Enter your dog’s length to get the right whelping box size, pig rail height and a simple layout diagram.
Disclaimer: General guidance only. Check the box is stable, has no sharp edges, and is easy to clean.
A whelping box should be about 1.5 to 2 times the mother’s length (nose to base of tail), so she can lie on her side fully stretched out (Purdue University; Purina Pro Club). Bigger isn’t always better. A box that’s too large lets puppies crawl away from their mother and get cold.
Fit a pig rail about 3–4 inches off the floor all the way around. It keeps her from pinning a puppy against the wall when she lies down.
| Puppy age | Room | Inside the box |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 75–80°F | 85–90°F |
| Week 2 | 70–80°F | 80–85°F |
| Week 3 | 70–75°F | 75–80°F |
Source: Purdue University Canine Welfare.
Have her stand, then measure along her back from the tip of her nose to the base of her tail.
High enough that young puppies can't climb out, with one lower side or a door so the mother can step in and out without jumping over her puppies.
Yes. A rail about 3–4 inches off the floor gives puppies a safe space so their mother can't accidentally press them against the wall.
Due date, pregnancy week and a dated timeline from the mating date.
Open calculator →Predict her next heats and the typical fertile days.
Open calculator →Best breeding days from the first day of her heat.
Open calculator →Turn your vet's progesterone results into breeding dates.
Open calculator →Countdown to labor, prep checklist and a puppy delivery log.
Open calculator →Check each newborn puppy is gaining weight normally.
Open calculator →Weaning, deworming, vaccines and go-home dates.
Open calculator →How many puppies to expect for her size.
Open calculator →Sources: Purdue University Canine Welfare – Setting Up a Welfare-Friendly Whelping Area; Purina Pro Club – The Whelping Box. This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Read our veterinary disclaimer.