Raising Littermates and Same-Gender Dogs - My Experiences

I've had the pleasure of raising two groups of wonderful livestock guardian dog littermates over the last 17-plus years. And of course, many were the same gender. Since littermate syndrome and having same-sex dogs has been a hot topic and the most asked-about subject when I'm asked questions about my pack, I thought I'd put my thoughts together and share them here on this video. Being a proud mom of these Akbash, Great Pyrenees, and Akbash/Great Pyrenees Mix Dogs that I call "The Guardians", I couldn't resist throwing in individual stories and qualities about each dog and some activities that I like to do with each guardian. I hope this video will be informative and enjoyable to watch.
Patreon: patreon.com/marianneckendorf
Farm store: www.bhmalpacas.com/
Dog hair (Chiengora) scarves: www.bhmalpacas.com/store/p123...

[@TracyH007]

I drove 200 miles to pick up my 1 lil pup lgd from yt's Urban American Homestead🤍 in Ohio. Wellll, I left Urban American Homestead with 2🤍🤍 fluffy balls in my truck🥰.💞 Litter mate brothers. I have amazing stories to tell about these 2 sweet kind friendly fluffy cream puff monsters. They would absolutely sacrifice themselves to save me. They Did save me & a friend. We are both forever grateful & proud of these 2🤍🤍 hero goofballs🥰. This last august, at not even a year old, I was camping in the AR. mountains. They saved us and they saved a bear's life.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Nice! I've been around lots of bears they have all been nonaggressive as they most often are. Hugs to your pups. Thanks for sharing.

[@joykrips3145]

❤ so Lovely breed,we had two pyrenees and he save me too,I take a walk in the road,I hady pyrenees with Lesh suddenly I felt dizzy vertigo my blood pressure too high,I can't open my eyes everytime I open my eyes dizzyness I can't walk I closed my eyes my Pyrenees knows that I closed my eyes he lead me home,he turned back walking beside the road until we home.i am so thankful my phyrenees .I love him so much.💖💖💖

[@littleflockontheprairie4871]

I have litter-mate Pyr-mixed females that are over 9 years old, and they have been fantastic together! I just got two more female Pyr-Anatolian Shepherd puppies (now 4 months old) that were litter mates, and they are best buds with each other and with the older dogs. They are already showing signs of being good LDG's. Right now I see no problems with same-sex dogs at all.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

That is awesome!

[@Bonnie_Lou]

Our maremma does that “talking” and she smiles, teeth and gums, I find the “talking” they do with whines and grunts the most fascinating, it’s almost like they’re trying to make words… omg the mind reading is definitely a thing! It’s incredibly amazing and almost supernatural x our dog is a gift from above, I honestly believe that, she’s one amazing soul x

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I agree, the talking they do and the mind reading. All gifts from above. Yours sounds amazing.

[@james-zl4il]

Pyrenees are the best dogs around small critters. Absolutely gentle giants. Love mine, best dog ever!

[@catherinemanuele8352]

How did you acquire such a vast understanding of dogs, Alpacas, home repair, ranching, gardening, knitting, and on and on? It is truly awing. Your wisdom and the energy and constancy required to do this day after day is remarkable. Wow thanks for sharing.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

You are so kind! Thank you. Just by doing. Learning as I go.

[@Wickedreptiles]

When you live out there, only thing to do is learn how to do things

[@jerryoshea3116]

​@@BigHornMountainAlpacas I've owned Gsd,(Long haired)Bro& Sister and they were so tight..So I think 2 or 3 from the same brood is fine..Now of course u have to be sensible as far as breeding&such! ..So ur doing great Job&in ur situation with the Predators,having a squad available makes them even more effective!

[@donnakahriger25]

Late post, but WOW this was wonderful. Blessings. U have a beautiful life😇

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

@@donnakahriger25 Thank you

[@wendywigglesandwags7265]

I believe your success story is due to them having you as a calm leader with a lot knowledge and patience. They are your life. Also, these dogs have a job with a million acres and outlets with constant enrichment. I believe litter mate syndrome has a lot to do with dogs that don’t have their needs met. Your dogs needs are whole heartily met. If your dogs were cooped up without enrichment I would bet this would not be a littermate success story. Good job❤

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks. We actually live on very small acreage but a million sounds nice.

