Pit bulls are one of the most commonly surrendered dogs. In some areas, they can compose up to 40% of the homeless dog population, and many of these dogs are euthanized in shelters. Adopting a pit bull can not only be a cost effective option for many people but it can also save a life. [1] X Research source
American Pit Bull Terriers American Staffordshire Terriers Staffordshire Bull Terriers You may want to check that the parents are registered with the American Kennel Club. This will ensure that the parents are purebred and that they really belong to their breed. It will also increase the value of the puppies if you are planning on selling them.
Hip Dysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Autoimmune Thyroiditis NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia) Eye problems Heart problems[3] X Research source
You can advertise online, through a local kennel club, or through your vet.
Local kennel clubs can put you in touch with reputable breeders. Always make sure that you are hiring from a reputable, responsible breeder. Ask to see the dog, and verify its temperament first. Make sure it has no aggression or behavioral problems. If you are looking to breed purebred puppies, be sure to ask for proof of the stud’s pedigree up front. Always make sure to have a written contract between you and the breeder beforehand. The owner of the stud may request that your dog is tested for disease first. [5] X Research source
If you are hiring a stud, you should ask the stud’s owner to take the stud to a vet. Ask for documentation showing the stud’s health, including any potential health or behavioral problems that could pass onto the puppies. The vet can also provide personalized advice on your dog’s diet, health, and exercise over the course of the pregnancy.
Her discharge is turning from a bloody red to clear or brownish. She is beginning to show interest in mating. She is releasing a smell that will attract male dogs Her tail moves to the side to make room for a male dog. [7] X Research source
If you have hired a stud, you may find it to be easier to take the female to the male. This is because the male may be less likely to mate in an unfamiliar environment than a female in heat.
If you are using frozen semen, you may want to check that it has been DNA certified by a kennel club. Artificial insemination can cost hundreds of dollars. Freezing and storing semen may incur additional costs.
A false pregnancy is one in which the pit bull displays the typical pregnancy behaviors but is not pregnant. If you suspect your pit bull is pregnant, take her to a vet and have her tested. A false pregnancy may be the sign of another problem.
In the last few weeks of pregnancy, gradually increase your pit bull’s food by 15 to 20%. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source You can feed your dog a store-bought dog food. Read the nutritional information, and make sure that it is at least 29% protein and 17% fat. Check that her food contains calcium and phosphorus to promote lactation. It should have between 1-1. 8% calcium and . 8-1. 6% phosphorus. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
You should line this box with newspaper when your dog is preparing to give birth. These can be changed easily when soiled. After birth, you can replace it with bath mats or blankets. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Once the whelping box is ready, you should lead your dog to the box. Do this early in the pregnancy so that your dog grows comfortable and used to it. This will allow the dog to naturally select the whelping box when giving birth.
Abdominal Palpitation: beginning at around day 28 of the pregnancy, your vet may start to feel your pit bull’s stomach to see how many sacs are in her uterus. This is easier earlier in the pregnancy than later. Radiography: your vet will use X-rays to count how many fetal skeletons are in your dog’s uterus. This is the most effective way of determining litter size. It can be done around day 45 of the pregnancy. Ultrasound: your vet will use sound waves to determine if your pit bull is pregnant, although it may not be able to accurately determine the litter size. It can be done around day 30.
In most cases, your pit bull will need no assistance in giving birth. That said, you should supervise the birth closely in case a problem arises.
If your pit bull does not remove the sack, you should open it yourself. With your fingers, gently break the membrane near the puppy’s head, and peel it backwards. Remove any fluids from around the puppy’s mouth and nose. You can rub the puppy with a towel to help it breathe.
Thirty minutes of contractions happen without a puppy appearing The dog does not go into labor within twenty-four hours of her temperature dropping The dog has been pregnant more than seventy days The dog appears to be in extreme pain Hours pass without the dog giving birth to all of her puppies
Distemper Measles Parainfluenza Bordetella[15] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Hold, play, and interact with the puppies often. Separate puppies if they are fighting, mounting, or biting. Introduce the puppies to strangers often. [17] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source
Do not abandon un-adopted puppies at a shelter. Shelters are already overwhelmed with pit bulls, and your puppy may be euthanized.
