Breeding

The whelping Box

The whelping Box

Choose a draft-free room where the temperature can be held at about 72 degrees. Prepare a comfortable box and let your female sleep in it for two weeks or so before the whelping date. If she objects to new sleeping quarters, give her one of your old blankets or sweaters to lie on. A box of oblong shape is best. It should be as deep as the female is long, and about twice as long. You might attach upright posts in the corners so you can throw a blanket over the box, in case the room grows chilly. The best flooring is a removable canvas covered slide. Make two, so one can be washed and sunned while the other is in use. 

If you do not care you can use ordinary cardboard cartons. Get several since, once damp, they are useless. The hardy female of larger size, used to living outdoors, can use a small set up on the basement; but it must be arranged to keep the puppies in a limited space. Young puppies need warmth and protection from drafts-do-not forget that when preparing the whelping bed. Finally, place in the box a piece of rug or quilt which the female can dig into the pull on during labour.