* Weigh on accurate gram scale and record the birth weight.

* Puppies should look plump, round, and have no gross abnormalities of size or shape.

* Check carefully for congenital abnormalities, such as hare lip/cleft palate. The head should be mobile; puppy should have a rooting reflex. Inspect the skull for open fontanelle (molera).

* Check that the eyes appear to be firmly closed.

* Check ears for size and position.

* Check nose for fluid accumulation in nostrils.

* Check mouth for dentition plates, presence of cyanosis, dehydration and suck reflex.

* Check skin for wounds, completeness of hair cover.

* Check foot pads condition and shape, extra toes rear dewclaws.

* Check thoracic region for wounds, rib fractures spinal abnormalities.

* Breathing should be regular and unlaboured. Mucous membranes should be pink and moist.

* Muscle tone should be strong (but not able to support body weight).

* Inspect limbs for position, deformities, or absence of long bones, number of toes, and that the toes appear to be normally separated.

* If puppies have nursed already their tummies will be enlarged and the puppy should be in a restful state. Restlessness and enlarged stomach, weakness and vocalisation or complete silence may indicate sickness, or Hydrocephalus.

* Check the umbilicus for signs of infection, inflammation or abnormality of the abdominal wall.

* Check tail, anus and genitalia, they should all appear normal and the tail should have no kinks.

* Check that the puppy has passed a bowel motion called meconium this should be dark reddish brown or blackish brown and should be passed at birth or very shortly after.