It is thought that Fern, a stray Shiba Inu, was abandoned while pregnant and had been fending for herself and her offspring for about two weeks.
She was finally found by residents hiding in a hole in the base of a tree where had also secreted away her five newborn puppies.
A spokesperson for Woodgreen Pets Charity in Godmanchester said: “She was seen poking her head out from the tree in the early hours of November 20, sheltering her puppies behind her.
"One of our community outreach officers drove to the finder's home to collect mum and puppies and bring them to Woodgreen to get the care they needed.”
All six are currently being looked after by staff at Woodgreen and are said to be doing well.
Residents had seen Fern roaming the area for at least two weeks but had not been able to catch her.
The spokesperson said: “In freezing temperatures, they finally managed to catch Fern after seeing her head pop out of a hole in the base of a tree in a field.
“It was discovered that she was hiding and protecting five tiny puppies in the hole.”
The puppies, who are only about two to three-weeks-old, have been named Maple, Ash, Chestnut, Acorn and Blossom by staff at Woodgreen.
The spokesperson said: “The puppies appear to be a Shiba Inu cross, although as they are strays, we are unsure as to what breed they are crossed with.
"We will support Fern with nursing and weaning, before they're ready to find new homes.
“Fern was extremely nervous on arrival at Woodgreen, and spent the entirety of the veterinary checks hiding away in the corner of the vet room.
She said: “Fern was also quite underweight.
“Apart from that both mum and puppies are doing well.”
In the lead up to Christmas, Woodgreen is urging struggling pet owners to seek support by either contacting Woodgreen or another charity.
5. Rescue
One of the puppies that were discovered being protected by their mother in a hole in a tree in Peterborough Photo: Woodgreen