Dog gives birth to record litter of 17 puppies in Blean
BBC World
February 27, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A two-year-old Irish Setter named Marigold has made history by giving birth to a record-breaking litter of 17 puppies in Blean, near Canterbury, Kent. This impressive feat surpasses the previous UK record for crossbred dogs and highlights the resilience of both Marigold and her owners, Miranda Pellecchia and her family. The puppies, affectionately named "Irish Doodles" due to their poodle-Irish Setter mix, are all healthy and thriving, with even the smallest puppy in the litter doing well.
The delivery process was grueling, taking over 12 hours, and left Marigold exhausted but remarkably resilient. Miranda shared her disbelief at witnessing such a continuous stream of puppies, noting that she initially feared it would never end. Despite the challenges, Marigold has recovered well, though she remains slightly tired from caring for her large litter. The puppies are now eight weeks old and have been named individually, with plans to vaccinate and microchip them before finding them new homes.
While this is a significant achievement for crossbreeds, it’s worth noting that the world record for the largest litter belongs to a Neapolitan mastiff named Tia, who gave birth to 24 puppies in 2004. Additionally, an Irish Setter from Hampshire named Amelia previously held the UK record with 16 pups in 2019. Marigold’s story not only showcases the capabilities of Irish Setters but also underscores the dedication and hard work of dog owners.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/27/2026