My 1 1/2 year old Shih Tzu tied with my male 3 times over the last 2 days, does this mean she'll have a large litter?

Hi Cindy,

My 1 1/2 year old Shih Tzu has just tied with my male 3 times over the past 2 days, which where all due to not being under my watch I may add (husband and children). Will she have a large litter? I'm concerned because it has not been a year since her last litter. She only had 3 that time, but they where between 6-8 ounces at birth.

I always keep them separated, but my kids and husband are a lot slower at re crating them when they come back in from walking. I did not want to breed her this cycle. I had a belly band on him when he was out of the crate, but I can not control what my kids do when I'm not home. Trust me, I am not excited with the round of vet bills I am about to rack up. I take my dog for pre and post natal visits as well as her pups. I'm just trying to get a feel for what I'm in for before the vet tells me she is having 8 puppies when he is able to palpate and then confirm with ultrasound and x-ray.