How Can I Tell When My Chiweenie Is Getting Closer to Having Her Pups?

A chiweenie is a hybrid dog that is half dachshund and half chihuahua. This designer dog can weigh up to 10 lbs. and reach a height of 8 inches. From fertilization to actual birth, several signs indicate how close the female is to delivering her puppies.
  1. Impregnation

    • Female chiweenies go into heat, or estrus, every six to nine months for three weeks. During the last week or so of heat is when the female's eggs can be fertilized and she can become pregnant. After a successful mating process, the birth occurs 60 to 64 days later. The date of the union should be recorded as the benchmark in the timeline.

    Pregnancy

    • Dachshund is the other half of the chiweenie.

      The dog shows signs of pregnancy much like a human, with mood swings and behavior changes, as well as morning sickness. The female chiweenie loses her appetite and becomes lethargic. Her nipples become more apparent and possibly produce milk. Of course, a veterinarian should confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound or blood test. After these signs show, however, the two-month countdown should begin.

    Before Labor

    • Two weeks before the expected birth, the chiweenie's temperature should be taken at least once a day, preferably every 12 hours. When the chiweenie's temperature falls below 100 degrees F, the birth of the puppies should happen within the next 24 hours.

    Labor

    • The chiweenie stops eating altogether as she goes into labor. She starts to nest by scratching at the area where she intends to give birth. This should be in a pre-prepared whelping box designed for the birth. She may try to hide someplace dark and quiet. She urinates and defecates frequently. She might have diarrhea or vomit. Her contractions begin and she might whine or cry. Once her water breaks, the puppies on are on the way in a matter of minutes.