A LITTER of eight adorable puppies took their owners a little by surprise when they discovered they were all girls.

Yellow labrador Penny Lane gave birth to the litter last week on time and as planned.

But her owners Bill and Helen Lane said despite being warned the pups could be all black, they were shocked to discover they were also all girls.

Penny’s mate, Wesley, is a chocolate brown Labrador, and Bill and Helen say they were warned the cute pups could be all black as it is the dominant gene.

But to their surprise, as well as being all the same colour, all the pups are also girls.

Bill of Bloxworth Road, Poole, said: “The breeder said that this is the first time it has happened with them.

“And when we contacted the vets, they were very surprised that they are completely the same.

“We were wondering what the odds of it happening were – it’s pretty unusual that’s for sure.”

He added: “In her first litter, Penny’s six pups were all different. This is her second and final litter now though.

“We’ve kept in touch with all the owners who took the puppies last time and they all live locally.

“It would be great to have the same with this litter.”

The couple have ruled out keeping one of the puppies for themselves, although they say they were tempted.

Still unable to stand or open their eyes, the squeaking pups spend their day feeding, sleeping or being cleaned by their dutiful mum.

“They just squirm around at the moment as they can’t see, all they can do is smell and feed. It’s very sweet”, Mr Lane added.