The English Bull Terrier or "Bully" is a unique and sweet-looking breed. Their affectionate, protective and loyal temperament have made them a very popular dog appreciated by millions of people worldwide.
If you are thinking about having Bull Terrier puppies, this article is the right one for you. We will explain how many puppies can a female Bull Terrier have in a single litter, what you should keep in mind and how important the decision you are going to take is. Before deciding to breed your Bull Terrier, you should take some time to think about it thoroughly, as it entails risks and responsibilities.
AnimalWised will give you useful tips so that you make the right decision, knowing all the variables that the pregnancy will depend on. Keep reading to find out how many puppies can a Bull Terrier have.
How many puppies can a Bull Terrier have?
In one single litter, a female Bull Terrier has an average of around 5 puppies, but this figure can vary greatly depending on the various factors that will be explained below.
To begin with, you must consider the mother's health, which must be optimal in order to have a healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy. Female dogs used for breeding are likely to have fewer offspring in their first litter, so her age is also relevant.
On the other hand, the male Bull Terrier is also relevant in this process. More mature males impregnate a greater number of eggs and the same will happen if they mate several times.
Taking all these factors into account, it's easier to understand why an English Bull Terrier can have between 1 and 15 puppies in the same litter.
The Bull Terrier's pregnancy
A Bull Terrier's pregnancy should be supervised by the veterinarian at all times in order to rule out possible associated problems. Monitoring the pregnancy once a week will be critical in order to know what to expect and how to care for your pregnant Bull Terrier. For instance, you can ask the vet about ultrasound scans for dogs.
It is very important to know that unlike other breeds, the Bull Terrier mother is somewhat impatient, nervous and excitable. You must be prepared to take charge of caring for the puppies if she does not do it properly. This is extremely important, as some Bull Terrier mothers have caused the death of their puppies by crushing them carelessly.
You should also get informed about possible delivery problems that may occur and be ready to act should this happen. A relatively common complication is mastitis in dogs during the lactation period.
Details you should consider before breeding your Bull Terrier
Before even thinking about your Bull Terrier getting pregnant, you should read through the following points. The responsibility of this new life, from one puppy to fifteen, rests solely on you:
- Avoiding inbreeding: Pairing two related Bull Terriers can have serious genetic consequences for their future puppies. You may see genetic mutations, predisposition to certain diseases or serious health problems, as well as a lower number of puppies. Learn more about finding your dog a partner before starting the process.
- Healthy individuals: Never suggest breeding puppies from sick Bull Terriers. The probability of having a complicated pregnancy increases. You must also know that certain diseases can be transmitted the offspring; other health problems such as osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia are really serious, and dogs suffering from them should never be bred on purpose.
- Physical defects: If your dog is suffering from any physical problems you should avoid breeding at all costs. A malformed jaw, misaligned bones or other illnesses can be transmitted to the puppies. It is not simply a question of looks, but of health and even pain.
- Financial standing: You must be prepared to spend a lot of money if complications arise at birth, if your Bull Terrier needs an operation or if the puppies are affected by a disease. You will then need to get artificial formula milk if necessary and microchip all the puppies. Consider it thoroughly before making a decision.
- Male size: The male Bull Terriers are always smaller than the females to prevent the puppies being too big and getting stuck.
- Delivery problems: There are many problems that can arise in the delivering dog, and you must get informed and be prepared to act. For example, you should learn about reanimation and always have a phone ready to call the vet if the situation becomes complicated.
- Responsibility for the puppies: You should know that you and the owner of the other Bull Terrier parent are responsible for the puppies' lives. You cannot give them away, abandon or sell them, nor can you offer them to someone who will not care for them properly. There are thousands of abandoned Bull Terriers around the world. Don't let one of your puppies end up the same.
- Caring for the puppies: As we have explained, the Bull Terrier mother will not always take good care of her offspring. In fact, it is more than likely that you will have to take care of all the new-born puppies' needs. Waking up in the morning, cleaning regularly and feeding them very consistently will be some of your tasks. Failing to fulfill them can cause the Bull Terrier puppy to die.
Are you still interested in raising a Bull Terrier litter? Here you can learn more about caring for a Bull Terrier - from health to dietary concerns - and here you can find a compilation of names for Bull Terrier dogs.
If you want to read similar articles to How Many Puppies can a Bull Terrier Have? Tips on Breeding and Pregnancy, we recommend you visit our Gestation category.