What term describes the process of a dog giving birth?

Whelping specifically refers to the process of a dog giving birth. It is derived from the term "whelp," which is used to describe a newborn puppy. This term is unique to canine reproduction, highlighting the particular characteristics of the birthing process in dogs.

Gestation, while related, refers to the entire period of pregnancy from conception until birth, which includes the development of the puppies in the mother's womb. Delivery is a more general term that may refer to the actual act of giving birth but does not specifically denote it as it relates to dogs. Parturition is a biological term that applies to the act of giving birth in animals in general, but it is not specific to dogs. Thus, whelping is the most precise term for describing the birthing process of a dog.