A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dogs. But just as every breed of dog differs by size, function, and personality, they also differ when it comes to litter size, according to AKC registration data. Big dogs tend to have larger litters while small dogs tend to have tinier litters, most obviously because size allows bigger dogs to have more puppies safely.
Here are the average litter sizes for the 10 most popular breeds in the United States:
Labrador Retriever Litter Size
Average: 7 puppies
In a typical litter, Labrador Retrievers can have 5 to 10 puppies, depending on size, age, health, diet, and genetic diversity. That said, a Labrador’s first litter is typically smaller than the average.
Largest known litter: 15 puppies
French Bulldog Litter Size
Average: 3 puppies
French Bulldogs will typically have 2 to 4 puppies in a litter. Most litters are delivered via section and any litter bigger than five is considered extremely rare.
Largest known litter: 7 puppies
German Shepherd Dog Litter Size
Average: 8 puppies
German Shepherd Dogs can have anywhere from 1 to 15 puppies in a normal litter. While the average is 8 puppies per litter, larger litters are often expected.
Largest known litter: 17
Golden Retriever Litter Size
Average: 8 puppies
A typical Golden Retriever litter can have anywhere from four to 12 puppies. It is typically for a female Golden Retriever’s first litter to be smaller than later litters.
Largest know litter: 17 puppies
Bulldog Litter Size
Average: 4 puppies
The range of puppies in Bulldog litters is a little easier to predict. Most Bulldog litters will be 3 or 4 puppies. Many Bulldogs will require veterinary assistance or a C-section, given that the puppies are often too large for the birth canal.
Largest known litter: 16 puppies
Poodle Litter Size
Average: 7 puppies
A Standard Poodle will have around 7 puppies on average while Miniature Poodles average 5 and Toy Poodles average 3.
Largest litter: 16 puppies
Beagle Litter Size
Average: 6 puppies
Typically, a Beagle will have anywhere from 1 to 10 puppies per litter. In Beagles, litter sizes tend to stay consistent in each mother. So if a Beagle has a large litter, her next litter will likely also be large and vice versa.
Largest known litter: 13 puppies
Rottweiler Litter Size
Average: 8 puppies
Rottweiler litters can average from 6 to 12 puppies, and larger litters are often expected. That said, it is totally normal for a first-time Rottweiler mother to have just two puppies.
Largest known litter: 18 puppies
German Shorthaired Pointer Litter Size
Average: 9 puppies
The average number of puppies in a German Shorthaired Pointer litter ranges from 8 to 12 puppies, but both smaller and larger litters are both expected.
Largest known litter: 15+ puppies
Dachshund Litter Size
Average: 5 puppies
Dachshunds usually have 1 to 6 puppies per litter, but can have more depending on the size of the dog.
Largest known litter: 8+ puppies
Largest Known Litter Size
The largest litter of puppies ever born is currently recorded at 24. In 2009, A Neapolitan Mastiff named Tia broke the Guinness world record by giving birth to 15 male puppies and 9 female puppies.