The world watched in amazement as a Dalmatian mother defied all expectations by giving birth to a remarkable 18 puppies—a number twice the size of the typical litter for a first-time mother dog. In April of the previous year, Nellie, a three-year-old pup, embarked on a grueling 14-hour labor.

Louise Clement, a dedicated breeder from Preston in Lancashire, England, was there to assist with the delivery and was astonished when Nellie brought 10 male and eight female puppies into the world. The sight of this abundance of adorable furballs together is truly a marvel.

According to The Independent, Clement explained that Nellie experienced a successful natural childbirth, but the puppies just kept coming. Even after she thought Nellie had finished with the 15th puppy, two more were delivered shortly after.

As a former nurse, Clement was present for each birth and diligently weighed and distinguished each puppy with a colored collar. She expressed immense pride in her beloved canine mother and described Nellie as “lovely.”

Clement, a 46-year-old dog breeder with over three decades of experience, has been raising Dalmatians for generations. She currently shares her home with 27 dogs, and she’s not concerned about space, as there’s plenty of room and toys for them to enjoy.

Clement even mentioned that a few of her furry companions occasionally join her in bed. She plans to keep one of Nellie’s new puppies to add to her existing pack, while the others will find loving homes with new owners once they’re old enough to leave their mother.

Dalmatians have a rich history as “coach dogs” and were initially bred to accompany noblemen, travelers, and firefighters. The American Kennel Club characterizes them as affectionate, protective, and known for their distinctive, recognizable coat.

Reports from Metro highlight that while Nellie’s litter of 18 puppies is undoubtedly impressive, it’s worth noting that in 2019, a Dalmatian named Melody from Albury, Australia, set a world record for the breed by giving birth to 19 puppies in a single litter.

Melody’s breeder, Melissa O’Brien, shared with The Canberra Times that during her pregnancy, the mother gained approximately 33 pounds and required a cesarean section with the assistance of eight medical professionals.

Although O’Brien mentioned that sizeable litters are somewhat common in her line of work, Melody’s 19 puppies were the largest she had ever seen. O’Brien and her family affectionately named all the puppies after Disney movie characters to keep track of them and praised their calm and resilient temperaments.