Should You Get Two Dogs from the Same Litter? Pros and Cons You Need to Know
- Karolina Mockaityte
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting. So when you're faced with two adorable littermates, it’s easy to think, “Why not both?” Raising sibling dogs—also called “littermates”—can be rewarding, but it comes with unique challenges. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
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The Pros of Raising Littermates
1. Built-in companionship
Littermates have already bonded. They eat, sleep, and play together from birth. Adopting them both means they won’t be lonely or bored when you're not around. This can reduce separation anxiety and destructive behavior in the early months.
2. Synchronized routines
You can train, feed, walk, and play with both dogs at the same time. This can save time—at least in theory—and create a smooth rhythm for daily care.
3. Easier socialization—with each other
Dogs need social contact to stay emotionally healthy. Having a sibling around provides constant interaction and stimulation, especially while they’re still learning how to behave around other dogs.
4. Shared energy
Puppies have endless energy. When they have a playmate, they can burn each other out—making your job a little easier when it comes to exercise and mental stimulation.
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The Cons of Raising Littermates
1. Littermate Syndrome
This is real, and it’s not a myth. Some sibling pairs become overly dependent on each other, forming a bond so tight that it interferes with their development. Symptoms include:
Extreme distress when separated
Poor focus during training
Fearfulness or aggression toward people or other dogs
Not every pair experiences it, but when it happens, it’s a serious behavioral issue that can take years to fix.
2. Double the work
While it seems convenient to train two dogs at once, it usually doesn’t work out that way. You’ll need to do separate training sessions so each dog can focus. This means double the time, effort, and consistency.
3. Cost
Everything doubles: food, vet bills, grooming, gear, training classes. Plus, if one dog gets sick or injured, the other might too. Financial strain is real and should be factored in from day one.
4. Harder to bond individually
Dogs need a strong relationship with their humans. When they have each other, they may not feel the need to engage with you as much. You have to work harder to build individual trust and connection with each pup.
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Tips If You Decide to Adopt Littermates
Crate them separately. They need alone time from day one to get used to being apart.
Train them separately. This helps them develop focus and independence.
Give individual attention. Walk them separately sometimes. Play with them one-on-one.
Watch for behavior issues early. If you see signs of littermate syndrome, work with a professional trainer.
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Bottom Line
Raising two dogs from the same litter isn’t impossible, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re an experienced dog owner with the time, patience, and resources to give each dog what it needs individually, it can work well. If you’re new to dog ownership or want a simpler experience, starting with one pup might be the smarter move.
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