What Is A Group Of Puppies Called? [In Fact, There’s Two]

Is there anything cuter than a group of puppies? Perhaps a group of kittens maybe. Nevertheless, how can you refer to this collection of fluffballs? What is the proper terminology to use? Here is what you will want to know.

So, what is a group of puppies called? A group of puppies that come together is commonly referred to as a pack. Although a group of puppies born to one bitch at the same time is often called a litter.

I’ve even seen them referred to as a ‘cuddle’ or a ‘scramble’ of puppies’.

But these are not commonly used; just that they would theoretically work.

Why?

Because most groups of animals are referenced in regards to what they do or some other unifying feature.

Take mischief of rats, for instance.

It’s also why you may see or hear of groups of specific breeds going by different names.

Grumble of pugs anyone?

Nevertheless, what you need to know is that puppies and dogs go through two distinctive phases.

One in where they are together with fellow pups, and one when they come together later in life.

For litters, there can be quite a few in the group.

Besides, the average number of puppies in a litter is between 5-6.

Although it is not uncommon for a litter to consist of 8-12 depending on the breed!

But after they have been separated, and are dropped off at their new home, any coming together with another dog (or more) has a somewhat different name.

A pack.

Just like a pack of wolves.

And just like you hear with adult dogs too.

What Is The Biggest Puppy Of The Litter Called?

There is no specific word, or term, used to describe the biggest puppy of the litter.

Although they are often described with similar terms and terminology due to how they behave.

Dominant, assertive; these are just some of the more commonly used terms here.

On the flip side, you’ll also here submissive for those puppies who bear the brunt of this social hierarchy.

Just consider this.

Dominance is not static. Its fluid and can change.

Thus a dog can be dominant in one setting, submissive in another.

There is not a dog that is ‘dominant’ or ‘submissive’ in nature. It depends on the group and the context.

Other Dog And Puppy Terms To Be Familiar With

There are other important terms often used to refer to puppies – here they are:

Term	Meaning
Alpha	Those at the top of the social hierarchy. Often the more abled, stronger, assertive, confident dog of a pack.
Pack	Group of dogs
Cowardice	An alternative name for a group of dogs
Runt	Smallest or weakest puppy in a litter. This is often the puppy that is chosen last by new owners or is cast aside from the rest of the puppies in the group.
Pup	Short for puppy
Bitch	Female dog
Stud	Male dog
Sire	Male parental dog of a litter
Breed	A specific line of a dog with a distinctive appearance and nature often bred deliberately by two parental dogs of the same disposition.
Characteristics	Includes the appearance, disposition, and temperament of a breed.
Temperament	Nature and general behavior of a dog
Gait	The pattern of footsteps, or walking style

Finally

Puppies are born into the world in groups.

But they are often soon separated (around the age of 8 weeks) when they enter the care of their new owners.

Up to then, they are a litter.

Afterward, whenever they join up with other dogs, they become a pack.

Unless, of course they meet up with their former litter mates.

In such an instance, you could theoretically still refer to them as a litter.

An interesting distinction nonetheless.

And are you wondering what groups of other animals are called? If so, my guides below may be of interest: