If you suspect your Staffy is pregnant, it was most likely a planned event. If it was, you’ve undoubtedly already done your homework on Staffy pregnancy long before your Staffy became pregnant and know what to expect in the coming months.
If the pregnancy was unexpected, you might want to know how long Staffies are pregnant and everything else you should know about the process.
This article will go over everything there is to know about pregnant Staffies and what their owners should know.
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This Staffy pregnancy guide will provide you with information and advice on:
- How Can You Tell if a Staffy Is Pregnant?
- Staffy Pregnancy Symptoms
- How Long Are Staffies Pregnant For?
- Staffy Pregnancy Stages
- Stage 1: Proestrus
- Stage 2: Estrus
- Stage 3: Diestrus
- Stage 3: Anestrus
- How Many Puppies Do Staffies Normally Have?
How Can You Tell if a Staffy Is Pregnant?
Have you noticed your Staffy being slightly lethargic or eating less at meal times? These could be signs of pregnancy, especially if you planned for pregnancy and if your Staffy appears healthy and happy in other ways.
However, similar symptoms can also be signs of illness if a pregnancy isn’t planned. You should investigate any significant change in appearance, appetite, or activity level. Of course, if you suspect your Staffy is pregnant, you have a far more pleasant reason to take her to the vet!
Staffy Pregnancy Symptoms
Here are some Staffy pregnancy symptoms:
- Vomiting in the initial weeks
- Loss of appetite initially
- Irritability
- More affectionate than usual
- Tires quickly
- Increase in appetite after first weeks
- Tummy swells
- Weight gain
- Enlarged or discoloured nipples
- Nesting behaviours
How Long Are Staffies Pregnant For?
If you’re curious about how long your Staffy will be pregnant, keep reading to learn about the various stages and timing of a Staffy pregnancy.
A typical Staffy pregnancy lasts 63 to 65 days; all dog pregnancies last the same amount of time regardless of the breed. A Yorkie, for example, is pregnant for the same amount of time as a Labrador.
Although Staffies are pregnant for a shorter time than humans, they still have three trimesters.
If you deliberately bred your Staffy, note the date so your vet can know your Staffy’s due date.
Staffy Pregnancy Stages
The canine estrous (reproductive) cycle is divided into four stages.
- Proestrus
- Estrus
- Diestrus
- Anestrus
Proestrus (1 to 2 Weeks)
Proestrus is the stage at which most Staffy owners begin to notice changes and when we start to think our Staffy is in heat.
The proestrus stage lasts an average of 9 days but can last up to 27 days.
Male dogs become attracted to the female Staffy, but she will be unresponsive.
Her estrogen levels will peak, and follicles will form.
The Staffy’s vulva is usually swollen and discharges blood. Vaginal cytology will reveal a variety of cells, including red blood cells.
Estrus 1 to 3 Weeks
Estrus is the stage during which the female Staffy is receptive to the male. Based on behavioural signs, this stage will last an average of 9 days but can last anywhere from 4 to 24 days.
This is the fertile stage. The vulva enlarges but softens slightly. The amount of blood discharge decreases. Estrogen levels are falling while progesterone levels are rising. Cornified (flattened) epithelial cells predominate in vaginal cytology.
Diestrus 8 to 12 Weeks
Diestrus occurs after estrus when the Staffy female is no longer interested in the male. This stage lasts approximately two months. Estrogen levels are low, while progesterone levels peak three to four weeks after the start of diestrus and then fall to baseline by the end of diestrus.
Whether or not the dog is pregnant, this increase and then decrease in progesterone will occur. Cytology reveals a return to basal cells and fewer red blood cells than in proestrus.
Anestrus (4 to 24 Weeks)
The non-breeding phase of the cycle, known as the anestrus phase, is characterized by inactive ovaries and a small uterus. A female Staffy won’t allow male dogs to mount her at this stage and is no longer attractive to male dogs. Normally, anestrus lasts 1-6 months.
How Many Puppies Do Staffies Normally Have?
An average litter size for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 5 to 7 puppies. If your Staffy came from a large litter, there’s a good chance your girl will produce larger than average litters. However, nothing is set in stone, and only once your Staffy has had a couple of litters will you know how big they tend to be.
Staffies pregnant for the first time will often have much smaller litters, which is typical for all dog breeds.
