Labrador

How many Puppies Can a Labrador Have

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: September 12, 2024
How many Puppies Can a Labrador Have

Labradors are one of the most popular dog in the world and tops the list of the most intelligent breeds. If you have a pet Labrador, you'll know how friendly and obedient they are, as well as simply adorable.

It is understandable that you'd like to breed your dog and pass on these positive traits. One important factor to consider, if you choose to do this, is the number of puppies your dog will have. Even if you don't intend to keep all the puppies, they will have to stay with their mother for at least two months; therefore, you should make sure they have ample space and have everything they need to grow and thrive. Are you wondering how many puppies can a Labrador have? We'll answer on OneHowTo.com

You may also be interested in: How Many Puppies Can a Chihuahua Have?
Contents
  1. What you should know before breeding your dog
  2. How many puppies do Labradors normally have?
  3. Aspects that influence the number of puppies

What you should know before breeding your dog

If you want to breed your dog, it is important that you consider every little detail properly. Bear in mind the space, patience and financial resources needed. As outlined above, they must stay with their mum for the first two months of their lives.

Puppies are hard work and you must be aware of this before getting carried away with the idea of breeding your dog. Do not forget that you are responsible for these animals. Take care of them well and make sure you find them a good home if you decide not to keep them. You need to put a lot of thought into this before going ahead with the idea. If you're planning on breeding your dog, or if your dog is already pregnant, you must have wondered how many puppies a Labrador can have and how many dogs you'll have to take care of. Keep reading to find out.

How many Puppies Can a Labrador Have - What you should know before breeding your dog

How many puppies do Labradors normally have?

On average, Labradors usually have between 6 and 10 puppies given that they are a large breed. Of course, this is only an approximation because there are many factors that can influence the number of pups a dog might give birth to. In some rare cases the dog can have up to 14 puppies.

A Labrador's gestation period lasts between 58 and 64 days. The more puppies the dog will have, the sooner they will give birth given the shortage of food and space in the womb. In principle, it is not necessary to take the dog to the vet for the birth, but the home should be prepared so that it is warm, comfortable and provides the animal with some privacy to give birth and care for their young during the first hours.

You will know that the birth is drawing near when your dog stops eating or drinking water; when it begins to gasp and wheeze; when it has a hard abdomen; and, when it shakes or cries. The birth normally takes place around a day after these onset of these symptoms. As soon as the puppies are born, you should take into account certain factors with regards to caring for them properly. We recommend reading our article on how to care for a newborn dog for some advice.

How many Puppies Can a Labrador Have - How many puppies do Labradors normally have?

Aspects that influence the number of puppies

An average litter contains 6 to 10 puppies; however, many factors can influence the size of the litter, which can contain less or more. The first thing to be aware of is the fact that the size of the litter can vary for the same bitch. This will depend on:

  • Genetics and the size of the animal - factors which affect the number of eggs released in the womb.
  • Age - after the bitch has been in heat four times, the size of the litter tends to increase.
  • Your dog's diet and nutrition, as well as its general health and well-being.
  • When your dog is bred. If your dog is mounted during the two most fertile days, there is a greater chance of a larger litter. On the other hand, if it is done one or two days before her most fertile days, although the male dog's sperm can survive in the female's body for up to 48 hours, less eggs are likely to be fertilized, meaning less puppies are born.
How many Puppies Can a Labrador Have - Aspects that influence the number of puppies

If you want to read similar articles to How many Puppies Can a Labrador Have, we recommend you visit our Pets category.

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2 comments
Kathkiel
my lab gave birth to only 1 puppy today. will she gave birth to more puppies? I'm worried that she is stress and cant gave birth easily?
OneHowTo Editor
It is possible for a dog to give birth to only one puppy. However, it is possible there is an obstruction or some other complication. It is important to get the advice of a veterinarian if you are unsure as the mother and puppy's health can potentially be at risk.
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prathamesh Patil
my lab has given birth to 15 puppies till now out of 4 r dead ...will she give birth to more puppies nd max how many puppies do a laborador gives birth to??
OneHowTo Editor
She has already had more puppies than average, so we don't think she could have any more. However, we recommend you take her to a vet to make sure she is fine.
Hope this helps
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How many Puppies Can a Labrador Have