Border Collies typically give birth around 60 days after a successful mating, which is approximately two months. It's important to avoid breeding your dog during her first heat cycle, as her body may not be fully developed. It's generally recommended to wait until the second heat cycle before breeding.
The gestation period for Border Collies is about 60 days, although some may give birth a few days earlier or later. Around the 45th day of pregnancy, it's best to take your Border Collie to the vet for a check-up. This will help determine the number of puppies, their development, and their position in the womb. If any puppies are in an unfavorable position (breech), you might need to consider a C-section to avoid complications during birth. Before your dog goes into labor, it’s crucial to get ready with all necessary supplies to avoid being caught off-guard.
Usually, noticeable signs of pregnancy appear in dogs around the 4th or 5th week. Reddening nipples are often the earliest visible sign, and gradually the abdomen and breasts will start to swell. Pregnancy symptoms vary among individual dogs; however, most will show noticeable changes in the last three weeks of their term, like increased sleep and reduced activity.
How Many Puppies Do Border Collies Usually Have in Their First Litter?
Border Collies can have litters of 2 to 12 puppies, but first litters usually range from 5 to 8 pups. Puppies are usually born every 15 to 40 minutes. If there are prolonged gaps between puppies during labor, it might be an indication of dystocia (difficult birth). In such cases, it’s critical to immediately take the dog to the vet, where a check-up can be performed to identify whether the puppies are in a difficult position or if the puppies are too large for a normal birth, If the fetal heart rate is low, they will normally suggest a C-section to prevent lack of oxygen.