[@maxlapointe4785]

I got mine on a discount. The exotic rescue that used pyrenees to maintain and secure the rescue would breed 2 mothers every other year on and off and had an accident litter with the stud. Best decision I’ve made. My kids are his goats , chickens , green beans etc. they protect THEIR home!!!50 lbs at 17 weeks. They are outside dogs but if you have a decent yard and a purpose for the breed. You won’t be disappointed. And they will get it done !!!

[@TiffanyCorjay-mu6co]

We have two brothers who are litter mates. These are amazing animals! Yours are just beautiful!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you.

[@krzysassy]

Thank you for giving us hope! We took female Rottweiler siblings home after checking feed store for chicken feed to find two puppies in a tiny box and was told they’ve been there for a week. Heartbreaking so we bought them and ditch the chicken feed and bought at our usual spot. So glad to find your video. Thank you!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

How exciting and congratulations on your new additons!

[@alicemccain585]

I have my 2nd Great Pynessee! My 1st was a male . When Caesar was 12, I got a 4 month old female. He passed in 2020. My Bella is now 6 and so friendly! Loves to go to her favorite stores. She has been to store openings where she can't get enough hugs. Your babies are beautiful my Bella is beautiful too!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Bella sounds wonderful.

[@serenewood1828]

I raised a sibling pack of six hounds, 3 boys and 3 girls 13 years ago. Never had a problem. They loved each other and always got along. Unfortunately I lost 4 to cancer over the years. So devastating. We miss seeing their pack together. The remaining are two boys and the mama. We just added two new 8 week old girl siblings. So far, the the boys are nervous but not showing any signs of aggression. Will keep them separated for a time to let them get use to each other. The mama of our original pack is acting exactly how I figured… just like she did with her pups back when they were 8 weeks old, she growls at them when they get too close by. Typical dog mom pushing them away like they were just recently weened.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Congratulations on your two new pups!

[@deborahanntrengamyers4742]

I did the same, went for 1 and ended up with 2. The intact brothers Falkor and Gabriel got along to about 15 months old, then needed to be separated. Love them both, been shuffling them around now for 7 years.

[@kathleen9929]

I have two female litter mates that are going on five years old. Never had a fight between them. When they have been separated during the night they greet each other with a sort of challenge and then they go off together. I have a male Akbash/GP mix who is four years and no fighting among the three. I enjoy your videos!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

That's wonderful to hear how yours get along. Thanks for watching.

[@kathleen9929]

@@BigHornMountainAlpacas Forgot to mention they are either spayed or neutered. Also, the boy lays down and allows the girls to grab him around his neck when they play (Border Collie too). I do feed separately, but no one seems to want to challenge during dinner. Oh an another thing, they stay within our property unless someone leaves the gate open (which happened recently and the boy would not come to me, I had to follow him all the way to the neighbors). I am so lucky.

[@brandijoroy2995]

Thank you for this video. I just brought home 2 Akbash Maremma sisters yesterday who are 9 months old. I really needed to hear something positive about having sisters

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Congratulations on your new additions. I love sisters. I've raised two sets. They always have got along great. I hope yours will too.

[@zgoat4127]

it all comes down to the owners vibe I believe. and it shows here , chill owners have chill dogs .. crazy ass owners have crazy ass dogs in my opinion

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I do think there is truth to that.

[@Back2BasicsFarmstead]

I absolutely love your videos…. I can truly hear the compassion for your animals when you talk about them! I’m curious how you decide who stays out and guards vs those that stay inside at night. This is a completely new concept to me and one I’d love to hear more about.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. Good question! I really can't take any credit as to how "I" do it. They decided and it works out great. When I get ready for bed some stay out and some come in. I truly am just the door opener. It changes most nights of who is out and who is in. The ones in, just seem to know that they are taking the night off, and the ones out just seem to know too.

[@mess4success]

Watching your Pyrs reminds me so much of my boy. He loves pets and can't get close enough to you. I have such a soft spot for that dog ❤

[@cajunasian240]

You’re so right!! Love what you said, about mammals forming attachments and with it being less traumatic from bring torn away from their own parents. I have three littermates right now, only half Pyrenees/retriever and they are all individuals and have their own healthy happy lives. There is a sister (born first) and she takes on a motherly role and assists in establishing boundaries when they are play fighting. Also, I raised other adopted littermates and had no problems. The type of human that’s raising the dogs is what matters the most. (Patient/Not Lazy or Impatient/Lazy) ❤

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

You and your dog family sound so wonderful. Thanks for the nice comments.

