The peripartum period—the time just before, during, and after birth—is a critical stage in both maternal welfare and puppy development. Research has shown that the quality of maternal care directly and indirectly affects puppies’ health, behavior, and social development. Yet, breeders’ practices and perceptions strongly influence how this stage is managed.
In this survey of 345 French dog breeders representing 91 breeds, most described their enterprises as family-based, with frequent daily contact between dogs and humans. Breeders overwhelmingly recognized the peripartum period as stressful for females. To reduce anxiety, the most common practice was increasing human presence and contact, offering reassurance during labor and early maternal care.
Breeders identified key maternal behaviors—such as frequent nursing and licking—as signs of good maternal care. However, difficulties were often reported with primiparous bitches (those giving birth for the first time), underlining the importance of experience and management in maternal behavior. Many breeders also used progesterone testing to time breeding, and most births occurred under human supervision.
The findings emphasize that breeder knowledge and support strategies play a crucial role in shaping both maternal stress and early puppy development. By prioritizing maternal welfare and providing calm, supportive environments, breeders can contribute to healthier, better-socialized puppies and reduce the risk of behavioral issues later in life.
Source: Santos, N., Beck, A., & Fontbonne, A. (2020). The View of the French Dog Breeders in Relation to Female Reproduction, Maternal Care and Stress during the Peripartum Period. Animals, 10. MDPI.
