When do dogs balls drop?

Understanding when a puppy’s testicles should descend is a small but important piece of caring for male dogs. For everyday caretakers, breeders and anyone planning reproductive choices, knowing the normal timeframe, the signs of trouble, and the practical steps to take can prevent pain, preserve fertility when possible, and avoid surprises at the veterinary clinic.

What every dog owner should know about when a puppy’s testicles descend

Timing of testicular descent affects decisions you make weeks to months after a litter is born. A breeder needs accurate timing to determine when a pup becomes eligible for sale or for future stud consideration. A pet owner deciding when to schedule neutering benefits from understanding whether both testicles have reached the scrotum, because retained testicles may need surgical referral. On an everyday level, watching descent is part of tracking normal developmental milestones—alongside weight gain, socialization, and vaccination schedules—and that tracking makes it easier to spot problems early.

Beyond logistics, there’s real emotional value. Owners who know what’s normal are less anxious and more likely to seek timely veterinary advice when something is off. Early detection of an undescended testicle can reduce the risk of complications later, including torsion or cancer risk that is likely linked to retained testicles. For people who plan to breed, knowing whether pups are likely to be fertile as adults is essential to ethical breeding decisions.

Typical timeline — at what age do puppies’ testicles usually drop?

Most male puppies will show testicles in the scrotum sometime between birth and about 6–12 weeks of age. For many breeds and individuals this happens in the first few weeks; in some dogs descent may continue and not be complete until around 6 months. If a testicle hasn’t descended by about 6 months, that finding commonly leads clinicians to consider cryptorchidism—an undescended testicle—because spontaneous descent after that age is unlikely.

Keep in mind that breed and individual variation matters. Small-breed puppies sometimes show testicular descent earlier or in a different pattern than large-breed puppies, and a single undescended testicle is more common than both being retained. Use the general timeframe as a guide, not an absolute rule: if you have any concern, a veterinary exam sooner rather than later is reasonable.

The biology of testicular descent: how and why it happens

Testicular descent is a coordinated developmental event designed to move the testes from inside the abdomen into the scrotum, where a cooler temperature supports sperm development later in life. The process is guided by a band of tissue called the gubernaculum, which shortens and helps pull the testicle downward. Hormonal signals—especially testosterone produced by the fetal and neonatal testes—are likely linked to triggering and completing this movement.

Genetic instructions and in-womb development set much of the stage. If those signals are disrupted—by hormonal imbalances, genetic variants, or problems with the gubernaculum—the testicle may stall before reaching the scrotum. Temperature plays a role functionally more than mechanically: once in the scrotum, the testicle is kept at a lower temperature that supports future sperm production. That’s why retained testicles, sitting warmer inside the abdomen, are associated with reduced fertility and a higher likelihood of certain tumors later on.

Breed, hormones and health: factors that can shift the timeline

Breed and body size commonly influence how soon descent occurs. I typically see smaller breeds with a more predictable early descent pattern, while some large or giant breeds may show a slower timeline. Individual genetic differences mean two puppies from the same litter can descend at different times. Premature pups or those with low birth weight may also lag behind in developmental milestones, including testicular descent, and a history of neonatal illness may delay normal timing.

Ambient conditions and early-life stressors may influence the process indirectly. Extremely cool or warm whelping environments, rough handling that increases abdominal pressure, or infectious stresses in the first days could plausibly interfere with normal descent, though the strongest drivers are developmental and hormonal. It’s also common to see unilateral patterns—one testicle descends while the other does not—so an apparent “missing” testicle on one side doesn’t always mean both are retained.

Red flags: signs of delayed descent and associated health risks

An absent scrotal testicle past recommended age thresholds is the most important sign to note. If one or both testicles are not palpable in the scrotum by about 6 months, this may suggest cryptorchidism and should prompt a veterinary evaluation. Retained testicles carry increased long-term risks: torsion (where a testicle twists and causes acute pain) and a higher likelihood of testicular tumors are both more common in retained testes than in fully descended ones.

Look for signs that demand more urgent attention: sudden swelling on one side of the abdomen or groin, obvious pain when the area is touched, lethargy, vomiting, or a puppy that refuses to move or eat. Those signs may indicate torsion, infection or another surgical emergency. Subtler signs—recurrent behavioral changes, poor response to neutering decisions, or abnormal growth patterns—may reflect fertility implications or underlying developmental issues and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

If you’re concerned: when to contact your veterinarian and what to expect

1. Check gently and often. Beginning in the first week after birth and continuing through the first months, handle the puppy calmly and check the groin and scrotal area. Make a simple log with dates and brief notes or photos so you can see change over time.
2. Track overall development. Record weight, energy levels, stool quality and any signs of illness. Delayed descent can accompany other delays—if multiple milestones are behind, mention that to your vet.
3. Schedule a veterinary exam if there’s any doubt. If a testicle isn’t clear in the scrotum by around 6 months, seek examination. For unilateral non-descent, many vets will discuss options earlier; for acute pain or swelling, seek immediate care.
4. Discuss neutering and surgical options with your vet. If cryptorchidism is diagnosed, the retained testicle is usually removed surgically because it is likely to carry higher health risks; timing and approach should be tailored to the individual dog.

When you visit the clinic, having your dated notes and photos helps the clinician assess timing and pattern. If imaging or exploratory surgery is recommended, ask about expected recovery times and long-term implications for behavior and health so you can plan logistics ahead of time.

At-home care: monitoring and managing your puppy while you wait

While you are monitoring descent or waiting for an appointment, handle the puppy gently and avoid pressing on the abdomen. Rough restraint or squeezing the belly to “feel” for a testicle can cause discomfort and is unnecessary; a calm, brief palpation is sufficient. If the puppy shows any signs of pain when the area is touched, stop and contact your veterinarian.

Limit rough play or high-impact activities if the puppy seems uncomfortable in the groin area. Keep bedding clean and at a stable, moderate temperature—extreme heat or cold is not helpful during development. If a retained testicle is diagnosed and surgery is planned, arrange for a quiet recovery area at home, with easy access to water and a clean bed, and prepare to follow post-operative instructions regarding activity restriction and wound care.

Practical tools and apps to help track your puppy’s development

• A small digital scale to track puppy weight regularly; weight trends help contextualize developmental questions.
• A phone or an app that time-stamps photos and notes so you have date-stamped records of physical changes and any observed events.
• Comfortable bedding and a temperature-regulating blanket or pad to maintain a stable whelping environment, plus emergency contact info or access to telemedicine if an urgent question arises outside clinic hours.

These simple items reduce guesswork when you speak with your veterinarian and can help detect problems sooner. If you plan to travel for veterinary specialty care, having digital records and current weight measurements available can streamline remote triage or specialist conversations.

Sources, veterinary references and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Testicular Descent and Cryptorchidism in Dogs
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Neutering Your Dog—Considerations and Timing
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Cryptorchidism in Dogs—Diagnosis and Management
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS): Castration of the Dog—Overview and Recommendations