How To Build a Whelping Box for an American Bully

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Suppose you have an American Bully and would like to expand your family, or maybe you just got a Bully and don’t know where it should sleep—then building a whelping box helps.

You’ll want a whelping dog, particularly if your female dog has just given birth. The whelping box will be a great place for her to nurse and raise her puppies.

Here’s how to build a whelping box for an American Bully:

1. Measure your American Bully.
2. Gather your plywood and tools.
3. Cut the boards.
4. Assemble your whelping box.
5. Position your dog’s new whelping box.
6. Add newspaper or a whelping pad.

Keep reading so you can soon give your canine friend a whelping box.

1. Measure Your American Bully

The first thing you need to do is measure your dog so that you can get the right-sized materials. An XL Bully can range in size depending on its sex. Female American Bullies are typically between 19 and 22 inches (48.26–55.88 cm).

Extra-large female dogs need a whelping box that’s at least 48 x 40 in (121.92 x 101.6 cm) to give them plenty of space to move around. This PUPez Whelping Box (available on Amazon.com) is a good option because it’s large enough for even the biggest dogs. It also has an adjustable entrance height so your dog can comfortably enter and exit the box.

If your American is small, you may be able to get away with using a box closer to 42 inches x 34 in (106.68 x 86.36 cm). Just be sure to adjust the instructions accordingly if your measurements are different.

2. Gather Your Plywood and Tools

Once you’ve measured your dog, it’s time to gather the materials needed to build their new whelping box. Most of what you’ll need can be found at your local hardware store.

Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need:

• One piece of plywood measuring 48 inches x 108 inches (121.92 x 274.32 cm)
• Eighteen 1.5 in (3.81 cm) wood screws
• Self-adhesive contact paper
• One tube of wood glue
• Paint or sealant (optional)

The tools required to complete this build are:

• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Drill/driver
• Stapler or staple gun (optional)

If you have a power miter saw, it’ll make the job of cutting the boards much more effortless. However, a circular saw will work fine if you don’t have a power miter saw.

3. Cut the Boards

Once you’ve gathered the materials, it’s time to cut them.

If you plan on having your bully breed dog share its new whelping box with any other animals or humans, then make sure that none of its body parts can fit through the holes in the wood! 

Otherwise, this could cause injury or even death if they get stuck.

If you’re using a power miter saw, then follow these simple steps:

1. Measure and mark the plywood with your tape measure and a sharpie.
2. Set your saw to a 45-degree angle and cut along the marked lines.

If you’re using a circular saw, then follow these steps:

1. Measure and mark the plywood with your tape measure and a sharpie.
2. Use a straight edge as a guide to making your cuts.

Ensure that when you cut the plywood, you’re cutting with the grain of the wood. If you cut across it instead, your boards will split easily and not be as sturdy.

If you choose to use a power miter saw for this project, proceed with caution! In addition, you should always wear safety glasses when operating any type of machinery to prevent any accidents from occurring.

You’ll need to cut one 48 x 48 in (121.92 x 121.92 cm) square from the plywood. With the remaining sheet, cut three 48 x 16 inch (121.92 x 40.64 cm) panels. These panels will be used to form the sides of the whelping box for an American Bully.

The final 48 x 12 in (121.92 x 30.48 cm) strip will be used to make the doorway for your dog to enter and exit the box safely.

Once everything has been cut, you can sand any rough spots on the edges of your boards with a fine-grit sandpaper.

4. Assemble Your Whelping Box

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Next, you’re ready to assemble your new whelping box for your American Bully!

You may choose to paint or seal any raw wood before beginning this step to protect it from moisture and other elements if your whelping box is going outside. However, I recommend using self-adhesive contact paper to avoid any paint fumes that could potentially harm your pet.

I recommend using contact paper that’s both waterproof and durable to avoid any damage to the wood. You can use a stapler to attach the self-adhesive contact paper. If you do this, make sure no staples go through the side of the board and into your dog’s sleeping area. But if you choose not to use contact paper, you can skip this step.

Once you’ve painted the plywood or added contact paper, it’s time to apply wood glue to all four edges of your 48-inch (121.92-cm) square piece of plywood. Follow the steps below:

1. Place each of the four cuts along the outside of the square to form walls and a doorway
2. Use your drill or driver to secure each corner with two screws.
3. Add the extra screws along the perimeter to ensure the boards are tightly attached.
4. Allow the glue to dry overnight before adding any bedding or other materials.

5. Position Your Dog’s New Whelping Box

Once the whelping box for your American Bully is assembled, the final step is positioning it where you want. Ideally, it would be best to choose a quiet and secluded place so the mother can feel safe during labor. Once again, make sure that none of its body parts will fit through the holes in the walls.

If the whelping box is going inside, place it somewhere where your dog feels safe and comfortable. The location should be a comfortable temperature for your pet. In addition, a heater may be used to keep the space warm for the mother and her puppies.

Suppose this box goes outside to keep other animals or humans away from your dog during birth. Ensure it’s covered with a tarp, so there are no holes for the wind or rain to get in. Again, you should control the temperature to ensure your female American Bully is comfortable.

If you’re using this whelping box for an American Bully, then make sure to keep it in a single location throughout your dog’s pregnancy since they like to stay in one spot.

6. Add Newspaper or a Whelping Pad

Once your new whelping box for an American Bully has been assembled and positioned where you want, it’s time to add some bedding.

Newspaper is a good option because it’s absorbent and can be easily replaced as needed. A reusable whelping pad is also a great choice as it’ll provide extra cushioning for your pet.

I recommend these Zampa Reusable Pads because they’re soft and waterproof but also easy to clean. In addition, they won’t interfere with your dog’s allergies and can be thrown in the washing machine with a mild detergent after each use.

Whichever you choose, make sure that the entire bottom of the box is covered so your dog can get in and out of the box without any trouble.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found this article useful. A whelping box will help your American Bully have a safe and comfortable place for labor, especially if she’s an American Bully. Be sure to follow the instructions closely to create a safe and comfy space for your pet. Happy whelping!