[@yoyokidoki]

Hello from Brooklyn! What a beautiful pack and family you have. Your videos inspired us to welcome a Pyr into our home -- it's no alpaca farm but she loves protecting our garden from squirrels and going on long walks in the park. Thank you for sharing your wonderful videos!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@honoreejennings1998]

What a special bond between all. You're living my dream!!❤️

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you.

[@storytimewithmimi6223]

Thank you for posting this video! Im picking up two sibling pups in a couple of weeks and Im so excited!! Cant wait to get them!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

How exciting! Congratulations on your new additions!

[@gangoffour6690]

Hello from New Hampshire. Just found your channel today. I'm really loving and enjoying watching all the animals. I loved meeting your huge family. All the animals are so unique. I used to live out that way in Montana for a few years. This old guy will be watching. Be safe and healthy ✌.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you and nice to meet you!

[@auzzie-bambii]

Such an amazing video. Thank you so much for being so brave as to tell your story. ❤ I have goldador brother littermates and have raised Guide dogs for over 25 years and believ that as long as you treat them as individuals and apply to their personalities show them they are loved as part of a pack and singularly as there leader all will be a blessing. Fantastic work!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you and thanks for sharing!

[@bonnieklimcsak222]

The Dream Team...I love this. You've done a great job and put in a lot of time and thought into making this team what it is. I love how you described each pup. And saying their names, yes, even my two cats Teddy and Naomi (both 13) notice when I say their names. If I say one's name, I have to say the other's name also. Thank you for this video!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you so much! And glad you enjoyed it. Hugs to Teddy and Naomi from us.

[@omarsaleh5596]

its awesome to cam throw your video, i really enjoyed the pack and the way you describe each one of the, will done, keep on posting video specially how do you spend time with your pack

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Septemberfarms]

Its awsome to see someone do their own thing and not follow the majority. Great video! Thank you!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks so much.

[@mjo1016]

Such a good video!! 👏🏼Really cool to learn more about each Guardian and their personality. I have always loved how you greet all of the animals on the farm with their names and treat them as individuals. That is incredibly special and so important ❤Your ALL IN love, care and respect for these beautiful dogs and all of your animals never ceases to amaze me and is such a joy to witness. Thank you for all you do for them 🙏🏼

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Aww thanks so much!

[@TRAN_S]

Thank you so much. So many videos on littermate syndrome and not enough of these ones.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've met so many people with littermates that get along great.

[@drewhollings]

Amazing to watch! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks for telling me and I'm glad you liked it.

[@K31vakkums]

I took in a dog that I was told was spayed and found out she wasn't when I caught her with my boy a few hours after bringing her home. She had a litter of 10, kept 2 of the boys and got her fixed. I've raised littermates before since I take in strays that the shelters refuse to take. I've never had problems before but all this recent talk about littermate syndrome has me feeling a bit paranoid about it with these 2. It's nice to hear from someone who also has experience of raising a lot of dogs together. Puts me at ease. I currently have 4 dogs, which is the smallest amount I've had at one time in my life, so I don't know why I was even worrying about it to begin with.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

The littermate syndrome craze is really just about dogs that are supposedly too attached. Some think that they can love each other too much. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[@jaimehauser1488]

Yes! A lot of fear-mongering. I just got 2 4 month old female GP litter mates yesterday. I hope everything goes good. I can clearly see dominance in the more outgoing of the 2, but I see it more as the dominant pup taking the lead and telling her sister "hey stop that"

[@brandycolantoni5293]

Beautiful pups! We have 4 GPs. Our oldest has the same parents as our 2 youngest (brother & sister litter mates). Our middle girl is a rehome. ❤️. They all get along really well. I have learned to pick up on their cues to head off potential scuffles.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

That is awesome!

[@aleciajanczak8595]

Great video! Loved learning about all of them!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed!

