Littermates

[bgibbs]

I have read all the negatives about getting puppies from the same litter, but wanted to know if anyone on this forum has had personal experience with getting a brother and sister from the same litter.

[ladyjane]

I have a brother and sister. They were surrendered to rescue in 2007 and I adopted them.
They are adorable and love each other so much!
I don't know about any negatives...specifically what are you concerned about?

[ladyjane]

I should add that they were very well adjusted when they came to me (their owner had clearly done a good job socializing them). They get along very well with other pups in my home. They also are not so bonded that they are not close to me. They can be apart/ but when they are back together again, they just sniff to check each other out. He is especially protective of her.

[bgibbs]

I have looked at a number of internet articles that recommend against litter mates.

1. They will bond to each other and have trouble bonding to the humans in the pack.
2. They will fight when they get older.
3. They will be harder to train.
4. Separation problems if one of them is in the hospital or away for some other reason.

Now, these articles were about dogs in general and might not apply to Yorkies.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by bgibbs

I have looked at a number of internet articles that recommend against litter mates.

1. They will bond to each other and have trouble bonding to the humans in the pack.
2. They will fight when they get older.
3. They will be harder to train.
4. Separation problems if one of them is in the hospital or away for some other reason.

Now, these articles were about dogs in general and might not apply to Yorkies.

I think that could happen with any two puppies if they were raised to be that dependent on one another; but I could be wrong.

My two will be 9 in July and they never fight ... they love people. She will sometimes squabble with another female I have but nothing I have not been able to control. I take them to the dog show in Houston every year and they help raise money for YHR (at a booth at the show). They are both laid back and so pleasant....they sit in a stroller for five days while people come by and pet them. Very sweet and social pups.

As for one being in the hospital or out for other reasons, I have not had any issues. He is very very excited to see her after she has been out; but during the time she is out he plays and interacts with my other pups. He is very much a player and she is not, so he is often playing either with me (fetch) or with one of the other pups. She is more of a cuddler with me.

[Yorkiemom1]

I have several owners that have bought littermates. No problems reported....none of the issues you have mentioned above. Bonded just fine with owners..... There was a minor issue when the sister was spayed and the little male was left at home and then the following month, the male was neutered and sissy was looking for him......but it was not a crazy, separation anxiety type thing...they just knew sissy/bro was "hiding", and they spent time looking for each other.....I also had an owner that bought a baby to be a companion to their little senior....the puppy bonded with the senior, and watched out for her.....she would even bring the senior a treat or a toy.....the senior lived 3 years after the baby joined the family, and when the senior died, the baby was distraught....she looked and looked for her friend, and then she grieved for several weeks....so, as far as separation anxiety strictly being an issue for littermates, that is not the case!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I have several owners that have bought littermates. No problems reported....none of the issues you have mentioned above. Bonded just fine with owners..... There was a minor issue when the sister was spayed and the little male was left at home and then the following month, the male was neutered and sissy was looking for him......but it was not a crazy, separation anxiety type thing...they just knew sissy/bro was "hiding", and they spent time looking for each other.....I also had an owner that bought a baby to be a companion to their little senior....the puppy bonded with the senior, and watched out for her.....she would even bring the senior a treat or a toy.....the senior lived 3 years after the baby joined the family, and when the senior died, the baby was distraught....she looked and looked for her friend, and then she grieved for several weeks....so, as far as separation anxiety strictly being an issue for littermates, that is not the case!

Yes, I have had pups mourn the loss of another that were not littermates. It is very sad.

[lucky70]

I have two litter mates, pebbles and bam bam and have had no trouble at all.
They are close to each other but close to me as well.

[bgibbs]

Thanks for the replies. We looked at puppies last Saturday. They are only 4 weeks old but we were able to see the mom and dad. Both were very laid back and didn't ind us holding and petting them. The mom would not take her eyes off the puppies bud didn't get excited when we picked them up and held them. If the puppies have the same temperment, I think we will do OK. We are both retired and will have lots of time to spend with them. Wish us luck!

[Lovetodream88]

I think that as long as you have the money, time, and training patients for two that there is nothing wrong with it. It's also important since there opposite sex to get them fixed before the little girl goes into heat.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by bgibbs

I have looked at a number of internet articles that recommend against litter mates.

1. They will bond to each other and have trouble bonding to the humans in the pack.
2. They will fight when they get older.
3. They will be harder to train.
4. Separation problems if one of them is in the hospital or away for some other reason.

Now, these articles were about dogs in general and might not apply to Yorkies.

That stuff can happen with two of any dogs. Yorkies are very human doggies so I don't think there will be that problem of not bonding with you. I don't think the fighting of any two dogs you get as puppies and raise together is a high chance because they have been raised together. Two is always harder to train but I don't think that has anything to do with being siblings. Again with any dogs you can have the separation problems. I grew up with two Beagles they were not siblings two year age difference but if one went to the vet someone had to stay with the other because they got upset and stressed when one left. This doesn't happen with all dogs and it doesn't happen just because there siblings.

[MauiGirl]

I have littermates, 2 girls, and have had no problems at all. It has been pure joy raising them, and seeing their special bond, yet their different personalities. Both are very close to me. They get along with my other Yorkie Tiki just fine, but are not as bonded to her as to each other.

It is great having siblings, and like others have said, just be prepared for the extra cost of vet care, grooming, food & supplies, and emergencies. I love having 3, but just paid over $900. for their annual checkups, vaccination boosters, and full blood panels. Now I am preparing in a few weeks to pay $1,800 ($600 each) for dental cleaning. Luckily it is the first time they have needed that, and they are 5 & 6 yrs old.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by bgibbs

Thanks for the replies. We looked at puppies last Saturday. They are only 4 weeks old but we were able to see the mom and dad. Both were very laid back and didn't ind us holding and petting them. The mom would not take her eyes off the puppies bud didn't get excited when we picked them up and held them. If the puppies have the same temperment, I think we will do OK. We are both retired and will have lots of time to spend with them. Wish us luck!

Hope you stay on YT and keep us posted....would love to get to know you, see your babies and watch them grow up!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I think that as long as you have the money, time, and training patients for two that there is nothing wrong with it. It's also important since there opposite sex to get them fixed before the little girl goes into heat.

Excellent point.