Should You Get Two Dogs from the Same Litter? Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Apr 20
4 min read

Updated: Jul 10

The Truth About Raising Littermates

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting. Their little paws, wagging tails, and playful curiosity fill your home with joy. So, when faced with two equally adorable littermates, it’s easy to think, “Why not both?” After all, they already love each other—and wouldn’t it be cruel to separate them?

But before you make that decision, it's important to understand what you're signing up for. Raising two puppies from the same litter—commonly referred to as "littermates"—is not the same as raising two unrelated dogs or even adopting a second dog later. While it can be rewarding, it also comes with unique behavioural and emotional challenges that many new dog owners don’t anticipate.

Here’s a full breakdown of the pros, the cons, and the precautions to take if you decide to bring home a double dose of puppy energy.

🟢 The Pros of Raising dogs from the same litter

1. Built-in Companionship

Littermates arrive already bonded. They’ve spent their entire lives together so far—eating, sleeping, and playing side by side. When adopted together, they offer each other constant companionship, which can be comforting during the transition to a new home. This may reduce early signs of separation anxiety, loneliness, or boredom—common triggers for whining, barking, or destructive chewing in solo pups.

2. Synchronized Schedules

Feeding, walking, and toileting routines can be aligned, making daily logistics feel more efficient. For some owners, managing two dogs on a shared routine may feel smoother than staggering care for pets of different ages.

3. Social Enrichment Through Each Other

Dogs are social animals—and littermates never lack a play partner. Early socialisation is one of the most critical elements of puppy development, and having a sibling can help ensure they stay mentally stimulated and physically engaged.

4. Double the Energy, Double the Play

Two puppies often wear each other out. Instead of relying solely on you to meet their exercise and entertainment needs, they play together—running, wrestling, and learning bite inhibition naturally. This can relieve some pressure off your shoulders during the demanding early months.

🔴 The Cons of Raising Littermates

1. Littermate Syndrome

This is not just a buzzword—it’s a very real behavioural phenomenon. Some littermate pairs become excessively bonded to each other, to the point where they struggle to function independently.

Common symptoms include:

Panic or distress when separated, even for short periods
Poor responsiveness to training (especially around each other)
Withdrawal from humans
Generalised fearfulness or reactivity, especially toward unfamiliar dogs or people

While not every pair experiences this, those that do often need extensive behaviour modification to rebuild confidence and independence—sometimes taking years to resolve.

2. Double the Training (and Then Some)

Many people assume they can train both dogs at once, but in reality, littermates often distract each other and struggle to focus. Effective training nearly always requires working with each dog separately—meaning double the time, patience, and effort. And if one pup learns a bad habit, the other often picks it up too.

3. Higher Financial Commitment

Every cost doubles: food, equipment, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, neutering, insurance, training classes—and potential vet bills. If one gets sick, it’s common the other will too. Long-term costs should be considered carefully.

4. Bonding Can Be More Difficult

When two dogs have each other, they may not feel the need to form a strong bond with their human. Without intentional one-on-one time, they can become emotionally distant from you, relying instead on their sibling for comfort and security.

This can impact training, recall, and general responsiveness. Establishing an individual relationship with each pup takes consistent, separate attention—and for some, this proves to be one of the hardest parts.

✅ If You Decide to Adopt Littermates: Tips for Success

While not impossible, raising littermates requires a different strategy than raising a single puppy. Here's how to give yourself and your dogs the best chance of success:

➤ Crate Separately

Teach each puppy to sleep and rest on their own. This helps them build independence and reduces distress when they’re eventually separated—even just to walk or train.

➤ Train Separately

Work with each dog individually before bringing them together. This boosts focus and prevents competition or distraction during sessions.

➤ Provide Individual Attention

Walk them separately sometimes. Set aside time to play with each one alone. This builds your bond with each dog and helps them learn that humans are just as valuable as their sibling.

➤ Socialise Outside the Pair

Expose them to new people, environments, and dogs separately. Otherwise, their world revolves around each other—and that makes independence harder to teach.

➤ Watch for Warning Signs Early

Fearfulness, extreme distress when apart, over-dependence, poor focus—these are red flags of littermate syndrome. Don’t ignore them. Early intervention with a qualified behaviourist can make a huge difference.

🔚 Bottom Line

Raising two puppies from the same litter can be done—but it’s not for everyone. It works best for experienced dog owners who:

Have the time and energy to train and socialise each dog individually
Understand canine behaviour and are alert to early warning signs
Are prepared financially and emotionally for the commitment

If you're a first-time owner or looking for an easier start, it’s usually better to raise one puppy at a time. You can always add a second dog later—once your first pup is trained, confident, and ready to be a role model.

Two puppies are double the work, double the cost, and double the responsibility—but when raised right, they can also mean double the love.