Do Bostons have close to the same as there mothers litters?

Question
QUESTION: I was planning on breeding my boston next month. But want to know some things before going into it. She is 15 pounds and this is her 2nd heat and the male is 15-16 pounds and 3years. does this mean that she is at more risk of c-section since being a smaller boston? Also she came from a 7 litter herself and the mother free whelped. do does that mean she most likely will free whelp. How many pups are expected in second heat for a 16 pound mom. and do you know how much a c-section cost in the bay area of california? i am giving one pup to the male studs parents and then keeping one...   i am worried that she will only have one. then I would'nt get to keep one.

ANSWER: Hi Ester.  Your female is right on the border line in weight scale for breeding.  I like to see them weigh at least 17 lbs. but I'm glad to read that the male is also small.

There are no guarantees as to the size of the litter she will conceive, however it is said that the more time she "ties" with the male, the larger the litter will be.  Just because her mother had 7 puppies doesn't mean she will have 7 (she could have more or less.)

It is also believed that the size of the litter can determine the size of the puppies (and the need for a C-section.)  In theory, if she only conceives 1 or 2 puppies, they will grow larger and be harder to deliver.  On the flip side, if she conceives 6 puppies, they will have less room to grow - thus they will stay small and be easier to deliver.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you. I just got my boston weighed and she now is 17.9 pounds! She grow in the last month... So I  feel better to breed her? Is there any way to reduce the chances of c-section?


Answer
Hi Ester.  You can have your vet examine her and give his/her opinion.  It is always a good idea to have your breeding dogs examined before mating to help insure they are genetically and physically sound enough for breeding.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.