In a world with limited mermaids and talking animals, this might be the closest we ever get to a real-life Disney movie. In true 101 Dalmatians fashion, a dog in Australia has given birth to 19 puppies, a world record for the breed and doggy mommy, Melody.
Watch the 19 adorable puppies in action:The world's largest Dalmatian litter consists of 10 males and nine females. In honour of 101 Dalmatians, the breeder Melissa O'Brien is naming all the puppies after Disney characters. It seems only right. In the mix are Pumbaa and Belle. Might I suggest "doorknob" after the talking one in Alice in Wonderland? Melissa, call me. I have ideas.
Though Melissa knew the litter was going to be large, she had no idea just how large. Melody gained 15 kilograms during her pregnancy, which is around the average weight a human female gains when pregnant.
Melody's almost two dozen puppies is more than double the average Dalmatian litter size. Because of this, the mom was given a C-section and had eight people (in addition to Melissa) help with the birth.
9 News Queensland reported the world record, and posted a video featuring the newborns on their Facebook page:
Dalmatians are born white, without their well-known spots, and develop them with age just like a fine wine. Their defining marks typically start showing a week after birth.
As of Monday, six of the puppies have yet to have been sold. They are now six weeks old and ready for loving families.
As for Melody, the mother will be taking a well-deserved break. Melissa says that, because of its unusual size, this is the first and last litter for the dog. Well Melody, you did good. Now rest up, mom.
