However, it's important to note that this is just an average. The actual number of puppies in a litter can vary significantly depending on factors like:
* Age of the mother dog: Younger dogs tend to have larger litters.
* Breed size: Larger dogs generally have larger litters.
* Overall health: A healthy mother dog is more likely to have a larger litter.
* Previous litters: Dogs who have had larger litters in the past may continue to have larger litters.
It's also worth mentioning that breeders often aim to control litter sizes through selective breeding and responsible practices. This is done to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother dog and the puppies.