Choose your dog’s breed or size to see the average litter size from published studies, plus how age affects it.
Disclaimer: Averages from published studies. Only an X-ray after about day 45 can tell you how many puppies your dog is carrying.
| Dog size | Average puppies per litter | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Toy / miniature | 3.5 | Borge et al. (2011) |
| Small | 4.4 | Hollinshead & Hanlon (2017) |
| Medium | 5.2 | Hollinshead & Hanlon (2017) |
| Large | 5.9 | Hollinshead & Hanlon (2017) |
| Giant | 6.7–7.1 | Both studies |
Borge et al. looked at over 10,000 litters across 224 breeds and found breed size was the biggest predictor of litter size.
An X-ray after about day 45 of pregnancy shows the puppies’ skeletons, so your vet can count them. Ultrasound confirms pregnancy earlier but isn’t reliable for counting. Knowing the count tells you when she has finished whelping.
There's no fixed number. It depends mostly on her size and breed. Use the averages above as a guide, and ask your vet for an X-ray count after day 45.
Not reliably. Belly size depends on the dog's build and the size of the puppies. An X-ray is the best way to count.
It can happen, especially in toy breeds. Very small litters can sometimes mean a longer pregnancy or larger puppies, so keep your vet informed.
Due date, pregnancy week and a dated timeline from the mating date.
Open calculator →Predict her next heats and the typical fertile days.
Open calculator →Best breeding days from the first day of her heat.
Open calculator →Turn your vet's progesterone results into breeding dates.
Open calculator →Countdown to labor, prep checklist and a puppy delivery log.
Open calculator →The right box size for your dog, with a layout diagram.
Open calculator →Check each newborn puppy is gaining weight normally.
Open calculator →Weaning, deworming, vaccines and go-home dates.
Open calculator →Sources: Borge et al. (2011), Litter size at birth in purebred dogs; Hollinshead & Hanlon (2017), via Functional Breeding. This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Read our veterinary disclaimer.