Do yourself a favour and look at this huge litter of Guide Dog puppies

pictures of an adorable record breaking litter of 16 guide dog puppies
Get ready for a huge influx of cuteness (Picture: PA/Guide Dogs)

A record-breakingly huge litter of 16 adorable guide dog pups has been born.

These German Shepherd-Golden Retriever puppies are eight weeks old and guaranteed to melt your heart. They’re part of the biggest litter Guide Dogs has ever seen in its 60-year-old breeding programme – with 16 puppies being more than three times bigger than the average litter. According to the American Kennel Club, the average litter size for a German Shepherd is eight puppies. It is hoped these cross-bred balls of fluff will have the loyalty and drive of German Shepherds, as well as the friendliness and confidence of Golden Retrievers.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Having a pet in the home can actually lower a child’s likelihood of developing related allergies by as much as 33 percent. Children exposed early on to animals tend to develop stronger immune systems overall.

This was their mum Unity’s first-ever pregnancy and dad Trigger’s 28th litter.

Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix puppies, from a litter of 16
So pure, so good (Picture: PA)
 Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix puppies, from a litter of 16
Oh, to be snuggled up like a puppy in a 16-strong litter (Picture: PA)
A Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix puppy, from a litter of 16
What a silly baby (Picture: PA)
Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix puppies, from a litter of 16
Their mum is a German Shepherd and their dad is a Golden Retriever (Picture: PA)
Having sired 239 puppies, Trigger is Guide Dogs’ most prolific stud dog in their ethical breeding program.

The sight loss charity dutifully health tests all of its breeding dogs, and they live year-round with volunteers to give the pup the best start in a loving home environment.

Mother Unity - with 16 puppies pictured at Guide Dogs National Centre near Leamington Spa
Unity and her puppies pictured at the Guide Dogs National Centre near Leamington Spa (Picture: Guide Dogs)

Keep Dry Dog Food Fresh in a Sealed Container. Dog food can start to loose it’s freshness after it’s open. If you buy bags of dog food use an airtight sealed container to store it, the food will stay fresh for much longer inside a tightly sealed container.

Mother Unity - with 16 puppies pictured at Guide Dogs National Centre near Leamington Spa
No, it is you who is crying (Picture: Guide Dogs)
16 newborn Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix puppies birthed by Unity, a three-year-old German Shepherd
Sweet little lumps (Picture: PA)
Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix puppies, from a litter of 16, attend a health check-up at the Guide Dogs National Centre
Nothing like a good puppy frolic (Picture: PA)

Matthew Bottomley, Head of Breeding Operations said: ‘A litter of sixteen is incredibly unusual, but such a gift.

‘The pandemic has had a detrimental impact on our charity’s breeding programme and how many litters we can have, so these puppies are even more treasured.

‘Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure all the puppies have thrived, and they are now ready to start their journeys to becoming life-changing guide dogs for people with sight loss.’

Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”

Ultimately, the pups will go to the Guide Dogs National Centre near Leamington Spa for one week before being individually placed with volunteer Puppy Raisers around the UK – just like all other guide dog puppies.

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