Can Dachshunds Give Birth Naturally? 6 Things You Need To Know

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got a Dachshund who might be expecting—or you’re just super curious about how these little sausage-shaped pups handle pregnancy. I’ve been there! When my Dachshund was pregnant for the first time, I had a million questions. Can Dachshunds Give Birth Naturally? How many puppies do they usually have? It felt like I was Googling something new every five minutes!

Let me share what I’ve learned to help you feel more prepared for this exciting journey.

Can Dachshunds Give Birth Naturally?

Yes, Dachshunds can give birth naturally! Most of the time, they don’t need any help. But—and it’s a big “but”—their long bodies and small size can sometimes lead to complications. My dachshund’s pregnancy went smoothly right up until the big day, but when labor started, one of the puppies was positioned awkwardly, and we had to make an emergency trip to the vet. Thankfully, everything turned out fine, and she delivered the rest of the litter naturally!

The key is to keep a close eye on your Dachshund and have a vet on speed dial, just in case. Regular checkups during pregnancy can help you avoid surprises like this

How Long Are Dachshunds Pregnant?

Dachshunds are typically pregnant for about 58 to 68 days—roughly two months. My dog hit the 62-day mark before she started showing any signs of labor. If you’re not sure when to expect the puppies, you can use a Dachshund pregnancy calculator to figure out the timeline. It’s definitely a lifesaver!

I spent the last couple of weeks obsessively checking my dog’s belly and Googling every little sign of labor. Was she nesting? Was she just being her usual dramatic self? It’s a wild ride, but so worth it.

Dachshund Pregnancy Week-by-Week

When your Dachshund is pregnant, knowing what’s happening week by week can be super helpful. It’s exciting to track her progress and prepare for the arrival of those adorable puppies! Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during each stage of your Dachshund’s pregnancy, from conception to delivery.

Week 1–2: Conception and Early Changes

• What’s Happening: After mating, fertilization occurs, and the embryos start developing. During these early weeks, you likely won’t notice any physical changes in your Dachshund, but things are already happening internally.
• What to Do:
  • Keep her on her regular diet.
  • Avoid strenuous activities but keep up light exercise.
  • Monitor her behavior; some dogs may seem more affectionate or tired.

Week 3: Embryos Begin to Develop

• What’s Happening: The fertilized eggs implant in the uterine wall, and the embryos begin to develop. At this stage, they’re still tiny and delicate.
• Signs to Watch:
  • Mild appetite changes.
  • Subtle behavioral shifts—she might be quieter or clingier.
• What to Do:
  • Ensure she has a comfortable, stress-free environment.
  • Keep feeding her regular meals, but don’t overfeed—she doesn’t need extra calories just yet.

Week 4: Confirming Pregnancy

• What’s Happening: By now, the puppies are developing organs, and your vet can likely confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound.
• Signs to Watch:
  • A slight weight gain.
  • Possible nausea or morning sickness (some dogs may vomit occasionally).
• What to Do:
  • Take her to the vet to confirm the pregnancy.
  • If confirmed, talk to your vet about adjusting her diet for pregnancy.

Week 5: Puppies Start Growing Rapidly

• What’s Happening: The embryos officially become fetuses, and they start growing quickly. Her belly may begin to show signs of pregnancy at this point.
• Signs to Watch:
  • Increased appetite.
  • Noticeable weight gain and a slightly larger belly.
• What to Do:
  • Transition her to a high-quality puppy or pregnancy-specific dog food for extra nutrients.
  • Continue gentle exercise to keep her healthy.

Week 6: Belly Popping and Nesting Behavior

• What’s Happening: The puppies’ skeletons and organs are developing. You might notice her belly becoming rounder, and her nipples enlarging.
• Signs to Watch:
  • Visible weight gain and a more pronounced belly.
  • She may start showing nesting behavior, like rearranging blankets or choosing quiet spots to relax.
• What to Do:
  • Prepare a whelping area with soft bedding for when she’s ready to give birth.
  • Start monitoring her mood and energy levels more closely.

Week 7: Feeling the Puppies Move

• What’s Happening: The puppies are fully formed now, and you may even feel them moving if you gently place your hand on her belly.
• Signs to Watch:
  • Slower movements—she might be less active as her belly grows heavier.
  • She may become more affectionate or, on the flip side, prefer more alone time.
• What to Do:
  • Make sure her whelping area is ready.
  • Avoid activities that could strain her belly—keep things calm and low-key.

Week 8: Final Preparations

• What’s Happening: The puppies are almost fully developed and will start positioning themselves for birth.
• Signs to Watch:
  • Significant belly enlargement.
  • Possible milk production (her nipples may leak slightly).
  • Restlessness or nesting as labor approaches.
• What to Do:
  • Talk to your vet about what to expect during labor and how to recognize signs of trouble.
  • Have your vet’s emergency contact info handy, just in case.

