AT NINE puppies staff at Stokenchurch Dog Rescue thought boxer cross Nina had finished giving birth but two hours later a tenth pup was welcomed into the world.
Nina came into the centre pregnant on January 10 from the Oxford Pound and the vet confirmed she was pregnant.
But no-one expected such a large litter and all ten puppies are now doing well at six weeks old.
Wife of the centre's manager, Jackie Durrant, was there at the birth which started at 10.30pm and didn't finish until 4am.
She said: "I work with a lot of dogs. Each one is really special. It is lovely to see them being born and all survive.
"We were quite surprised she had 10. It is quite a big litter."
Jackie said there is one small puppy but she is doing really well and makes sure she pushes herself in to get to the food.
She added: "Nina has been a brilliant mum- she has the most loving temperament. She is so gentle with them."
The puppies will be available for rehoming at eight weeks old.
Assistant manager Nicola Dillon said the minimum leaving hours for a puppy is one hour, and the new owner really needs to be someone who is at home most of the day.
She said the owner will need to take puppies to training classes for good socialisation as they are a large breed puppy.
Nina will also be looking for a new home once the centre are sure she has recovered from the birth.
If you are interested in rehoming a dog, volunteering or donating to the centre call 01494 482695 or go to www.stokenchurchdogrescue.co.uk
