The number of puppies in a dog litter typically ranges from 1 to 12, with the average being around 5 to 6 puppies across all breeds

. However, litter size varies significantly depending on factors such as the dog's breed, size, age, health, nutrition, and genetics

• Breed and Size: Larger breeds tend to have bigger litters. For example, Labrador Retrievers average about 7 puppies per litter, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers average around 8, while smaller breeds like French Bulldogs average about 3 puppies

• Age: First and last litters are often smaller than those in a dog’s prime reproductive years

• Health and Nutrition: A healthy and well-nourished mother is more likely to have a larger, healthier litter

• Genetics: Some breeds with limited genetic diversity may have smaller litters

Some specific breed averages are:

Breed| Average Litter Size
---|---
Labrador Retriever| 5 to 10 (average 7)
German Shepherd| 1 to 15 (average 8)
Golden Retriever| 4 to 12 (average 8)
French Bulldog| 2 to 4 (average 3)
Bulldog| Usually 3 to 4
Poodle (Standard)| Around 7
Beagle| 1 to 10 (average 6)
Rottweiler| 6 to 12 (average 8)
Dachshund| 1 to 6 (average 5)

The largest recorded litter was 24 puppies, born to a Neapolitan Mastiff named Tia in 2009

. In summary, while the typical litter size is about 5 to 6 puppies, the actual number can vary widely based on breed and other factors. Smaller breeds tend to have fewer puppies, while larger breeds can have litters of 8 or more