rottweiler litters - single pup normal?

by Emma
(Taree NSW Australia)

Hi,
My rottweiler had a litter of only one puppy ( two weeks ago) is this normal? It is her first litter and it was a big puppy.

Also how long do they leak mucus for after the pups are born?






Hi Emma
In my experience or understanding, having just one puppy is fairly unusual, but it certainly can happen with any breed. As long as the puppy was healthy, and the momma too, then it's just 'one of those things'.

The puppy would have been bigger than average because it didn't have to compete for space or nutrition in the womb, or to nurse after birth.

Rottweilers often have large litters, but the number of puppies a female has seems to be genetically influenced, and a female whose momma had only small litters will likely produce the same. And vice versa with large litters. Of course this isn't written in stone as genetics is complicated and not all dogs from small litters will produce small litters themselves, but it increases the odds.

As for how long she will leak after the whelping - again it varies from dog to dog, but at least for several weeks. If it continues beyond a month, or she seems unwell have your vet check her out to be sure everything is okay.

Best of luck with your dog and her pup.