MIA the rare Spinoni hunting dog is finding it hard to stretch her puppy love to all 16 of her new arrivals.

Just two months ago, the pedigree pooch's owner, Suzanne Whittingham, took her on a 3,000-mile round trip to Rimini to find her a suitable mate.

The result of the Italian liaison has, however, shocked everyone after Mia delivered a whopping 17 puppies, only one of which did not survive.

The massive brood was brought into the world by vet Jacqui Molyneux, who owns the Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital in Leadgate, County Durham.

At double the size of a normal litter, it has set a world record for Mia's ancient breed, which fetch up to £800 a puppy.

Vet Jacqui said yesterday: "We knew she was probably expecting a few more pups than average - but when they kept coming we couldn't believe it.

"We had most of our staff, including our receptionist and even a couple of builders who were working at the practice, to help with the newborns.

"This is by far the biggest litter we've had over more than 20 years at the practice, and is not too far behind the world record of 23 pups by a Great Dane, which is a much bigger breed."

Owner Suzanne also revealed that Mia is already used to setting records and is the only Spinoni to have won Best of Breed at Crufts three times.

Suzanne, 44, of Gateshead, admitted last night that things were hectic in her household.

Mia has only had enough milk for just a few of the puppies, which have to be fed every two hours.

Suzanne said: "My mum and brother have been joining me to take shifts to feed them all. The puppies are just beginning to open their eyes and they are certainly keeping us busy."

Suzanne is planning to send one of the litter to Italy and is keeping another one herself but is confident of finding homes for all of the new arrivals.

"It will certainly be a Christmas that none of us will forget," she said.