I saw 3 definite puppies.
However, before we all begin to panic, I will have to say that:
1. Ultrasound, even with the most state of the art equipment and the best repro vets is only accurate in determining pregnancy, NOT in determining numbers of fetuses.
2. I would have to describe the equipment at my vet's office "retro" at best and did not produce a great picture - very small and hard to see. A tech did the ultrasound, not a vet. It cost $30 (not $200, like it should!)
3. A breeder friend of mine who uses the same clinic says that every time she's had a bitch ultrasounded, she has had double the number of puppies.
4. Ultrasounds are best done at about 21-25 days. After that it is difficult to see all the sacs. Tap is at day 36.
The good news is:
1. The puppies that we did see on the screen were all but doing backflips! They were so energetic that it looked like a 3 ring circus on the screen.
2. Tap's full sister, Creekside Cait will be whelping a week before Tap. Cait was bred to a very nice dog with some overlap with Chip's pedigree, as well as some other great sheepdogs. Cait is very similar to Tap in temperament and working style. IF there are not enough puppies in Tap to go around, then this is a very similar, super litter as well. You can check out this litter on the puppy page of my website, under "outside breedings".
I am confident there are more than 3 !
