I raise Shih Tzu's and sometimes people want to buy two. I have always discouraged this because of the horror stories I have heard.
The people next door adopted 2 Shih Tzu-Maltese puppies that are 2 now. I haven't seen any problems with them, except they seemed to take a little longer to house train. I puppy-sit them frequently and they seem well-adjusted and properly bonded with humans. They are REALLY friendly to everyone and fairly obedient. However, the mom doesn't work outside the home so maybe that made a difference.
Can they be separated without one or both going frantic, ballistic or just lost and stressed? Are they obedient? Do they separate themselves for activities?
I did find this less of an issue with barks with hair on them vs bigger dogs. My experience with Brussels Griffon mix littermates is different than with the bullmastiffs. Of course I also have more dogs now overall, so that may be affecting it. That and Brussels are happy to live in a large family and have a negative amount of aggression while the Bullmastiffs really are like bully breeds or chows or the like that prefer a small family 'pack' and have a tendency to shorter tempers.
Like everything else it depends on the owners and the dogs.
My dad raised two female bulldogs who were litter mates and they were fine. There were some competitive struggles in adolescence but my dad handled it well and the dogs ended up normal.
I also have a friend that has raised litter mates together and the more submissive one will flatten on the ground if they try to take him out of the house without his sister. They have become "doggy" and he doesn't feel safe without her.
Not that this friend has done a bad job, she has worked really hard. Its just the way it has turned out. This person is really dedicated and I'm sure they will be able to work through it.
I think you are doing the right thing by discouraging people from getting litter mates. If people really want two they would be much better off waiting for the next litter.
Kristel Smart Webboard User Reg: 10-03-2006
Posts: 1548
Loc: Vermont
Offline
Quote: Charlie Snyder
The other downside of raising littermates is you will have two dogs getting old and dying at the same time.
It's a really BIG downside. I had four dogs, all about the same age (not littermates though) that all got old at the same time. It was VERY expensive to care for them at the end of their lives, and in the end I lost one every few months. It was a horrible couple of years. I won't do that again.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Getting Two Littermates......
#270222 - 03/21/2010 12:30 PM 
Top
BOGIE Aussie/Heeler Cross
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
