How many of these facts do you know about Dog Mums and their pups?
1. How long is a dog’s pregnancy compared to a human’s 9 months?
Answer: A dog’s gestation period is much shorter—around 65 days on average. That’s just over two months from conception to delivery! It means pups grow and develop incredibly quickly before birth.
2. How many times a year can a dog become pregnant?
Answer: Most female dogs go into heat (or estrus) about twice a year, which is the only time they can become pregnant. These heat cycles usually occur every six months, although this can vary depending on the breed and age.
3. When puppies are born, which sense do they use first?
Answer: Touch is the first sense newborn puppies use. They are born with their eyes and ears closed and without a sense of smell. That’s why physical closeness with their mum and littermates is essential for warmth, comfort, and bonding in those early days.
4. True or False: A dog can start nursing her pups while still giving birth.
Answer: True! Some mother dogs begin nursing their firstborn pups even while they are still in labour with the rest of the litter. Their maternal instincts kick in fast—caring and feeding begins almost instantly.
5. What’s the largest number of puppies ever born in one litter?
Answer: The largest recorded litter was 24 puppies, born to a Neapolitan Mastiff in the UK in 2005. While litter sizes vary by breed, age, and health, large breeds can commonly have 8–12 puppies per litter.

6. In their first week, how do puppies split their time?
A) 50% sleep / 50% eat
B) 90% sleep / 10% eat
C) 70% sleep / 30% play
Answer: B) 90% sleep and 10% eat. Newborn puppies are essentially little sleeping machines. They spend almost all their time resting and feeding to support their rapid growth and brain development.
7. What unusual behaviour might a dog mum show 24 hours before giving birth?
Answer: Many pregnant dogs become restless and may start shredding blankets, paper, or bedding about a day before labour begins. This may be an instinctive nesting behaviour, or simply a response to discomfort or anxiety as birth approaches.
8. Can dogs experience postnatal depression?
Answer: Yes, some mother dogs can suffer from postnatal depression. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, or ignoring their puppies. It’s important for pet parents and breeders to monitor a new mum closely and seek veterinary advice if her behaviour seems unusual or concerning.
9. At what age do puppies start eating solid food?
Answer: Puppies begin to transition from milk to solid food at around 3 to 4 weeks of age. By the time they reach 7 or 8 weeks, they’re usually fully weaned and eating a solid diet—ready for their next stage of growth.
10. How long does a mum dog actively guide and protect her puppies?
Answer: For the first 16 weeks of their life, a mother dog provides vital care, teaching, and protection. After that, she naturally begins to step back—encouraging independence so her pups can begin learning to navigate the world on their own.

(We get it, Mumma, we get it..)
So, how many facts did you get right?!
Bonus yes/no question… Did you know a dog’s pregnancy length is dependent on their breed? Find out more here >
Looking for more facts about puppies? Continue to be fascinated with these 10 facts specifically about puppies >
Are you a Dog Mum yourself, and need a break?
If you have a dog mum or pup at home who needs some attention, or even a full grown doggo who just deserves some extra attention, book a Mad Paws sitter now for a weekend, dog walk or even for a house visit to give them some belly rubs while you’re out.
1 comment
Very interesting.