Week 9: The Puppies Are Here!

• What’s Happening: Labor time! Most Dachshunds give birth around day 63, but it can vary slightly.
• Signs to Watch:
  • Refusal to eat.
  • Restlessness, panting, or pacing.
  • Nesting behavior (she’ll start spending more time in her whelping area).
  • Contractions and visible pushing.
• What to Do:
  • Stay calm and supportive.
  • Let her do her thing, but be ready to help if needed.
  • Call the vet if labor seems stalled or if there are signs of distress.

How Many Puppies Do Dachshunds Usually Have in Their First Litter?

First litters can vary, but most Dachshunds have 1 to 6 puppies, with 4 being pretty average. When my Doxie had her first litter, we ended up with three adorable little sausages. First-time moms tend to have smaller litters, so don’t panic if your girl doesn’t have a big crowd.

What About Miniature Dachshunds?

If your Dachshund is a miniature, you can expect a slightly smaller litter—usually 1 to 4 puppies. Miniature moms have a tougher time with larger litter because of their tiny size, so it’s extra important to keep an eye on them during labor. In some cases, they will even need to go through a C-section. In this case, your furry friend will also need to get fully recovered before going outside. Luckily, most dogs get recovered very fast, and their C-section is less complicated than in women.

How Long Do Miniature Dachshunds Carry Puppies?

Miniature or standard, the pregnancy timeline is pretty much the same—58 to 68 days. With Daisy, I noticed her belly didn’t get huge until the last couple of weeks, which made me nervous that she might only have one pup. Turns out, she was just sneaky about hiding them! Thanks to their elongated bodies, Dachshund bitches can carry many puppies even though they’re small in size.

I remember how my dog walked funny during her last day of pregnancy. She walked like a penguin so I decided to use an orthopedic dog harness to take her outside. Those harnesses have double-end leashes which helps you easier maneuver with your pet.

How Long Does a Dachshund’s First Period Last?

If your Dachshund is still young and hasn’t been pregnant yet, her first heat (or period) will last about 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, you might notice some mood swings, spotting, and—if she’s anything like Daisy—an Oscar-worthy level of drama. Seriously, my Daisy acted like she needed a fainting couch!

If you’re not planning on breeding her yet (or at all), make sure she stays away from any potential suitors. Dachshunds are sneaky, and an “oops” pregnancy can happen faster than you’d think. In case you don’t want to breed your Doxie, then I recommend you to spay her when she reaches 6 or 8 months of age. It’s the best time to spay a Dachshund and save her from unwanted litter.

How Many Times Can a Dachshund Get Pregnant?

Technically, Dachshunds can have multiple pregnancies throughout their life, but it’s best to limit it to 3 or 4 litters max. Note that dogs lose a lot of calcium from their bodies to ‘grow’ babies in their bellies. Just like women, our four-legged females need to take supplements like calcium, folic acid, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty oils. I also avoided to give my dog food that could cause flatulence and gasses. Just imagine how a pregnant dog would feel by carrying puppies and dealing with stomach gasses at the same time.

Pregnancy and giving birth can be tough on their little bodies, so it’s important to give them plenty of time to recover between litters. Daisy’s vet recommended waiting at least a year between pregnancies to keep her healthy. It’s enough time to make sure your dog’s body gets back to normal.

Daisy’s Big Day: A Personal Story

When my dog went into labor, I was a nervous wreck. She started pacing and nesting (tearing up her favorite blanket) about 12 hours before her first contraction. I had her whelping box all set up with cozy towels, but of course, she decided to have her first puppy on my bed.

Her first pup came out without any trouble, but the second one got stuck. I panicked and called my vet, who calmly walked me through what to do while I brought her in. Thankfully, they were able to help, and she delivered her third puppy naturally once we got home.

The whole experience was stressful, messy, and absolutely magical. Watching her become a mom was incredible, and those tiny, squeaky puppies were worth every sleepless night.

Tips for Dachshund Pregnancy and Delivery

• Vet Visits Are Key: Regular checkups can help catch potential issues before they become a problem.
• Feed Her Well: Give your girl high-quality food to support her and her growing pups. Make sure the food doesn’t contain allergens and that it’s rich in proteins. 
• Set Up a Nesting Spot: A quiet, comfy space will help her feel safe during labor.
• Know the Signs of Labor: Pacing, nesting, and contractions are all good clues that it’s go-time.
• Be Prepared for Emergencies: Have your vet’s number handy in case things don’t go as planned.

Can Dachshunds Give Birth Naturally?

Pregnancy and birth can be a big deal for your Dachshund, but with a little prep and a lot of love, you can help her through it like a pro. And hey, don’t forget to use a Dachshund pregnancy calculator to stay on top of the timeline—it’s a game-changer.

Before you know it, you’ll have a house full of tiny, wiggly puppies to cuddle. Enjoy every second of it—it goes by way too fast!