Detailed Guide to Dog Physiology: Essential Basics for Dog Owners

Body temperature of a healthy dog: (measured rectally)

(1) Small breeds:

1. Puppies 38.5--39°C

2. Adult dogs 38--39°C

(2) Medium breeds:

1. Puppies 38.5--39°C

2. Adult dogs 38--38.5°C

(3) Large breeds:

1. Puppies 38.2--39°C

2. Adult dogs 37.5--39°C

Heart rate: adult dogs 70--130 beats/min, puppies 200 beats/min.

Pulse: average 70--140 beats/min.

Respiration: average 10--40 breaths/min.

Eyes opening: about 10--16 days after birth.

Hearing: occurs at around the 15th--17th day after birth

Heat cycles and mating in female dogs: usually twice a year.

Proestrus: 6-11 days, average 9 days.

Estrus: usually 5-9 days.

Optimal mating period: 9-13 days from the first sign of blood at the vulva.

Gestation period: 58-65 days, average 63 days.

Tail docking: performed about 3-7 days after birth.

Ear cropping: performed at about 2-3 months of age.