How Many Times Can A German Shepherd Give Birth?

German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

They are known for their intelligence, energy, and loyalty. But did you know that they can also have a lot of babies?

In this blog post, we will explore how many times can a German Shepherd give birth and what to expect if you are expecting puppies.

Moreover, We’ll also discuss some common complications associated with giving birth to German Shepherd puppies.

So, if you’re curious about GSD breeding, Stay tuned! and keep reading!

So Is There A Limit On How Many Times Can A German Shepherd Give Birth?

There is no limit to how many times a German shepherd can give birth in her lifetime.

A female German Shepherd (9 to 12 months) can give birth up to six times in a span of five years.

Isolated cases state that German shepherds have given birth nine times or more, but it’s pretty rare. Also, the longest time between litters is three years and ten months.

A word about GSD breeding

The breeding process can be a challenge. In general, this is due to the fact that German Shepherds are very protective of their family and territory.

Also, they don’t like unknown dogs intruding on their space.

However, if you want to breed your female German shepherd, you must find her a suitable stud first.

How Many Times Can A German Shepherd Give Birth

A Dog Breeding Calculator

To find out when your female German shepherd will be in heat, it’s recommended to calculate her approximate due date.

By doing so, you can prepare everything around that time and avoid complications.

The calculator uses precise data collected over the years to compute the age of your dog at every given point.

Therefore, you can create a custom calendar using your dog’s exact birthday.

You can also calculate the due date of German Shepherd dogs in heat, so you know when to expect puppies.

How Many Times Can A German Shepherd Give Birth In One Year?

Since a GSP is extremely fertile and has numerous ova or ovulation, a female dog will typically go into heat about twice each year it can breed up to six times a year.

The average time between litters is 42 days and the gestation period is 63 days (9 weeks).

So, if your female German shepherd has her first litter at nine months, she’ll have her second litter one month later.

What Is The Average Litter Size For A German Shepherd?

The average litter size for a German shepherd is 4 to 8 puppies.

However, some litters have as few as 1 or 2 and others as many as 12 pups. A litter of nine is very rare, but it’s possible.

Keep in mind that the average litter size for German Shepherd dogs is 8 pups, but this number can change from female GSD to another.

If you’re concerned, there are tests available so you can check the health of your female GSD.

What Age Can Male German Shepherds Breed?

A male dog can become a father at the age of six months, while a female needs to be at least a year old in order to bear puppies.

On average female dogs usually breed starting when they are about 18 months old until their fifth birthday, which means that there could be plenty more litters in your future with your current pup.

The Birthing Process

Labor begins when the female dog’s water breaks. This is usually around 30 to 60 minutes before she starts pushing out the puppies.

However, this can vary from dog to dog.

Typically, GSD birthing takes about 2 to 3 hours. Also, it’s important to keep an eye on the bitch to make sure that she doesn’t eat her pups.

The birthing process is not without side effects for females, so you should be prepared in case there are problems.

It’s important to note that the female GSD usually eats the placenta after she gives birth as it can help her recover from the birthing process.

Some females get aggressive during the birthing process. If this happens, it’s best to deal with them separately so they won’t cause any harm to the puppies.

Additionally, It’s best to give your German shepherd some extra vitamins and minerals during pregnancy and lactation.

On average, a female GSD can produce about 500 ml of milk at a time, but this number varies from dog to dog.

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C-Section Or Natural Birth?

C-section is a very common procedure when it comes to the birth of puppies.

Sometimes, C-section is inevitable due to various complications.

It’s best if you have a veterinarian around in case the birthing process turns out differently than planned.

Also, keep in mind that most vets will not do a C-section without proper reason.

There are only some cases when the safety of the puppies outweigh the health of their mother.

However, if you’re experienced enough, you can perform natural home birth for your German shepherd .

Just keep in mind that it’s an extremely dangerous procedure and you need to know what you’re doing.

What Are The Possible Complications?

There are a few complications that may occur during the birthing process.

In case the mother has problems giving birth to her pups, you can help her by pulling out one pup at a time.

You should do this very carefully in order not to hurt your GSD.

Mastitis is also common among female dogs when they give birth to puppies.

This occurs when the mammary glands get infected, causing them to swell and become extremely painful.

In case you notice anything strange with your female GSD, contact a vet as soon as possible.

However, in most cases, it is best to leave the female alone when she is in labor.

To be more precise, you shouldn’t distract her or take her away from the birthing process unless there are some complications that need medical attention.

Also, It’s important to note that your German shepherd may not give birth to all of her pups.

If you see that there’s something wrong with one or more of the puppies, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Risks Of Overbreeding

Overbreeding female dogs is considered to be one of the most common mistakes that people make. It’s important to note that there are many risks associated with overbreeding, including the following:

  1. Risk Of Dying At Birth
  2. Hip dysplasia or heart problems in the offspring
  3. Risk of not being able to deliver her pups naturally
  4. Risk of having deformities in newborns. Some German shepherd dogs are famous for their newborn puppies’ face, which sometimes can cause problems when birthing them.
  5. Risk of long term health problem in the mother

These problems can be avoided during the process of mating.

On an average, it’s recommended to wait at least two days after a female GSD gives birth before you start breeding them again.

If your dog is older and has already given birth many times, you should wait for at least 4-5 days in order to avoid injuries and major complications.

How Many Litters Is Safe For A German shepherd?

On an average, it’s not recommended to produce more than 3 litters per year.

Once again, every dog is different and has its own unique needs. However, German shepherds are considered to be one of the most overbred dogs in the world.