[@FITZIEBLUE]

great video. what might make a difference; you have space : a job for your dogs : knowledge of the breed : pay attention to your dogs. Well done .

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks. Yes, I think they do thrive and are happy with job and lots of love.

[@teresajohnson9723]

Loved watching your show. Such a happy peaceful warm feeling show! Loved it!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@chrisbuxbaum]

Thanks, you give them so much love & it surely shows in their personalities.💜

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. I treasure their sweetness, love and good energy. I love to love them right back.

[@hidegreen8810]

I loved learning about each one of your gorgeous GPs!! You are really living a beautiful life! ❤ Thank you for sharing it with all of us!🥰

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks so much!

[@swansonganimalcommunicatio4207]

Thus is amazing thank you so much. I am animal communicator so I hearing this and watching you are is so magical xxx

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks so much.

[@mindwanderweg]

It's funny how people make generalizations about dogs when there are so many variables. I've had packs of dogs who loved each other and on whom I could rely completely. I've had a couple dogs who were really out to murder each other. The breed makes a huge difference. Life experience (the dogs') makes a huge difference. I had two male dogs between whom things could get ugly in narrow spaces. I finally separated them mostly. They scraped, but neither ever really hurt the other. I like the way you present your opinion and experiences. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to adopt siblings. Watching my Akbash and my Aussie together every day -- and having watched all my other dogs over the years -- most of the time my dogs are just happy to belong to a pack, particularly my huskies. My Akbash loves me, but the "person" she's really happy to see when we come back is the Aussie. Your pack is wonderful and I love watching them. And you're totally right; you can't fool dogs. P.S. Bear my Akbash is also a mind reader AND she smiles. She's my best friend.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you for the feedback. It's good to hear others experiences on the topic. Yes, I agree there are so many variables. I think any two dogs can just not like each other, whether related or not. Where we live I'd never want just one. A pack has to work a lot less when a predator is around. I love sibling packs.

[@peggypeyhuahoo3394]

This is the best doggy video I’ve watched. Your dogs are beautiful. You are such a wonderful owner.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you so much!

[@cb7384]

I love this video, You are an inspiration! Your lifestyle amazing ! you have given me encouragement.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I'm so happy to hear that this provided encouragement to you. Thanks for sharing that.

[@barbarapeterson664]

I love your beautiful pack, and how you know each personality and love them all.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you so much!

[@lauraleehoff]

Thanks for the business card! Love the dogs and alpacas. A coworker told me you raised Llamas, thus my comments on Is your Momma a Llama book🤠 God Bless!! Nice to meet Dave too!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

It was so great to meet you! I'm sure we will back to the store soon.

[@bchboy1206]

These pups are just to wonderful! I have 2 and would love to get more but I just can't at this point in my live. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. For about 8 years, I also had just two. That's a good number also. :)

[@karenbaker2566]

This was wonderful! ❤

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@Ziporah64]

Geweldig zoals je omgaat met je dieren. Zoveel liefde, dat verdient ieder dier (in mijn opinie). Helaas hebben wij hier te weinig ruimte, om zo te kunnen leven....maar wat zou ik dat graag willen. ❤❤❤ lots of love from 🇱🇺 .

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

Only those that have a GREAT PYRENEES - which I have .... a small female and she is the best dog I ever had ! Love your pack!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks. I love the Akbash too which is what my pack is mostly. I love all dogs.

[@brendacassanova3184]

I thoroughly enjoyed this VIDEO..I absolutely am a DOG LOVER. Your fur baby pack are awesome and all the characteristics and work that they do. It's amazing. I had a Newfoundland lab mix he looked just like your dogs but he was black with a white chest. His name was Fabio. The sweetest smartest big baby but he guarded the property. And was he a runner my goodness. I miss him. But looking at your dog's remind me of him so much the same sweet face and those ears and beautiful big brown eyes. I learned a lot it was a wonderful video thank you so much. The world is taking on a weird turn and it's heartwarming to see something so loving and down to earth. Thumbs up to you and your daughter.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you Brenda. The way that you described your Fabio, I feel like I can almost see what he looked like and feel his sweetness. Thank you for sharing! I'm glad that this video of the guardians reminded you of him. Thanks so much for the kind feedback.

