(UPI) – A British service dog charity said officials were shocked when a German shepherd gave birth to a litter of 16 puppies. The Guide Dogs National Center, near Leamington Spa, England, said the 16-puppy litter is about twice the average number for the breed.
The charity said the puppies, born to a German shepherd mother and a golden retriever father, will spend time in volunteer foster homes and will be trained as guide dogs.
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The Guide Dogs National Center said the litter is the largest seen in the 60-year history of the charity's breeding program.