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How Many Puppies Can a Husky have?

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: May 23, 2017
How Many Puppies Can a Husky have?

Whether you are preparing for the arrival of your husky's pups, or you're unsure if she is pregnant, oneHOWTO are here to help. Although the average litter size of a healthy husky dog is four to six puppies, there are factors that can affect this number. Keep reading to find out how many puppies can a husky have.

You may also be interested in: How Many Puppies Can a Golden Retriever have?

Signs & symptoms that your husky is pregnant

If you think your dog may be pregnant but are not quite sure, look out for these signs and symptoms. It is vital you are there for your pregnant pooch during this time. Unlike humans, a husky's gestation period will last an average of 63 days. However, she will go through similar changes just as a woman would.

Symptoms include:-

  • Reduced Appetite
  • Antisocial behavior
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Enlarged nipples
  • Vaginal discharge

Loss of appetite may be the first noticeable sign of your dog's pregnancy. She may even lose weight initially before she gains it back.

Early on in her pregnancy, your husky will probably have no interest in exercise. This will of course come as a shock to you, given this breed is notoriously energetic.I

n contrast to other breeds while pregnant, your husky may become very antisocial. If you have a particularly affectionate dog they may be an exception, but it is normal for them to retreat.

After only a few weeks, you may notice weight gain. As the puppies grow inside your husky, her stomach will bloat. At that point you will definitely know that she is pregnant.

Towards the end of the pregnancy - half way through the 3rd trimester - your husky's nipples will begin to enlarge. During the last few days, you may even see some milk leakage. The puppies will shortly arrive once this happens, so be prepared!

As your dog goes through changes, she will begin to have vaginal discharge. This can occur around 1 or 2 months into the pregnancy. The discharge will normally be clear or milky colored. If it is pink or bloody, contact your vet immediately.

How Many Puppies Can a Husky have? - Signs & symptoms that your husky is pregnant

Factors that influence litter size

A variety of factors determine the size of a dog's litter.

  • If your Siberian husky's mother had large litters, it doesn't mean she will too. Litter size is not an inherited trait.
  • Physical condition is more influential. For example, an obese dog is more likely to have a small litter size.
  • Age is an important factor too. Litters are smaller when females are younger and when they're older than when they're 3 to 5 years old range tend to have more puppies.
  • The size of your dog will influence her litter size as well. Small dogs tend to have small litters and large breeds tend to have larger litters.
  • Her diet is also a major influence. Good nutrition is important to maximize the size of a litter.

Litter size is also determined by the time of breeding. It can also depend on how strong the male dog's sperm was or if your dog was in heat for the first time when she was bred or not.

How Many Puppies Can a Husky have? - Factors that influence litter size

How many puppies do they usually have?

The average litter size of a healthy Siberian husky averages between four and six puppies. However, your dog may have fewer than four or more than six. The best thing to do in preparation is to ask the vet to estimate litter size. You can also arrange an X-ray after 45 days of pregnancy, which will give you a good indication.

Sometimes when your pet is about 4-5 weeks along, you can feel her puppies. And if you watch carefully, you can sometimes see the puppies moving or feel them if you touch the uterus area.It is a very exciting time!

How Many Puppies Can a Husky have? - How many puppies do they usually have?

Once the pups arrive

Before allowing your dog to get pregnant, it is important that you consider every little detail properly. Of course, on occasion your dog will fall pregnant accidentally. Bear in mind the space, patience and financial resources needed. It is important to remember that puppies must stay with their mum for the first two months of their lives.

Puppies are hard work. Do not forget that you are responsible for these animals. Take care of them well and make sure you find them a good home if you decide not to keep them.

OneHOWTO does not support breeding. But we do encourage new puppies to be given to the right family if their previous owner is unfit to take care of them.

If you enjoyed this article, you may be interested in: How Many Puppies can a Labrador Have or When to Start Walking a Puppy.

How Many Puppies Can a Husky have? - Once the pups arrive

If you want to read similar articles to How Many Puppies Can a Husky have?, we recommend you visit our Pets category.

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Pau
mine had nine :)
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