When Golden Retriever Mix Gave Birth To A Rare Litter Of “Cow” Puppies, This Family Was Stumped
Two devoted dog-loving foster parents welcomed Rosie, a pregnant golden retriever mix, into their home, anticipating a cozy litter of golden puppies. But when the little ones arrived, their colors were anything but what anyone expected—none bore Rosie's classic golden hue!
This unexpected surprise quickly caught the public’s attention, sparking curiosity and heartfelt sharing online. What genetic twists led to such a unique litter? And how did these distinctive pups grow up? Let’s explore the heartwarming journey of Rosie and her remarkable puppies.
Meet Rosie, The Cute And Confused Mama
Rosie, a golden retriever mix, was sadly abandoned when her previous owners dropped her off at a shelter just days before her expected delivery. The shelter manager grew worried she might give birth without proper care and support.
While shelters have made progress in cutting down euthanasia rates, overcrowding and limited resources still pose serious challenges—especially for vulnerable moms like Rosie. She desperately needed compassionate foster parents to offer the love and care crucial for her and her soon-to-arrive puppies.
The Rescuers Swoop In
The shelter manager contacted Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, a passionate group based in Raleigh, North Carolina, devoted to finding forever homes for dogs in need. Recognizing the urgency, the rescue team acted swiftly to ensure Rosie was settled and safe before her labor began.
Neuse River focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating golden retrievers, relying on volunteers who foster dogs until they're ready for adoption. Fortunately for Rosie, the rescue had just the right foster family lined up—ready and willing to provide the loving care and support she so desperately needed.
Help Is On The Way
Bright and early the next day, a Neuse River volunteer arrived at the shelter to bring Rosie home. It was obvious she was on the brink of labor, and there was some worry she might deliver the puppies during the ride to the Raleigh Vet Clinic.
After a thorough checkup at the clinic, the vets confirmed Rosie was healthy, easing everyone's concerns. With that hurdle cleared, the rescue team now had a new mission: locating a foster family prepared to support Rosie through her delivery and help her transition into motherhood with her precious new pups.
John And Katie Black To The Rescue
Katie and John Black, experienced foster parents since 2009, had welcomed over 20 dogs into their home over the years, alongside their own three—Annie, Leroy, and Winchester. The Neuse River volunteer knew their deep experience made them the ideal choice to care for Rosie and her upcoming litter.
Having a strong relationship with Neuse River Rescue, the Blacks were ready and excited to give Rosie the warm, supportive environment she needed. On October 28, 2017—only five days after Rosie's shelter arrival—they brought her into their caring home.
Rosie Adjusted Well
Just five days after Rosie's arrival at the shelter, the Blacks warmly welcomed her into their home. Sharing the news on Instagram, they wrote, "Meet our new foster Rosie, very pregnant and almost ready to have her puppies."
Although Rosie was shy and nervous at first, her sweet nature soon became clear. When the big day arrived, Katie and John stood by her side, helping her through a smooth delivery of four healthy puppies—plus an unexpected surprise that would soon capture hearts online.
Rosie Gives Birth
John and Kate helped Rosie deliver her pups. Although it had its difficulties, both mother and puppies can out fine. All the puppies were the right size and weight for her breed...or what everyone assumed was Rosie's breed.
The couple expected a large litter since Rosie appeared so big. Although average litters consist of five or six puppies, Rosie only gave birth to four. But that wasn't the only surprise that hit the Blacks.
"Not Quite The Puppy Pile We Were Expecting."
"Our foster dog and Golden mix gave birth yesterday," Katie said. "To baby cows." The four pups looked nothing like their mother, and all had black spots. Although no one knows what breed the father was, he clearly wasn't a Golden retriever.
The Blacks named the newborn pups Daisy, Clarabelle, Betsy, and Moo. The family photos not only received jokes online but also from the Blacks' family. "My dad laughed for quite a while at the photos," Katie told the Press Association in November 2017.
Cow Puppies' Father Could Be...
Several dog breeds have white fur with black spots, so it's hard to determine which breed the father was. Like Rosie, he could have been a mix. But that doesn't stop internet users from speculating on which breed Rosie mated with.
Theories vary from a dalmatian, English setter, bluetick coonhound, and wetterhoun. However, only dalmatians have a true "spot" design. Every other fur pattern is "ticking," which are small, isolated areas of tiny dots. So dalmatian is a likely choice.
Rosie's Litter
Katie said that her dad loved the mismatch so much that he recommended posting it online. He joked that the pictures would go viral, and Katie agreed to add photos to Reddit. Father Black was right--the new mom took the internet by storm.
