Littermate Syndrome in Dogs

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Disclaimer	Littermate syndrome is a NON-SCIENTIFIC diagnosis! No studies have been able to definitively prove it’s existence. It is just a widely accepted term used to describe behavioural issues that may present themselves in puppies raised together past the usual 8-10 weeks of age.

What is littermate syndrome?

Littermate syndrome is a widely accepted (non-scientific) term that refers to a whole set of behavioural issues that can present themselves when two puppies are raised together past the usual 8-10 weeks old (when puppies are usually separated and placed into different homes).

It is highly debated, but if it’s looked at more closely, there may still be some reasons that explain why the symptoms that are described by “littermate syndrome” occur.

Littermate Syndrome in Dogs-[BC]What is littermate syndrome?
[C]Littermate syndrome is a widely accepted (non-scientific) ter

What are some of the most common problems that describe “littermate syndrome”?

One puppy becomes much more shy and withdrawn, while the other remains more bold and outgoing.

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Both puppies become extremely codependent and experience great amounts of anxiety when separated (even the more outgoing puppy).

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As the puppies mature, they may begin to fight with eachother, sometimes even severely.

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The puppies may not bond with their human(s) as strongly as they otherwise would have.

Genetics

The idea that littermate syndrome exists is highly debated, but it may have something to do with the specific puppies involved.

Dogs that are poorly bred and predisposed to anxiety may ultimately cause each other to feed off one another’s anxiety and ultimately display some of the symptoms often described to be “littermate syndrome”. This would explain why it is supposed to be more common for siblings to both display these types of behavioral issues and why they may exacerbate each other’s problems.

How does one avoid littermate syndrome?

Although littermate syndrome is the exception (not the rule) and remains highly debated, it is said that the best way to avoid it is to make sure you don’t get two puppies of around the same age at the same time, whether from the same litter or two different litters. It is said that it is best to wait at least 6 months between getting each puppy to best ensure the puppies aren’t affected by these issues.

But if you’re set on getting two puppies at once? Raising them separately is believed to be the best thing for them: feed them separately, walk them separately, train with them separately, potty them separately, set aside some time to bond with them separately, etc. Treat each of them as an individual!