Why "Litter" IS the Appropriate Word for Puppies

The other day I was commenting how interesting our words are to describe groups of animals.  No one was listening, but I commented anyway.  Then because no one was listening I started to google what different groups of animals were called.  This happens often in my life, and I thank goodness someone invented google because google has had great conversations with me!

We have a herd of horses, a litter of puppies (also kitties)--who then grow up into a pack of dogs, while kitties grow up into a clowder or clutter of cats (now raise your hand if you knew that).  Elephants come in herds too.  Chickens are flocked together (like birds of a feather), but hens all together are called broods, and their little ones a clutch. 

Here's where the confusion starts.  You would think that a group of geese (being birds and all) might fall into the same category.  They do, but are more often called a "gaggle" of geese.  When they fly in formation they are called a "muster."  I guess they have to muster the courage to keep going?  Then we get to ducks.  Flock?  Sometimes.  But more often than not they are called a "brace."  And their babies?  A brood.  Go figure.

Ooops....sorry, wrong crows....this is called
a band!


There's a covey of quail (ay yi yi yi yi), a "murder" (YES MURDER) of crows (I hesitate to ask why on this one), a tribe or trip of goats...well, I can go on and on.  But I won't.  If you are interested in what other groups of animals are actually called, go here. 



Now, here are the crows.  Probably a murder.  Or
they committed one and haven't left the scene of
the crime yet!


The point is there are alot of reasons why groups of animals are named different things.  I think I've found the science behind naming puppies a litter. 

Proof #1:  I did not have to apply for a large grant, find a laboratory to sponsor me, and/or study or research the topic for years.  All I needed was one hot, muggy day and a group of eight dogs. Suddenly my cold kitchen tile floor was "littered" with furry bodies.  There you go.  Wikipedia eat your heart out.



This is not my dog.  But it could be.

 Proof #2:  If a cabinet door which leads to the kitchen garbage bag, is left open by mistake, you will come home to find that trash LITTERED all over the floor and at least five dogs looking like it wasn't them and giving the hairy eyeball to the other three who are napping quietly somewhere.

Proof #3:  When you give a dog a large biscuit, and they are hoping for another one in a close proximity of time, like say....oh....three seconds after their first one....instead of eating that biscuit neatly, they will chew rapidly allowing pieces of biscuit to "litter" the floor, and even FASTER dogs who already swallowed their biscuit almost whole, will swoop in, like...oh, that MURDER of crows...to grab whatever fell out onto the floor before the unsuspecting dog can even say "woof."

Proof #4:  They litter my furniture, my lawn, my bed, my foot space, my thoughts--especially when they don't eat their breakfast or dinner and make me worry--yep, litter is the right word for sure!

There you have it.  Another case solved.  Another premise proven.  Another theory put to rest.  Aren't you glad?  I'm littered with happiness.

Aarrroooooo!