How long are French bulldogs pregnant?
If you are wondering this, then I believe congratulations are in order! It can be a nerve-wracking, at the same time, an exciting experience having a pregnant Frenchie at home!
As first timer with a pregnant Frenchie – you might have many questions.
But don’t worry, we are here to answer them all for you!
Let us discuss in detail how long are French bulldogs pregnant, how to tell if your Frenchie is pregnant week-by-week pregnancy changes, and also how to take care of her!
Also Read: Do French Bulldogs Bark a Lot
How Long Are French Bulldogs Pregnant?
French Bulldogs, like all other dog breeds, have a gestation period of 58 to 68 days. The average pregnancy period of Frenchies is about 63 days.
This length is taken from the day of conception to the day of actual delivery.
Frenchie pregnancies are usually shorter but they go through the same stages as other dog breeds (which last typically 58 to 68 days from the day of conception).
It is important that, as a pet parent, you be prepared for whelping from the time your Frenchie enters week 8. Frenchies are small dogs and they can go into labor sooner than expected.
So, keep your vet on standby, prepare a whelping room, and buy all the necessary equipment. Do keep monitoring your girl and check her temperature from time to time.
Also Read: How Much Do Frenchies Cost
When is the Right Age for a French Bulldog to Get Pregnant?
Small dogs like French bulldogs go into heat at maturity – which occurs when the dog is about 6 to 8 months of age.
The best age to get pregnant for a Frenchie is after she is 1 year old. This way, she has had one full season before attempting to mate.
Also, a mother dog should not be bred once she has crossed the age of 7 to 8 years. After this age, the risk of pregnancy and whelping can increase.
Can French Bulldogs Become Pregnant Naturally?
It is possible for French bulldogs to become pregnant naturally but many reputable breeder prefer to artificially inseminate their pets.
Often natural pregnancy is not possible in the bulldog breed, because the male may be too short to mount the female or she might have very narrow hips.
That is why, artificial insemination is the only way to continue the breed lines.
How to Tell for Sure if Your French Bulldog is Pregnant?
Here are some signs of pregnancy your French bulldog might show:
1. Decreased activity
Most pregnant bitches start sleeping a lot more than usual.
Check out our guide on How Much Do French Bulldogs Sleep? Here we have answered how much the average Frenchie sleeps during the day.
If your girl starts sleeping more than 14-16 hours a day, then it could be one indication of pregnancy.
In general, your pet will be less active and might appear lethargic as well.
2. Appetite changes
Some pregnant Frenchies eat a lot more than usual. Others tend to refuse food during the early stages as they may be too nauseated to eat.
Some dogs also vomit a lot during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
3. Enlarged teats
The nipples grow in size as the mammary glands enlarge. They also become darker or change color. This is a sure-fire sign of pregnancy.
4. Nesting/burrowing
Your girl might start searching for a place to whelp.
She might dig and burrow in beds or hide behind furniture or under the bed. She will search for a quiet, clean, and safe place to bring her puppies.
5. Enlarged abdomen
Your female Frenchie will also gain weight and her stomach will appear swollen, bloated, or enlarged. It is not uncommon for Frenchies to gain nearly 15-30% weight during pregnancy.
6. Pale gums
Normal Frenchies have pink gums. A pregnant Frenchie will have paler-than-normal gums. This occurs due to anemia which occurs during pregnancy.
French Bulldogs Pregnancy Calendar – Week by Week Changes to Expect
In all, your Frenchie will have canine gestation period of 9 weeks. In the beginning, you might not notice any changes at all. But as time passes, here are the week-by-week changes you can expect:
1st Week (Day 0 to 7)
This is the first week after mating your Frenchie. You should continue her normal routine, feeding, and walks.
Some dogs start showing some changes in the first week. This mainly includes vomiting, appetite changes, etc.
You might see some spotting or discharge from her vulva which is normal.
2nd Week (Day 8 to 14)
Inside your pet’s tiny womb, many changes are taking place in this week. This is the time when the embryos move into the womb and your Frenchie will be quite nauseated, tired, and moody.
You can continue with her daily routine, regular walks, and every-day diet as well.
3rd Week (Day 15 to 21)
This is the time your Frenchie’s little fetuses start developing in the womb. They are still very small – less than a few centimeters.
You can take your pregnant bulldog to the veterinarian for an Ultrasound if required.
You also might notice significant appetite changes in this week. Your Frenchie will be hungrier than usual and might want to pack on calories.
She might be lethargic and will sleep a lot more than usual.
4th Week (Day 22 to Day 28)
This is a very important week as far your dog’s pregnancy is concerned.
You must take very good care of your girl during this week as she is at a high risk for miscarriages.
At this time, the fetuses will grow a bit more and you can see distinct facial features and spine in the ultrasound. You can also feel them and see them moving around in your pet’s abdomen.
Your pregnant French bulldog will have darker teats and a discharge which she will clean frequently. This is normal.
Do not over-exert your pet. Take her for a short walk and for potty breaks – nothing more.
Speak to your vet about dietary changes needed, if any. They might recommend vitamin/mineral supplements at this point.
5th Week (Day 29 to 35)
During the routine scan in this week, you can actually see your pet’s fetuses and could even determine their genders!
