"HOW many?"

Understanding Ultrasound Estimates and Preparing for Whelping With Confidence

At Northwest Breeding Services, we’re so very proud to play a part in so many exciting breeding journeys. From first-time litters to experienced show girls, scanning your girl and confirming a pregnancy is a special moment we're honoured to share. But alongside the excitement, it’s important to keep expectations realistic... especially when it comes to puppy counts on scans.

Let’s talk about that tricky little word: 'estimate'.

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Why we say "Estimate" 📊

And what that really means...

Every time we perform an ultrasound scan, we’re looking to confirm pregnancy and give a best estimate of foetal sacs based on what we can see at that moment. A snapshot in time if you will. We’re proud to say we’re pretty accurate (around 90%, typically within one either way!) but we’d never promise an exact headcount.

EVER.

Here’s why getting an exact number isn’t realistic for anyone, not even with the best equipment in the world:

• Foetal Positioning: Puppies can move, overlap, or hide behind littermates or anatomical structures – especially in smaller or deeper-bodied breeds.
• Maternal Gut Content: If the bitch has a full bowel or bladder, it can obscure visibility.
• Uterine Horns: The uterus is shaped like a ‘Y’, and when puppies are split evenly down both horns or one horn tucks under the bowel, you’ll struggle to get a full view.
• Gestation Stage: Earlier scans show smaller, clearer sacs; later scans bring more crowding and sometimes confusing shadows as puppies develop skeletons.
• Absorption or Loss: Sadly, not every pup seen on a scan always makes it to birth. Some reabsorb naturally without any outward signs.

And remember: a scan can’t predict how many puppies will actually be born alive at the end of labour. It’s a guide, a tool, not a crystal ball.

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So why choose us over a standard vet scan? 👩⚕️

Let’s get this straight - vets are brilliant, and absolutely necessary when it comes to emergency care and complex cases. But when it comes to pregnancy scanning, our service is designed specifically for breeders.

"What sets us apart?" you're thinking? Let me explain...

• Top-spec scanning equipment designed for accurate, safe imaging
• Estimates based on decades of experience and thousands of scans, plus insight into litter dynamics
• You stay with your dog – they will never be taken away into a back room
• Tailored advice based on breed, history, and scan findings
• Follow-up support, notes, and help through to whelping and beyond

And all this with us, typically costs £60–£80 less than most veterinary scans! Which, but the way, only usually confirm pregnancy - no count, no chat, no support package.

It’s not that vets don’t care, it’s just not their speciality. This is ours.

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The real cost of 'panic' – and why planning beats worrying 💸

In a recent case, a client who was told to expect an estimated 4 puppies delivered 2, panicked, and headed to an emergency vet in the early hours. Paying an eye-watering £500 for reassurance that no more pups were coming.

We get it. Whelping is emotional.

But here’s the thing - that peace of mind could’ve come from us the next morning, for a fraction of the price with real, experienced advice and guidance.

Now, we want to be absolutely clear: emergency vet care can be vital and we would never discourage anyone from seeking help when it’s truly needed. But we hear of many owners heading to the vets at 5.00am - simply because they didn't feel prepared and had a confidence wobble, not because there’s an actual emergency.

This is where we come in.

Not only for post-whelp scans. But our puppy natal classes, pre-whelping consultations, and welfare visits really shine. We will teach you to understand what’s normal, what’s urgent, and what’s just “whelping being whelping” — so that you’re in a far stronger place to make calm, informed decisions.

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Knowledge is Power 🌟

We've got plenty to share! When you work with us, you don’t just get a scan, you get a partnership.  A “phone a friend” and sometimes a “make a brew and chill out” kind of chat!! 

We offer so much more than most people realise...

• 📘 Tailored pregnancy advice - so you can be certain you're giving your girl the right care
• 🐾 Welfare visits before and after birth - so we can help you set-up the whelping area safely and offer vital advice on how to care for your newborns
• 👶 Puppy natal classes - to walk you through everything panic-inducing and labour-related, so you can handle the situations confidently and safely
• 📝 Our Breeding Bible (written in our Puppy Natal Pack) - Everything you need to know, so you have our advice at your fingertips whatever the time in the morning
• 💉 Weaning, worming, microchipping & vaccination support - So you can ensure your puppies get the vet care they need before leaving for new homes
• 🧠 Access to top nutrition and fertility partners - We will share our expert connections with you, so you can be sure you're doing things right
• 🏡 Our exclusive Puppy Patch platform - to help you find homes for your litter.

And most importantly, ongoing support and expert guidance from people who live and breathe responsible breeding.

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We pride ourselves on accuracy, experience, and care — but we’ll always be honest: scan numbers are estimates. They guide, they inform, and they prepare us — but they don’t define the outcome. So arm yourself with knowledge, plan ahead, and make the most of the support we offer. You’ll save yourself stress, panic, and unnecessary cost — and your girl will thank you for it.

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Need help planning your girl’s whelping journey?

Message us now — and let’s get you confidently prepared.

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