Pregnancy confirmation...how soon do you know?

[Kellie]

I know I've read this before, but I can't remember the answer...
How soon after a breeding do you KNOW your female is "with pups"?

My breeder let me know her female has been bred and should be due December 4th. I know she will sonogram (or xray), but when does that usually happen?

I could ask my breeder this, but I'm trying not to be a pain in the behind LOL. We have been conversing since February and her chocolate female had a "miss" on her last breeding so all my fingers and toes are crossed for this one

Thanks in advance for any information...(i love this board )

[Belles mom]

Usually at 25 days post breeding you can tell via ultrasound. if your breeder has a lot of experience, she may forgo the ultrasound, figuring she'll know eventually, and go for the xray at 56-58 days to get an exact count.

[labby]

An experienced breeder can usually tell in a couple of weeks, especially on a virgin bitch. The nipples changing are usually my first sign. Some bitches start getting moody, or lay around with a pitiful look on their face. Sometimes there is a discharge 2 weeks after breeding when the embryos implant themselves into the uterus.

[Kellie]

Thanks Karen and Laura! I'm pretty sure she's sure (how's that for being positive??) but I know before she has posted on FB about taking in a female for ultrasound so I was just wondering. I'm very anxiously awaiting this pup and TRYING to be patient.

[windycanyon]

Just think how your breeder feels, Kellie!!!
Usually the first good sign of pregnancy for me is the vulva remains swollen. That, however, doesn't give you any confidence on numbers. I'll measure girth at 3 different areas weekly and comparing to numbers on my spreadsheet. I'll be taking one in early next week to xray since she's not gaining girth as expected. I don't xray as a normal practice since I'm used to having good sized girls w/ lots of movement by 6-7 wks. Only once have I felt the need to xray afterward, and all pups had been whelped.