Your French bulldog will have gained significant weight by this time. She might demand food 3-4 times a week to sustain the developing fetuses.
6th Week (Day 36 to 42)
You can distinctly tell by this week that your Frenchie is expecting. Frenchies are small dogs and they quickly put on weight in their pregnancy.
In fact, the physical changes will be very evident by now. The small puppies will develop rapidly and they will also move a lot in your pet’s belly.
Your pregnant female bulldog will continue to demand more and more food. She might be a bit restless and might wake up frequently at night.
She will continue taking naps during the day. Her activity will be considerably reduced and movements will be slow too.
You can help your pet by giving her a place to rest. Prepare a warm, safe, cozy, nesting area. If needed, invest in a whelping box.
Some bulldog breeder start their French bulldogs on a special diet in this week . Some even add puppy food to the adult diet.
7th Week (Day 43 to 50)
In this week, you might notice some hair loss in your pet. Your pet’s hair will fall away from the belly area as it accommodates the growing fetuses.
Make sure your pet is eating well and feed her pre-natal supplements.
Calcium is very important for your Frenchie at this point. Your pet needs it to ensure giving birth to healthy puppies.
However, please discuss any supplements with a vet first.
Calcium supplements are known to cause joint abnormalities in puppies, pregnancy eclampsia or high blood pressure, and even a more intensive labor.
8th Week (Day 51 to 58)
Many Frenchies give birth prematurely this week. So be careful and avoid taking your pet out. You can provide her pee pads so she can relieve herself.
Remember, even the slightest exertion could send your Frenchie to go in labor. So keep your pet calm.
The puppies will also be moving around a lot in her belly.
9th Week (Day 59 to 65)
Your Frenchie will give birth any time now. She will be quiet and might refuse food. She will nest and seek a safe place.
Keep your pet calm and help her as much as possible. The puppies will arrive soon. (But that is information for another blog post!)
How Many Puppies Do French Bulldogs Have?
Like all brachycephalic breed dogs (dogs with small noses), French Bulldogs have small litters.
On an average, a Frenchie’s litter size is between 3 to 7 puppies. Some might give birth to just one puppy. On the higher side, Frenchies could give birth to up to 9 puppies.
The largest litter ever produced by a Frenchie was by a girl named Roxy who gave birth to a record 13 pups!
The number of puppies your pet gives birth to also depends on her genetics, bloodline, and her age.
Your vet can perform an ultrasound to tell you exactly how many puppies to expect.
Will My Frenchie Need a C-Section?
There are several reasons why most French bulldogs need a C-section for delivery:
1. Small birthing canal
Like all small breed dogs, Frenchies have a narrow birthing canal. This can cause the puppies to get stuck in it.
Not only is this dangerous for the puppies, even the mother can suffer during birth.
2. Large heads of puppies (Dystocia)
Often the unborn puppies have larger heads which get stuck in the mother’s birthing canal. This can cause complications during the whelping process.
3. Stalled labor
Sometimes, the mother dog is just too tired to push and a stalled labor could also force a C-section.
4. For mother and puppies safety
While 20-30% of Frenchies do deliver naturally, many end up dying during the process. That is why, vets recommend C-section to save the mother dog as well as the pups.
Note that the cost of C-section is very high – $500 to $1000 depending on where you live. Emergency cesareans can cost even more.
What are the Signs your French Bulldog is in Labor?
If your Frenchie goes into labor at home, you might notice the following signs:
1. Restlessness
Your pet will pace about a lot. She might also dig in her nesting place. She will pant and breathe laboriously.
2. Appetite changes
Your Frenchie might refuse food. Some dogs also vomit a lot at this stage.
3. Temperature changes
Monitor your pet’s temperature using a canine rectal thermometer. It is not uncommon for their temperature to reach 100 F.
4. Discharge
Your Frenchie will lick her vulva and there might be a watery discharge.
5. Straining and panting
In the final stage of labor, she will strain and pant a lot. She might also whimper and cry. The puppies will come soon now.
FAQs on How Long Are French Bulldogs Pregnant
1. When will my dog start showing signs of pregnancy?
Small dogs like Frenchies show signs of pregnancy from the first few weeks itself.
They gain weight rapidly and you can see their distended abdomen and enlarged nipples by 21st to 35th day of pregnancy.
2. Which dog breed has largest number of puppies?
The Labrador Retriever boasts the largest litter size with the average size being about 7 puppies.
3. Is the first litter the best?
Yes. First litters are usually the best and they also sell quickly. There is a lot of demand for the first litter puppies of French bulldogs.
4. Will my French bulldog get pregnant the first time she mates?
Yes, it is likely that a Frenchie can get pregnant even if she is not tied to the sire as long as he has ejaculated inside her.
However, the likelihood of pregnancy also depends on the female, her age, as well as the day of her cycle.
Conclusion – How Long Are French Bulldogs Pregnant
How Long Are French Bulldogs Pregnant?
The answer is anywhere between 58 and 68 days. Being small dogs, they only have a gestation period of about 8 to 9 weeks. Your pet can go in labor any time after the 8th week, so keep an eye out for signs of labor.
We hope this brief guide helps you prepare for your Frenchie’s pregnancy and labor.
