When I watch new mama dogs with puppies, I’m struck by their instinctual tenderness while caring for their newborns.

Bliss, 9-weeks-old, taking her place in her family of hunting retrievers.

We recently brought home our newest puppy addition. This past weekend, I got to thinking of when she has pups. She’ll have to wait until she passes important health clearances and has proven herself as a hunting dog and family companion, so it’ll be at least two years before she becomes a mom.

I personally know many of the “Mamas” on her dam’s side.

I think Bliss will do them proud. I hope you enjoy this gallery of some of the mama retrievers in her lineage. Just click an image to open a larger view.