How to Build a Whelping Box for a Chihuahua

As the smallest breed of dog, Chihuahuas need special care and special protection when preparing to give birth. Therefore, many breeders of these small dogs build their own whelping beds to include all of the features they consider necessary. You can build a whelping bed out of a variety of materials, but it's probably easiest to use wood, with easy-clean features.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch plywood, cut in the following sizes:
  • (1) 30 x 24 inches
  • (2) 32 x 16 inches
  • (2) 24 x 16 inches
  • (1) 32 x 3 inches
  • (1) 32 x 13 inches
  • (2) 1 x 1-inch strips, each 26 inches long
  • (30) 1 1/2-inch wood screws suitable for plywood
  • Circular or hand saw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper
  • Polyurethane and brush (if desired)
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Instructions

  1. Preparation and Assembly

    • 1

      Cut out the pieces as shown in the materials list. Sand edges and tops. If you wish to protect the wooden surface with polyurethane, apply it now and let dry until the odor is gone. You also can oil the wood. This is safer for animal use.

    • 2

      Measure and mark three holes in the front side of the back panel for the screws, about a half-inch from the edge of the wood and about 5 inches apart.

      Measure and mark the front. It will have two panels, one 13 inches tall and one 3 inches. Each will use 2 screws, with holes marked on the front of the panels, about an inch from the top and bottom of board, and about a half-inch from the end.

      On the front of each lower piece--sides, back and front (3 inch)--mark where screws will go to attach the bottom to the sides, equidistant apart. Use about 3 screws on each side.

      Drill holes where you have marked on the pieces. There should be 26 holes.

    • 3

      Screw side panels to back, so that side panels are inside the front measurement. Slide bottom in place and screw together sides and back with bottom.

    • 4

      Place bottom front panel (3 inch) against sides and bottom, and screw in place where holes indicate. Do the same with the taller front piece (13 inch).

      Taking 1 x 1-inch bars, mark for holes about 2 inches from each end.
      Turn over, and attach 1 x 1-inch bars to bottom of sides of box with screws.

    • 5

      You now have the bed ready for the mother to give birth. When puppies are ready to wean and can walk around, unscrew the top front panel and remove, leaving the 3-inch piece attached.

      All can be disassembled to clean or store.

    • 6

      Line the box with ready-made whelping pads, or make your own from incontinence bed pads made for humans. Most people prefer to make a washable cover or two for these.