Understanding Littermate Syndrome & Sibling Rivalry in Dogs
Understanding Littermate Syndrome in dogs is crucial for any potential owner. While the dream of raising two puppies together is a powerful one—watching them play, grow, and have a built-in best friend—as a rescue organization, we must address this serious behavioural issue. Whether you are considering adopting or are facing the difficult decision to rehome, this guide explains why separating littermates is the most compassionate choice.
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Our Commitment to Best Practices: The information in this guide is based on the consensus of veterinary behaviorists, professional dog trainers, and experienced rescue organizations worldwide. Our policies are designed to prevent the behavioral challenges outlined here and to give every single dog the best possible chance at a happy, confident life.
What Exactly is Littermate Syndrome?
Littermate Syndrome is not a formal medical diagnosis. Rather, it is a term for a collection of serious behavioural issues that can develop when two puppies from the same litter are raised in the same home.
The core problem is hyper-attachment. The puppies form an intense bond with each other that is so strong it impedes their individual development. This dependency prevents them from learning crucial life skills, building confidence, and, most importantly, forming a strong, healthy bond with their human family. While it is most common in siblings, it can also occur with two puppies of a similar young age from different litters.
What are the Common Signs of Littermate Syndrome?
- Extreme Co-Dependence: The puppies show signs of severe, debilitating separation anxiety when they are apart from each other, even for a few minutes. This often manifests as frantic crying, howling, or destructive behaviour.
- Pervasive Fear and Anxiety: A profound fear of unfamiliar people, other dogs, and new situations is common. The puppies use each other as a social crutch and fail to develop their own coping skills or resilience. One puppy is often significantly shyer or more fearful than the other.
- Severe Training Difficulties: The puppies are so focused on each other that they struggle to pay attention to their owners. This makes training basic commands, house-training, and recall nearly impossible. The presence of the other puppy is a higher reward than any treat or praise from a human.
- Intense Sibling Aggression: As the puppies reach social maturity (between 9 and 24 months of age), their constant competition and forced proximity can erupt into serious, often dangerous, fights. This aggression can be incredibly difficult to resolve and is heartbreaking for the family.
The Difficult Truth: Why Separation is the Kindest Choice
For an owner facing a rehoming decision, this is the hardest part to accept, You see two dogs that love each other. But we see the potential for lifelong anxiety and behavioural problems. Separating them is not a punishment; it is a gift of individuality and a chance for each dog to blossom.
- It Promotes Individual Confidence: When raised separately, each puppy learns to look to its human family for guidance and security, building the confidence to navigate the world on its own.
- It Allows for a Stronger Human-Dog Bond: A single puppy will bond deeply with its owners. Littermates bond primarily with each other, often seeing their humans as secondary.
- It Prevents Future Heartbreak: Separating them now prevents the potential for severe aggression later on, which can be devastating for both the dogs and the family, often resulting in one or both dogs needing to be rehomed under much more stressful circumstances.
Our Adoption & Rehoming Policy on Littermates
For the long-term well-being of every dog that comes into our care, our policy at Little Doggy Rescue is to place littermates in separate homes.
This is a non-negotiable policy born from extensive experience and alignment with best practices in the animal welfare community. We understand this can be an emotional decision for surrendering owners, but our commitment is to what is best for the dogs’ futures, not just their present situation. This policy allows us to confidently promise that we are setting each individual dog up for a lifetime of success as a well-adjusted, confident, and loving family companion.
But We Already Have Littermates. What Should We Do?
If you are already raising littermates and are noticing some of these signs, it is crucial to act immediately. While it requires significant effort, you can mitigate the risks with strict management.
- Separate Crates & Sleeping Areas: They must learn to sleep and rest comfortably alone.
- Individual Training: Train each puppy separately, completely out of sight and sound of the other.
- Separate Walks, Vet Visits, and Socialisation: Each puppy needs to experience the world on its own and build its own positive associations.
- Individual Playtime: Ensure you have one-on-one play and bonding time with each puppy every single day.
- Seek Professional Help: Contact a certified animal behaviourist or qualified, force-free trainer for a personalised management plan. You can find a list of accredited professionals through organizations like the SABCAP. Do not wait for problems to esclate.
How is This Different from a “Bonded Pair”?
This is an important distinction. Littermate Syndrome is a developmental problem in young, related dogs.
A “Bonded Pair” refers to two (often older) adult dogs who have lived together for a long time. While related, these are separate issues with different considerations.
You can read our detailed guide on rehoming bonded pairs here.
Need to Talk? We’re Here to Help
We know this is a complex and emotional topic. If you are struggling with your littermate puppies or are facing the difficult decision to rehome them and want to have a confidential, compassionate conversation, please contact us. We are here to support you and find the best possible outcome for your dogs.
