Big litters vs. small litters - Page 1

Has anyone noticed a difference in the development of pups and how it affects them later on in life if they're from a big litter (say over five pups) versus a smaller litter? Obviously a lone pup will be very different, but what about somewhere in between?

I have had litters of just 3 pups to litters of 13 pups, the larger litters start out with smaller sized pups, than what a small litter would consist of, but in the end, when everyone grows up, given the proper diet & exercise, they all catch up in size, and bone structure. In my litters some are more beefy looking than their littermates, it's all in the genes!

Good question, I have heard pups from large litters tend to be "dirtier" eat poop, step in their poop and so on, because with a litter of say 13, mom and owner have a harder time keeping up and the pups just get used to living like that. I also wonder if pups from larger groups tend to be doggier, having so much sibling rivalry and companionship from the get go?

I never noticed any difference. My litters ranged from 1 to 11 and all puppies whelped survived to adulthood and seemed to develop at the same rate. The puppies in the bigger litters tended to be smaller at birth than those from my smaller litters of 3-3-1, but they soon caught up. The only thing I did differently was to wean the large litters a bit earlier.

There is a definite difference between a single pup born to a multiple pup litter in the 'confidence' area. Both my single pup females are extremely confident. Each out of completely different combinations. Both raised within the same true pack as the other pups held back from their litter (at different times, of course) and raised by the same pack. This is where you see the difference. Which I find of great importance. For them to be raised in a true pack will determine the stronger confident ones, the better ones for breeding. It doesn't affect growth with the final growth in mind: Ie: genetics, but it sure shows difference. So, no difference from 2 pups or up, you just have more choices which is better for you as a breeder. When pups are raised in a true pack sense, you let the Dam teach the pups when its time to start eating 'solids' by allowing her to regurgitate. start at about three weeks. I leave the Dam with the pups until the pups leave, but those who are my picks stay with their Dam. I do give the Dam a way out of the whelping area for relief. All these things matter in the overall natural development for pups and what they'll pass on to their offspring. My young dogs, due to their life style, seem to take forever to grow up versus their siblings which were sold. My females never go into heat their first time before their 13th month. Again nature dictates when. Young dogs raised with me always out run, out manouver, out smart their siblings when they come for a visit. It seems that they develop mentally faster and physically slower due to their pack living. They get a lot of real running and playing/hunting time in a true natural environment, but all sleep indoors. For a pack to be a true pack you need at least (to my opinion) 5 or more dogs living together all the time for their bond to be that of a pack. You clearly then will see which of the young ones are the 'better' choice for breeding. The underdog, the alpha's. If it's a true alpha, (i call them the bastards ) I won't use them for breeding. If it's an alpha with tolerance, (good instincts) that is the one to use. You take a pup and hide it from natural exposure, raising it by itself or with a kind older dog, then you could end up with a confident dog which in reality under the stress of a pack might not have been. Like a good handler can make a bad dog look good and a bad handler can make a good dog look bad.

I, too, have noticed initial size difference in newborn pups of bigger litters versus smaller litters(obviously for a bitch to carry more pups in a confined space, they have to be smaller), but yes, they all seem to catch up in maturity from what I have noticed in my first decade with the breed. I have not seen any big differences concerning eating poo or anything like that between small/large litters. And pups from big litters have taken their places in homes to be housebroken and happy family companions just like smaller litter pups. Cleanliness depends on how they are cared for(cleaned up after by mom then breeder), not litter size. A pup left to live in a messy environment will become a housebreaking terror whether its from a litter of 2 or 12. Females who 'correct' their pups when they're 4wks old and onward tend to teach them better manners and respect than females who don't verbally correct their pups. If you're wanting a promising obedience prospect, getting one from a female who 'corrects' her pups seems to be a better choice than one who does not, although pups are going to grow up by being influenced also by their environement both from being with Mom & siblings to being in their new home with new owner.

I probably should not have responded to this since the puppies I spoke of were not GSD's. The growth part is most likely the same, but the interaction with other dogs may be more crucial to the GSD than some other working breeds.