up a visit with the breeder right after the litter has been born. Though the breeder likely won't have you visit the pups until they are 7-8 weeks old, its best to be at the top of the visiting list.

Can you tell how many puppies a dog is having?

1. Use of Ultrasound. When your dog has been pregnant for around 25 days, you'll be asked to go for an ultrasound that will let your vet count the number of puppies. Ultrasounds are safe for puppies, but they might give an inaccurate count of the number in the uterus.

How many litters can an Australian Shepherd have?

The average litter size of healthy Australian Shepherds is between 7 and 8 puppies . As a rare occurrence, larger Aussies can even be expected to carry as many as 10 puppies in a single litter. A miniature or a toy Australian Shepherd, however, can only give birth to 2 or 3 puppies at a time.

How long do Australian Shepherds take to give birth?

The normal gestation period in dogs is approximately 63 days from conception, although this can vary by several days.

How much is a purebred Australian Shepherd?

An Australian Shepherd on average costs $600 to $3,000 , but it depends on several factors. These include gender (males are more expensive), whether you go through a breeder, and whether you want a show-quality dog.

Why do they cut off Aussie tails?

The Australian Shepherd is one dog breed of many that gets its tail docked. This involves using surgery or tightly constricting the tail to get it to about four inches total . In doing so, your Shepherd could compete in dog shows, as it meets breed standards. Their shorter tail may also be more hygienic.

How much is a minature Australian Shepard?

You should expect to pay between $1500-$3000 for a Mini Australian Shepherd . The more expensive puppies tend to come from show winning bloodlines and will be known as shown quality.

What do I do when my dog has her first puppy?

  1. Learn to take Mom's temperature; a temperature drop of about a degree often happens just prior to whelping.
  2. Prepare a clean, quiet place for your pet to whelp.
  3. Get together some laundered, soft rags to help clean pups.

Which puppy to pick from a litter?

‘Pick of the Litter' for your home should be a puppy with an easy going, moderate temperament , one who would enjoy and adapt to family life with ease. 2. Let Temperament and Observation Over Time Rule the Day.

Is the first born puppy the best?

In that case the closer to the middle of the litter, the better . You would think that the biggest pup would be the first born but the size of the pup doesn't always correlate with the birth order. Many times the largest is born last or the smallest born first. ... If a pup has a premier spot in the uterus they thrive.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.