Surprise Litter of 14 Puppies
Pet Sitters Deliver Surprise Litter of 14 Puppies
When Rhian Boxall agreed to look after her brother's Labrador, Tilly, she never expected to deliver a record-breaking litter while he was away on holiday.
An unexpected early arrival
Tilly, a three-year-old Labrador, was not even pregnant when Rhian and her family first offered to pet-sit. Months later, a scan revealed that Tilly was expecting around six puppies.
But in a dramatic twist, Tilly went into labour a week early while her owner, Meirion Thomas, was abroad with his family.
Over a 15-hour rollercoaster of emotions, Tilly gave birth to 14 puppies in three waves — two sadly did not survive, but 12 healthy pups were delivered.
A night of surprises
Rhian described the night as “non-stop and nerve-racking,” admitting she didn’t sleep for two days. The family even discovered one puppy outside in the garden after Tilly slipped out early in the morning.
Following advice from an emergency vet, Rhian warmed the chilled puppy using towels and gentle heat from a hairdryer, ultimately saving its life.
Rhian’s husband Steve and their two children also pitched in, ensuring each puppy was safe and cared for until the vet could check on them.
The owner’s reaction
Meirion, who had been assured by a vet that the earliest the pups would arrive was 3 September, was stunned to receive a call while still on holiday.
He rushed to collect Tilly and her litter immediately after flying back, grateful to his sister for stepping in during such a chaotic moment.
“I was shocked,” he admitted, “but incredibly thankful for Rhian’s help. It was frustrating being stuck miles away while all of this unfolded.”
Record-breaking litter?
While 14 puppies is remarkable, it's not the largest litter on record. According to Guinness World Records, a Neapolitan mastiff once delivered 24 puppies.
In 2014, a Labrador in Scotland reportedly gave birth to 15 puppies — making Tilly's achievement one of the largest documented for the breed.
FAQs
How common are large litters in Labradors?
Most Labrador litters range between 6–8 puppies. Litters of 10 or more are considered rare, making Tilly's 14 puppies exceptional.
What should you do if a dog goes into labour unexpectedly?
Contact a vet immediately for guidance. Keep the area warm and quiet, prepare clean towels, and ensure each puppy is breathing properly. Never pull puppies unless instructed by a vet.
When can puppies leave their mother?
Puppies should remain with their mother for at least 8 weeks to ensure proper health, socialisation, and early development.
This remarkable story shows the unpredictability of pet care — and the incredible love and quick thinking that families bring to even the most surprising situations.
