Babies

No, nothing does. 

Is this the same pup you've expressed concern about a shy temperament in and who is only 9 weeks old? I hope you'll be waiting a few years before considering her reproductive details.

And the number of nipples has nothing to do with litter size

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/U/UNP-0052/

A surge in the luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland triggers ovulation, which occurs 1 to 3 days after LH levels peak in the bit*ch's bloodstream.  All mature ovarian follicles rupture and release their eggs into the oviducts within 24 to 48 hours. Generally, larger dog breeds ovulate more eggs than smaller breeds.  Released eggs undergo maturation in 2 to 3 days and remain viable for a period of 12 to 72 hours.

If a mature egg

• is fertilized,
• implants in the uterus,
• has access to sufficient blood flow, and
• has no fatal genetic abnormalities,

it stands a good chance of producing a puppy.  However, the pup may/may not survive whelping.  It may/may not survive through weaning.

The best one can do in predicting the number of pups that will be in a litter is to look at

• the average litter size for the breed and
• the litter sizes previously produced by the bit*ch.

The average litter size for a breed could be 8 with some litters being 1 and others being 12.

Do you plan on breeding your baby? 

To the poster, if you want a raise a litter of puppies foster a pregnant momma dog from your local shelter.

"how many" is a riddle every breeder since the dawn of time has wondered -- it's a good question (and logical) to tie the number of teats with litter size, but it really has no significance at all.

Someone above gave you a superb idea -- if you call your local PetSmart or PetCo and ask them "what are some good no-kill rescues around here?" usually they'll tell you.

Then call the group, and simply tell them you're a new dog owner and you just have some questions, but you'd really like to see/experience someone fostering a litter of puppies.  If you are willing to **Help** you'll probably find someone more than willing to let you.  A litter of puppies is a huge job -- if the mother dog didn't make it, or if the litter was just ditched the rescuer may be dealing with having to bottle feed, and a lot of such things and they might truly welcome not only your help but your questions.

There is nothing cuter than a new litter of pups, but it's also a really good reality check to see not only how much work it is, but the effects on the mother dog (it's not easy on them ... and some dogs are forever changed by the experience, and not always for the better). 

In fact, if you search online you may find a rescue group relatively near you who does *your* breed and you might be able to get some really good guidance from them.

 I agree.  Even just go to a shelter and help out for a while.  Maybe they will have a bitch in whelp that you can watch, or even assist with.  Then you can also be a part of the adoption process and see the effects on the momma.  Its a great way to help out, and if you have a volunteer program with your high school, it could be a good way to bank hours and get some great experience.

  I have never bred any of my dogs for many reasons so I am not a font of experience but.... my vet is also a personal friend and I hear all the horror stories.  I also know that thousands of litters are born daily with no problems of any kind.  What I know from my friend is how many times people are so happy and excited about the upcoming puppies only to have disaster strike.  It is so heartbreaking and EXPENSIVE!  Any decent dog breeder will tell you that trying to breed to make money is a very risky venture.  This is why puppy mills breed so many litters. I'm NOT trying to imply that that is why you are asking about the number of puppies in relation to nipples.  I think it's an intelligent question.

I commend you for asking questions and building your knowledge of dogs.  Good luck with your puppy.  I don't remember if you have posted any pictures.  We would love to see your puppy if you haven't already put them up here.

Some of you are asking if I am attempting to breed my puppy. I laughed at this, of course not. I am just wondering out of plain curiosity. Thank you all for your answers.