After giving birth to her first litter , your GSD will go through a heat cycle called “pregnancy toxemia”.

This is a very dangerous condition that affects about 40% of female dogs.

Pregnancy toxemia can have a significant impact on your German shepherd’s health, so it’s important to know what this condition is and how you can prevent it from happening in the future.

How long is a German shepherd in labor?

Labor period of a female GSD usually lasts for about 60-75 minutes, but it can vary depending on the number of pups that she’s giving birth to.

On average, there are 6-8 puppies in every litter.

It’s important to note that German shepherds are considered one of the breeds with shortest labor periods.

In most cases, a female GSD will give birth to her puppies in an hour or less.

On the other hand, bigger breeds such as English mastiffs may take up to 5-6 hours until they give birth to their litters.

However, it’s also recommended that you stay with your dog and watch over her during the birthing process, especially if this is her first time.

Do Pregnant German Shepherds Eat More Than Other Dogs?

Yes, they do. It’s important to note that pregnant female GSDs require much more nutrients than normal dogs . For example, the recommended amount of food is usually around six cups per day.

However, it doesn’t mean that you should overfeed your shepherd during this period. Keep in mind that your dog might end up gaining unnecessary weight if you’re not careful.

How Much Weight Should A Pregnant German Shepherd Gain?

Of course, gaining weight during pregnancy is normal for every mammal – including human beings and dogs.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some risks associated with gaining too much weight. For example:

  • Increased risk of joint injuries
  • Risk of back problems. This is especially true if your female GSD has a long and narrow body, which can cause her to have back problems later in life.
  • Risk of various types of cancer
  • It’s recommended that you keep your dog healthy and avoid weight gain during pregnancy. If your dog gains too much weight, it’s best to consult a vet and ask for his help in this matter.

What Should You Feed Your German Shepherd During Pregnancy?

During The First Stage

During this period your female dog should eat a well-balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. For example:

Carbohydrates – such as rice, pasta, potatoes, and vegetables

Proteins – such as beef, chicken, and eggs

Fats – such as olive oil

It’s important to mix different types of proteins during this period. For example, you can use chicken and beef.

On the other hand, some types of carbohydrates are not suitable for your pregnant GSD.

It’s important to avoid corn, wheat, soy, and beans during this period.

During Second Stage

For the second stage of your dog’s pregnancy, your female shepherd should eat a balanced diet that includes the following:

  • Plenty of high-grade protein sources, such as red meat and poultry.
  • Fruits (apples, bananas, etc.)
  • Vegetables (especially broccoli and cauliflower)
  • You should avoid feeding your dog with foods rich in carbohydrates.

How Can A Pregnant German Shepherd Exercise?

It’s important to keep in mind that excessive exercise is not good for your pregnant GSD.

For example, it’s recommended that you stop training your dog for around 30 days.

It’s important to note that your dog might need some exercise during the first 3-4 weeks after giving birth.

However, you should do it in moderation and avoid intense activities such as jogging or running.

How Can Age Affect A German Shepherd’s Pregnancy?

Age can affect a German shepherd’s pregnancy for several different reasons.

For example:

  • Older GSDs might have problems with giving birth due to the fact that their cervix might narrow over time.
  • Older dogs are more likely to have health problems, which can cause them to deliver smaller puppies or sick ones.
  • Your older dog might even develop false pregnancy if she’s not spayed. It’s important to note that this type of behavior is normal for older GSDs.

Regardless of the age, it’s important to keep in mind that German shepherds are large dogs.

For example, a GSD usually gives birth to 8-12 puppies on average. Keep in mind that these puppies are quite big compared to other breeds’ newborns

On average, your pregnant shepherd might gain around 50-60 pounds during her pregnancy.

How Many Times Do Dogs Mate To Get Pregnant?

A female dog can get pregnant after having intercourse with a male-only once.

However, in some cases, depending on her cycle and when she ovulates, it’s possible to become pregnant from having sex the first time right when she’s going into heat or even before.

On average 3 to 4 times of mating is enough to get a female pregnant.

Can A Dog Have An Abortion?

Yes, a dog can have an abortion.

In fact, if you believe your dog is pregnant and she starts acting strange or different, that’s a clear sign that she might be pregnant or she’s already in heat.

It’s recommended that you talk to a veterinarian in order to make sure that your dog is pregnant or that she’s just in heat.

If it turns out that your dog isn’t pregnant, then the veterinarian will do a physical examination and will prescribe some drugs in order to get her out of heat.

Does a GSD have more drive than other dogs?

A German shepherd definitely has a higher drive than other dog breeds. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why GSDs are so well known around the world and why they’re popular among breeders and people who want to get a pet dog.

How Many Puppies Does A German Shepherd Have The First Time?

On average, a German shepherd has 2-12 puppies on the first time she gives birth.

However, the number of puppies might vary depending on various factors such as:

  • The dog’s age
  • Her health status at the time she gets pregnant
  • The dog’s breed (some breeds can produce more puppies than other ones)
  • How many times she was bred.

In How Many Days German Shepherd Give Birth?

A German shepherd’s pregnancy usually lasts around 63 days or 2 months. Keep in mind that it might vary depending on the dog’s age, general health condition and other factors.

Conclusion

As you can see, if your German shepherd is pregnant, then there are several important things that you need to know.

Furthermore, it’s important to take good care of your dog’s health and make sure that she gets all the necessary nutrients and vitamins that she needs in order to have a healthy pregnancy.

I hope after reading this article now you know how many times can a German Shepherd give birth if you still have questions feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

I hope you liked it and thank you for reading!

DEMO