Test Tube Puppies

After decades of research, the first litter of puppies conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) have been successfully born, a breakthrough that spells hope for endangered dog species and the prevention of genetic dog diseases.
Pets Team 11 December 2015


(Image credit: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine)

Researchers from Cornell University and Smithsonian Institution in the U.S. announced on Wednesday that for the first time in history, they have successfully delivered a litter of seven healthy puppies conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The litter of puppies have different mothers and fathers of various breeds—two have a Beagle mother and a Cocker Spaniel father, while the remaining five have parents from two different beagle pairs.

IVF is a process whereby eggs are fertilised with sperm outside the body (in a “test tube”, as it’s more commonly known), after which the resulting embryos are implanted into a female to gestate. Since the 1970s, IVF has been used to aid in human birth. Scientists have constantly tried to reproduce the same results in canines but to no avail. They were unsuccessful for close to 40 years, largely due to how different a canine’s reproductive cycle is in comparison to other mammals. Female dogs only ovulate once or twice a year, making it challenging for the researchers to find an optimal stage for fertilisation; preparing the sperm in the lab for insemination was also an uphill task.

However, once the scientists overcame these obstacles, the 19 embryos were transferred to a host female dog that successfully gave birth on 10 July 2015, making this litter of puppies one that has made scientific and animal history.


(Image credit: Reuters)

Not only did this breakthrough give the world seven more adorable puppies, it offers immense potential for rare species of dogs. According to Alex Travis, a specialist in reproductive biology at Cornell University, IVF can pave the way in preventing the extinction of endangered breeds, particularly in cases of canine infertility. In addition, the procedure also allows scientists to study gene editing, potentially preventing genetic diseases from happening. Such a development has important implications for not just veterinary medicine, but the human world as well.

In the meantime, for these seven puppies named Ivy, Cannon, Beaker, Buddy, Nelly, Red, and Green, life goes on despite being under intensive media scrutiny right now. Since they were born, all but one has been adopted, and they will all go on to lead happy lives. Watch them play in a field here: