Adopting Littermates: Is it a Good Idea for Dog Puppies?

It seems obvious at first to adopt two puppies simultaneously. After all, puppies who are littermates have formed a strong bond from the beginning, and so they don’t feel alone when their owners go to work. But is it really a good idea to do that?

When two puppies from a litter enter the same family, it is called “Littermate syndrome”. It is a set of abnormal behaviors that are more common in littermates who always stay together. The bond between dog siblings can be so strong that they could survive without one another, yet they still cannot or barely get along.

Dog puppies that are not bonded with humans

Dogs are more likely to develop a strong bond with humans than cats, rabbits, or guinea-pigs. Dogs, like cats, rabbits, and other small animals, form groups or packs. However, unlike domestic cats, dogs are very different from their wild ancestor the wolf. Dogs have a longer history of domestication than other domestic animals. They are bred specifically to live and work with humans, to listen and to be obedient. It is for this reason that dog puppies are recommended to be surrendered earlier than kittens. Puppies may be separated from their mothers and siblings at eight weeks old so that they can complete their socialization with humans. Kittens are best left with their feline families until they reach 12 weeks old to help them develop healthy self-confidence.

When two littermates are permanently grouped together, they become inseparable and have little desire to develop a human-dog relationship with their owners. They do not pay attention to the commands of their owners, nor do they learn to listen. Instead, they focus on their sibling or brother. They may fear strange dogs and people, or become afraid of noises and smells that are unfamiliar. Separation anxiety can also occur but it is not linked to humans, but rather to their dog partners. The “Littermate syndrome” manifests in different ways.

Two littermates mean double work

The “Littermate syndrome” can be avoided by raising two littermates independently. This invalidates any supposed benefits of adopting siblings at the same time. The idea is to give the puppies a playmate that they can get along with right away, without having to spend time getting to know them first. This is the exact problem. Why should your dog listen to you, play with you, and learn from you when it’s much more convenient and easier for them to communicate and play with their canine partner?

You can’t allow your two puppy dogs to be too close together. Instead, you should take them in turn and care for them individually so they develop a strong bond with you. It is important to teach each dog the basics, including all rules and prohibitions. It is important that your dog listens to you in traffic, at the dog park, when there are visitors or if a dangerous situation arises. Even with just one dog, it is difficult to achieve. It requires patience, consistency and perseverance. The work is doubled if you have two littermates.

Conclusion: Is it better to get a second pet later?

It does not necessarily mean that two dogs are not recommended. Some breeds have been bred specifically to get along better with their own kind, like beagles which were bred originally to hunt in groups. It’s better for both you and your dog to wait until your first dog has learned the most important commands, and formed a bond of trust with you. The guidebook “Zweithund gefunden: Which one is best for you?” will tell you what to look out for when selecting a new dog.