What is the average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year?
• Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10 puppies • In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs. SOME ESTIMATES • Number of animals entering shelters each year: 6-8 million • Number of animals euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million • Number of animals adopted from shelters each year: 3-4 million • Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600,000 and 750,000 — 30% of dogs and 2-5% of cats entering shelters.