In the picture, Rosie appears just as confused as the Reddit users. The image received over 90,000 upvotes and 1,600 comments asking about the new family. This attention skyrocketed when the Blacks posted on Instagram.
They Look Like Their Dad!
According to the Nest, puppies inherit certain traits depending on which genes the parents carry. Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute claims that "Dominant genes always outranks recessive ones," which determines a dog's appearance.
It's safe to say that Rosie passed on recessive genes, and the father offered dominant genes. By chance, all of her puppies took on the physical traits of the father. The explanation makes the pair no less amusing, though.
The Internet Got A Kick Out Of It
Redditors flocked over the spotted puppies and visibly astonished Golden Retriever mom. Users attempted to translate Rosie's expression as best they could. "I believe there's been a mixpup here," one user quipped.
Other users claimed that she appeared like she was mentally defending her pups. According to one user, Rosie's face said, "so what?!?! is that really such a big deal? are you sooo closed minded? really Karen?"
Kate Has To Defend Herself
Alongside the positive attention, some users were concerned that Kate and John had intentionally bred two foster rescues. Kate clarified that they had received Rosie already pregnant. "We weren't going to abort her puppies," she commented. "She will be spayed immediately when she can be."
Since John and Kate already owned three rescue dogs, they intended to adopt Rosie as soon as she and her litter recovered. They wouldn't have to wait long, but it did take some work.
But Rosie Wasn't Doing So Well
Although the birth was successful, Rosie suffered some ill health. After the delivery, the Blacks realized that Rosie had an infection. They took her to the vet, who administered antibiotics for several weeks.
Rosie likely suffered from a bacterial infection in the uterus called Metritis, which happens after a rough birth. The symptoms could cause Rosie to reduce milk production and not be able to care for her puppies. Fortunately, she had Kate and John.
Kate And John Help Rosie Heal
While Rosie was recovering, the Blacks helped her by bottle feeding the pups. They were truly in love with each puppy, especially when they held them in their hands. Although they knew they couldn't keep them, John and Kate cared for the pups as if they were their own.
Fortunately, Rosie healed in time. She eventually fed her puppies herself, and returned to being a happy, healthy mama. Her puppies also grew up with few complications.
Rosie Became A Good Mama
While social media users all pondered the strange relation, Rosie didn't seem to mind one bit. She remained protective over her pups and cuddled beside them for weeks. Moo, Betsy, Daisy, and Clarabelle all grew up healthy.
"She is one proud mama," explained Kate. According to Instagram, Rosie would go wherever her pups were. When Kate moved the puppies to clean sheets in a laundry basket, Rosie hopped in after them.
As It Turns Out, This Isn't Uncommon
Pets4Homes authors reveal that puppies appearing different from their parents or littermates happens commonly among dogs, especially concerning mixed breeds. "When it comes to non-pedigree dogs...there is a lot more scope for variance, to the point that color and other manifestations of physical appearance can be quite variable within the same litter."
What fascinates onlookers is that all of Rosie's pups look like cows, and none of them even looked like dogs at first. As they grew up, they fit their form as dogs.
The Pups Are In Good Paws
Kate and John not only took great care of the puppies, but they kept the family's biggest fans in the loop. They updated their Instagram page consistently to let everyone follow the cow puppies' growth.
The puppies always hung around Rosie, often sleeping on her paws. The Blacks shared that Clarabelle showed her true colors early, being the loudest of the pups. As the mini-cows grew, their personalities shone through.
The Cows Grew Bigger In A Couple Of Weeks
By early December 2017, the pups celebrated their birthday of only a couple of weeks. Even by then, they developed individual personalities. On December 6th, Kate updated Instagram on the cow puppies.
"Daisy is a sweetheart, but a little anxious/shy/hesitant/fearful. Clarabelle is a hilarious, fearless spitfire. Moo is a snuggly baby that likes to be held, and cries when he wants attention. [Betsy is] the sweetest and most gentle puppy, I want to keep her!"
The Pups Part Ways
By the first week of January 2018, two different families adopted Betsy and Clarabelle. Although the Blacks felt sad to see them go, they ensured that each cow pup would receive the love and attention they deserved.
Daisy also got adopted, and her new family renamed her to Lily. Later, Moo gained a new home and a new name, Barkley. Moo, along with his new siblings Max, Mo, and Abby, all have their own Instagram account.
Rosie Must Say Goodbye To Her Pups
Rosie also entered a forever home. Although John and Kate will be sad to see Rosie leave, she will join a new family who won't abandon her. Everyone knows that this will be better for her in the long run.
Once Rosie was well enough, John and Kate had her spayed. She can no longer have puppies, and may not see them again. But all dogs will be sent to a loving home.
