How many puppies can a dog have?

The number of puppies a dog can have varies greatly depending on the breed. Large dogs have strong bodies and large uteruses, which can accommodate multiple embryos during pregnancy, so they usually have more puppies in a litter, usually 8-12. Medium-sized dogs can have 5-6 puppies in a litter. Small dogs, however, have smaller bodies and uteruses, and can have a maximum of 4-5 puppies in a litter.

I. The number of puppies a dog can have depends on its size

The exact number varies from breed to breed, with different sizes of dogs having different litter sizes.

• Ultra-small breeds, such as Chihuahuas: 1-3 puppies.
• Small breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers: 4-5 puppies.
• Medium, large, and ultra-large breeds, such as Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, and Corgis: 5-10 or more puppies.

II. When is a dog suitable for breeding?

A dog's first heat usually occurs between 7 and 9 months of age, which is a marker of sexual maturity. However, although a dog can reproduce at this age, its physical maturity is not yet complete. Breeding at this stage can have significant negative impacts on its health. It's like girls experiencing their first period between the ages of 12-14, but it would be unrealistic for them to give birth at this age.

A dog's second heat usually occurs 4-6 months after the first one, by which time the dog's physical maturity is almost reached. Breeding at this stage will not have too many negative impacts on its health.

A female dog should not breed after the age of 6, as her body's functions begin to decline, and breeding would impose a significant burden on her health.