When we got our Boston Terrier from the breeder, there were several litters, as they had several breeding dogs. Choosing just one of those cute puppies to take home was extremely hard. But seeing all the puppies got me thinking, how many litters can a Boston Terrier have?
The number of litters a Boston Terrier can have depends on the individual dog. Breeding should not occur until 24 months; heat cycles are twice a year, allowing for a maximum of 2 liters per year. If a Boston Terrier requires a cesarean section, she may be spayed after eliminating future litters.
You should continue reading if you are interested in learning more about the breeding cycles of Boston Terriers. I will also cover the factors affecting the number of litters a Boston Terrier can have, things to consider before breeding, and why partnering with your veterinarian throughout the process is essential.
When You Should Start Breeding Your Boston Terrier
While a Boston Terrier is capable of getting pregnant at 6 months old, you need to wait until the ideal time of at least 24 months. Waiting allows your dog to develop emotionally and physically to handle the pregnancy. However, you do not want to wait too long as you should not breed a senior dog for health reasons.
The Boston Terrier Heat Cycle
There are typically two heat cycles per year for the average Boston Terrier. They each last an average of 21 days. However, each dog is different, and the length can change based on the dog. There are several signs to look for that indicate she is in heat:
- Increased urination
- Raising her leg when seeing a male
- Lifting her leg when urinating
- Showing more signs of affection
- Becoming lazier
- Having more interest in males
You should be prepared to begin the mating process when you notice these signs. While 21 days seems like a lot of time, it’s a small window to work with to accomplish your goals.
The Number of Litters a Boston Terrier Can Have
A Boston Terrier can possibly have up to ten litters, but they may not be healthy and may be detrimental to her well-being. There is no regulation by the American Kennel Club on the number of litters a dog has; however, the standard best practice is to limit it to four to six litters to ensure the health of the mom and puppies.
Factors Affecting How Many Litters a Boston Terrier Can Have
Dystocia is a common problem among Boston Terriers. It refers to any issues with giving birth. The main difficulty these dogs face is puppies are too large to pass through the birth canal. Due to the brachycephalic nature of the breed, the puppies’ heads tend to be too large to pass through the mother’s narrow pelvis, making natural delivery impossible.
Cesarean section is very common for brachycephalic dogs. It may be planned in advance to prevent dystocia, or it may be an emergency solution when the dog presents signs of complications during delivery.
Following a cesarean, a Boston Terrier will need time to heal. This procedure may prevent her from having another litter that same year. Additionally, because of the high risk of death from a cesarean, your veterinarian may recommend spaying your dog while she is in surgery to prevent any more litters.
Things To Consider When Breeding Your Boston Terrier
Breeding a Boston Terrier is not all fun and games. You must be sure that it is something you are ready to handle. You cannot breed too early or too late because it can have disastrous consequences for your dog.
You are responsible for the well-being of each of the puppies your dog produces. It’s not just about playing with cute babies until it’s time to sell them. You’ll have to take them to the vet for checkups, ensuring everything is excellent with their health. If anything is wrong, you will have to support that puppy financially until he is better.
This responsibility also extends after you sell them. If some medical situation arises with your dog, you must contact every buyer and inform them of the new condition. You may even receive a phone call from one of the buyers who suddenly change their mind about wanting to have a Boston Terrier. At this point, you will have to decide if you will take this dog back.
So, as you can see, there are a lot of considerations to take before you breed your Boston Terrier.
Partner With Your Veterinarian
If you are considering breeding your Boston Terrier, don’t forget to have your veterinarian examine her before she gets pregnant to ensure she is physically fit to carry puppies to term. You don’t want to strain a dog with conditions that cannot support the development of unborn puppies.
Your veterinarian will also be your greatest asset throughout your Boston Terrier’s pregnancy and delivery. From the time you suspect she is pregnant, you should have regular appointments scheduled to follow up with the growth and development of the puppies. You’ll also monitor your dog’s health to ensure that she handles the pregnancy well.
When it gets closer to the time for delivery, your veterinarian will be able to give you an estimate of how many puppies to expect. They will also be able to get a rough idea of whether the puppies will fit through the birth canal or require a cesarean.
When preparing for your Boston Terrier’s first litter, it’s essential to have a close relationship with your veterinarian. Any potential complications will be identified early, preventing any dangerous situations.
Final Thoughts
Brachycephalic dogs can have a hard time with labor and delivery due to the oddly shaped heads of their puppies. You will need to keep in close contact with your veterinarian throughout the pregnancy and be prepared to reach out during delivery should any complications arise that require immediate action.
Boston Terriers have different numbers of litters based on the individual dog. They typically have 2 heat cycles per year and begin breeding at 24 months. These factors allow for a maximum of two litters per year. However, breeding may end if your dog requires a cesarean and is spayed after.
Before you breed your Boston Terrier, you must be sure you are ready for the commitment. You will take on financial, medical, physical, and emotional responsibility for the puppies in your care. Occasionally, events will happen after they are sold, leading to them being back in your care. You will have to ensure you are ready for this level of commitment.