If you’re planning on breeding your ball of fur or she is already expecting, you should be prepared for everything, especially for the size of the litter you are about to welcome to this world. However, litter size in dogs is somewhat difficult or even impossible to predict, since it depends on so many factors, but being in the ballpark is important for your dog’s health.
So, what is considered normal?
On the other hand, exceptions to rule are quite common. Some dogs may birth only a single pup, while other dogs may bear up to 15 puppies or more.
Influential factors
It usually depends on the dog’s age. Dogs aged 3 to 4 years will in most cases produce largest litters, whereas younger and older dogs tend to have smaller litters.
Breed is also a huge factor. Larger breeds are prone to producing a greater number of puppies, but if the bearing pup is a first-time mother, she is more likely to give birth to one or two puppies. More experienced expecting dogs often have three or more.
Modern technology
However, determining the actual size of the litter is in fact possible using modern medicine technologies. An abdominal ultrasound, for instance, will estimate litter size, but only after the third week of pregnancy or later. Radiograph, on the other hand, can provide a count of the number of skeletons inside the mother’s uterus.
But remember, before you decide to use any of these means, it is important to pay a visit to your vet first and seek professional assistance.