Littermate Syndrome: Understanding the Science & Rethinking the Fear
- Von Schaaf Haus DuPree Dobermans & Danes
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 25
As a reputable breeder of European Dobermans and Great Danes, one question I’m frequently asked is:
"Is it safe to adopt littermates?”
There’s no shortage of scary-sounding warnings online about “littermate syndrome” - a term used to describe behavioral and emotional challenges that can arise when two puppies from the same litter are raised together.
We do not shy away from placing siblings together. Why? Because when done right, littermates can thrive under one roof—and we’ve seen it time and time again. The key lies not in avoiding littermates, but in understanding what’s happening on a physiological and behavioral level—and having the tools to raise them successfully.
In this post, I’ll break down:
What littermate syndrome really is (and isn’t),
The biology and psychology at play,
The common mistakes that trigger it,
And how we, as intentional breeders, help families raise two puppies together in a way that builds confident, human-focused dogs—not co-dependent littermates.
What Is “Littermate Syndrome”?
“Littermate syndrome” is an informal term used to describe a range of behavioral issues seen in some dogs raised together from puppyhood. Common signs include:
Severe separation anxiety when one dog is away from the other
Difficulty bonding with humans
Delayed or stunted training progress
Heightened aggression or reactivity (especially toward each other or others)
A sense of “pack” that excludes the humans in the household
But here’s the truth: It’s not a syndrome in the clinical sense. It’s not a genetic defect or a medical diagnosis. It’s a pattern of developmental missteps caused by well-intentioned but poorly structured puppy-raising routines.
The Physiology Behind the Problem
During the first 16 weeks of life, puppies go through a critical socialization window. This is when they learn:
How to bond with others
What to fear or trust
How to tolerate frustration and separation
How to respond to human communication
When two puppies are kept together without intentional separation, their brains form stronger neural connections to each other than to their humans. This is not a flaw—it’s just natural canine imprinting. The problem is that this early attachment can come at the expense of learning how to self-soothe, focus on humans, or build confidence alone.
What’s more, littermates will often mirror each other’s emotions—meaning if one dog is startled, anxious, or defensive, the other may escalate that emotion rather than de-escalating. Their nervous systems are co-wired, which can amplify reactivity and hinder emotional resilience.
Why We Don’t Fear It
In our breeding program, we confidently place littermates together because we raise dogs to bond with humans—not just with each other. We’ve developed and taught a method we call “Together but Separate.” This philosophy respects the canine bond while preventing co-dependence.
We guide our families through the process of raising two puppies in a way that promotes:
Individual confidence
Independent training milestones
Personal connection to their human caregivers
Let’s walk through exactly what that looks like.
How We Prevent Littermate Syndrome
Here’s how we guide families who are raising siblings from the same litter:
1. Structured Individual Time
Each puppy should have dedicated one-on-one time daily:
Solo training sessions
Individual walks
Separate crate time
Separate car rides and errands
This is not forever. It’s a period of time that allows each pup to experience the world as their own being—not just a duo member.
2. Crate Training in Separate Spaces
We encourage separate crates in different rooms or across the room from each other—not touching. This promotes independence and healthy separation, especially at night. It helps reduce panic when one is out of sight.
3. Independent Socialization
Each puppy is exposed to new people, places, and animals—on their own. We advise owners to do vet visits, classes, and playdates individually so that each dog can build their own confidence and coping skills.
4. Training as Individuals First, Pair Second
We never train littermates side-by-side in the early months. Instead, each puppy learns to sit, walk, come, stay, and settle—without the distraction of the other. Once those foundational skills are established, we begin to slowly introduce paired obedience sessions.
5. Balanced Playtime and Boundaries
Yes, they play together—but with structure. They’re taught that their humans call the shots—when play starts, when it stops and how rough is too rough. This reinforces human leadership, not just peer bonding.
Real-Life Success Stories
Some of our most well-adjusted placements have been pairs—especially in families with different family members ready to engage with and train the dogs individually.
In fact, Great Danes and European Dobermans can often thrive with a sibling when proper leadership is in place. These breeds are intelligent, loyal and bond-driven—but they also crave routine, structure, and clear roles. Siblings can offer companionship, but only when humans remain the anchor.
Of note - the European Dobermans featured in this article are one of our success stories in adopting littermates. Meet Maximus & Mocha. Their parents were wholeheartedly committed and determined to put in the work early on. The results of all that hard work and training speak through the images!
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Puppies. It’s About the Process.
The danger in littermate syndrome isn’t the puppies—it’s the lack of education. Two dogs can grow up balanced, secure and beautifully bonded to their humans if we put in the work early.
As breeders, our job isn’t just to place puppies. It’s to prepare families for the real-life, moment-by-moment work of raising them right—especially if they come in pairs.
If you’re considering adopting siblings, don’t be scared off by the warnings. Be empowered by the right approach, and make sure you’re getting support from professionals who understand the nuance.
We’re proud to say that we do not fear littermate syndrome—because we know how to prevent it.
