We recently (3 weeks ago) adopted two littermates from the local shelter. They are 8 months old and have always been together...we are their third home, so the shelter didn't want to separate them. We fell in love with them, but after doing some reading about littermates, I'm thinking we should have done some research before we made such a big decision. Everything is great so far and we are trying to give them a little time apart now and then, but I worry about the future!

Does anyone have littermates? How has the experience been?

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Congrats on your new little family members
Tabitha and Jerry are littermates. I brought Jerry home at age 6 months and Tabitha
at 7 1/2 months. They are inseparable; and, they are a joy to have together. There
have been some tough times as they went through difficult ages and stages at the same
time, but those days go by quickly. The value of keeping them together far outweighs
any issues that may come up. Your pups are bonded to each other. That is a very good
thing and to be cherished. They will bond with you too, just in a different way.
Trust me, there is enough love to go around

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"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." - Edith Wharton

I have doberman litter mates. We are their second home and we all get along fine. I'd recommend taking them places separately sometimes so that they can tolerate it without a huge fuss. They have their own unique personalities and have a sweet bond towards each other. They have been accepting of other pets and now a new chi baby just fine.

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Here are pictures of Barney: Flickr: Crochet Bouquet's Photostream

You can't go wrong with Bowie and Jagger...

They probably Aint to Proud to Beg and will go through some Cha cha cha cha changes!

But it will be fun ensuring they aren't Beasts of Burden with All the Young Dudes :P

also want to add: I tried taking them places separately and giving individual
time. It really had no impact. Tabitha is totally independent of Jerry, or
anyone else! lol! Jerry is lost without her. It's just the nature of their unique personalities

love your post

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"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." - Edith Wharton

I adopted pit mix litter mates. They were 8 weeks old when we got them. Their mother was put to sleep when they were turned over to the pound ( that was when the pups were 5 weeks old). The only mistake that I made was not separating them enough when they were little. So now, when one has to go to the vet the other has a panic attack for a few minutes when we leave. Then when we get home, the one that was stuck at home sniffs the other one like crazy.... Other than that, I love that they play together and keep each other company.

I also have chi's that are full brother and sister but from a different litter. They are inseparable and have a bond like litter mates. I think because I took the older one to see the younger one from the time she was born.

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Maia's Mom

I grew up with two littermate shelties. They were inseperable for sure, however did fine without the other. We would walk them separatley and take them separatley to go places which helped them be independent. We had zero behavioral issues. When one got sick and was put to sleep the other lived another year beyond that and eventually got sick and ran away to die
I'm puzzled, aside from the independence issue, what is the trouble anticipated with littermates?

Minnie and Tootsie are littermates and have never been apart. i remember when they were puppies , i read things like you said you read and was nervous that i had littermates, but now i am so happy i made the right decision. they are like 2 peas in a pod, they have the most beautiful bond ever. and they both love my attention.
i wont be getting any more dogs now at all. 4 is my absolute limit.
but if i had it to do all over again, i would pick 2 littermates again.

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siggy by Jan, Thank you!!!