Do Male Dogs Know Their Puppies? (Explained)

It’s pretty much clear and general knowledge that female dogs can recognize their puppies. But, do male dogs know their puppies?

Most breeders always wonder whether male dogs actually know their puppies. Do they know when they’ve impregnated a female dog? And if so, are they able to trace and be part of the family? Do they feel sad when they are separated from their puppies?

For breeders who breed multiple female dogs with just one of two male dogs, it’s highly unlikely that the male dogs will be able to know each of the puppies. How about in a multi-dog house, where male and female dogs breed and sire puppies; are they able to recognize their puppies?

In this article, we will dive deep into whether male dogs know their puppies or not as well as whether male dogs actually have any fatherly instincts.

Let’s get straight to it.

Do Male Dogs Know Their Puppies?

For a multi-dog household, and especially those households with both male and female dogs; the male dog is able to recognize the additional family members. They are also able to recognize that the litter belongs to a specific female dog but it’s highly unlikely for them to be able to know that these are his puppies. For those that breed multiple female dogs with just one or two male dogs the chances of them recognizing their puppies is near to zero.

Male dogs can’t recognize their puppies. They get to breed so many female dogs and it’s not possible for them to know their puppies, however, it’s really difficult to completely conclude on this matter.

Adult male dogs are able to recognize puppies in general and therefore are able to treat these puppies with much more care and patience. However, there is no direct proof that male dogs can recognize their own puppies.

Their association to the new puppies is purely from a new playmate perspective and not anything related genetically or the fact that the male dog could be the father to the puppy.

But what does that really mean in terms of male dogs and their father instincts? Do they really have a paternal instinct?

Do Male Dogs Have Father Instincts?

Domesticated dogs don’t have any paternal instincts for their puppies. Father instincts in domesticated dogs are close to none. They don’t offer any sort of paternal instincts towards their puppies, in fact, they don’t even take part in raising their puppies. Everything, from taking good care of them to feeding them and training them is conducted by female dogs.

Male gray wolves, where all domesticated dogs descended from on the other hand have more generalized paternal instincts.

Male wolves will always protect their offspring as well as offer them important life skills as they grow. This includes important life skills such as hunting and playing.

When it comes to our male domesticated fur friends, they don’t have any fatherly instincts mostly influenced by us. We’ve influenced everything in dogs, from breeding, feeding as well as raising puppies. This has affected everything including parental roles in male dogs.

As male dogs no longer hold any paternal instincts they may end up hurting puppies. They may be rough, aggressive, or even accidentally harm innocent puppies. It’s recommended to wait until puppies are almost a month old before introducing them to their “daddy” so to speak.

Are Male Dogs Good Parents?

Dogs can be gentle and affectionate to us, human beings. They, however, don’t share the same level of effort in taking good care of their offspring. Raising puppies is entirely left as a female dog’s job. It’s due to this that most male dogs are not considered good parents to their puppies. They have been known to be aggressive to their puppies and could easily hurt them instead of taking good care of them.

But many will ask, why do they tend to play with their puppies? Doesn’t that make them good parents?

In this case, male dogs can be playful with puppies brought to them by their owners. This is often the case because they have been forced to coexist in the same space together by their human owners.

With that said, can male dogs be around puppies? Male dogs should be kept away from their puppies as much as possible, especially during the first 15 days after they are born. After that, they may start forming some sort of playfulness with the puppies and start forming some sort of bond.

But, what’s the expectation once they are introduced to their puppies?

What to Expect When A Male Dog is Introduced to His Puppies

Although really hard to make a prediction when this happens regardless of breed and character; the expectation is that this could range from aggression to affection. This will be different from dog to dog during their first meeting.

It’s very crucial to pay close attention when you plan to initiate the first interaction. You may not know the exact sort of reaction to expect, so playing it safe is your safest bet. You need to be alert and ready to protect the innocent puppies just in case of any negative reactions from the male dog.

You may end up witnessing anything from affection, indifference, jealousy to care. Trying to predict the exact reaction when introducing them to their litter will vary from breed to breed as well as the household setting.

Final Thoughts

Female dogs are able to take good care of their puppies. Male dogs on the other hand don’t necessarily have any paternal instincts. This means they don’t necessarily take any part in the raising of their puppies.

Male dogs are not able to recognize their puppies in any way. They, however, can be playful with their puppies and form special bonds but this has nothing to do with them knowing their puppies.

When planning to introduce puppies to their “daddy”, make sure to pay close attention during their first interaction.

What has been your experience with male dogs and their puppies? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.