[@carnivorefarmer3706]

great video!! we have three male sibs. they are all in tact and they are all over a year old and they get along wonderfully. we do spend a lot of time with them each day and we have a large 31 ac. property for them so i am sure that is a big part of why we have had no problems with our dogs. thanks for posting. may god bless you and your family!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

It sounds like you have a wonderful brotherhood pack. I love hearing this! God bless you too, your family and your pups.

[@Julie08837]

This was so wholesome ❤ made my heart happy

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the nice feedback.

[@reggieclark3398]

They are just perfect! Such gentle lovers they are. I have a 5 month old pup. Just amazingly sweet he is. Carefree. I just love him to death. Thank you for the vedio , your advise is very helpful.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked the video.

[@debbiegorsalitz1539]

Thank you, I just got two males and already have an older male I’m so grateful to find someone with positive thoughts.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Congratulations on your new dogs.

[@golfgirl0214]

SO ADORABLE!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. I agree

[@goosethefarmer9816]

Awesome video and absolutely beautiful dogs! Thanks for making this video, I’ve seen the same thing in livestock guardian groups people insist you cannot raise siblings together. The groups act like there’s only one way to raise these dogs and I disagree, everyone’s situation is different. Thanks for your point of view!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks for watching! And I agree.

[@teresaa40]

Thank you for posting this video. We adopted two beautiful pyrenees sisters this spring and we love them both so much, but, I was warned that I was asking for trouble because they are littermates. I haven't had a single issue and they love each other so much. The idea that I would have to give one of them up has been so upsetting to me. The more I read about"littermate syndrome" the more frightened I was of the future. Thank you for confirming that keeping them both is the right thing. Oh and I always called them by their names and noticed how quickly they knew who I was talking to. They are so amazing. I love them so much.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you for sharing your story of your pyrenees littermate sisters. I love hearing all of the stories being shared about littermates and how well they get along. I think littermates not getting along or having issues is a very small minority. I'm glad that you didn't listen to the naysayers. I love your story!

[@therain-bowden3074]

I've recently bought two female puppies and didn't realise about litter mate syndrome and have become worried. They both have beautiful personalities and play mostly good together. When ever they go to far l call them and give them different toys but still am on constant worry watch and questioning have l done the right thing? So your video is a huge help like a light on a hill. Thank you.

[@viseshseernam39]

life stock guardian dogs can be good family pets you just proved it in your videos

[@laurarichards9799]

Love your videos! Our pack is also littermates and parents, females not spayed. Same experience as you, no problems!!! Glad to hear like minded opinions!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

That is great!!❤️🐾

[@KellysGarden]

Interspecies attachments ❤so cute!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you! 😊

[@genieabbi2531]

Hi, we just watched this video on litter mates. Our 3 ... Ezekiel, 4 years. Glory and Ruth, 20 months. They are all from same mother. Glory and Ruth and a boy were in that litter. Sure there has been a couple squabbles, but it's been good. The 3 are very loving, protective, I wish they were a bit more cuddly, but.. they also do very well with the other dogs. Esther, 6+ year old German Shepherd, Judah, 11 month old Mc Nab/Heeler, and Hannah, 5 months old Newfoundland puppy.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

It sounds like you have a lovely pack.

[@ColleenMoore0301]

Thank you for this! We are bringing home two female siblings next week and we have absolutely been bullied on different fb groups. I so appreciate you bringing a balanced view.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Congratulations on your new additions! I'm glad to hear this was an encouragement. I've met way more people with siblings that have worked out just fine than vice versa. Have fun with your new dogs.

[@billburkhead9737]

Hello from IL - I'd echo your comments on some the "dog groups" in social media. Too many are very mean when people are honestly just there to ask for advice and encouragement. Too much use of the words "always" and "never" when in my opinion, a lot of it boils down to "knowing your dog." We have had 2 dogs at a time for about 32 years and generally have observed that our dogs have done best when we have a neutered male and a neutered female. We have had 2 neutered males at the same time and that went well. We currently have a 10 year old neutered female Lab and a 3 year old neutered female 3/4 Pyr/ 1/4 Anatolian - both we took as "rehomes." The Pyr mix does really well with following commands indoors, but not as well outdoors - we are working on that. The Pyr mix is larger and younger than the Lab and she can play a little rough and has attacked her sister when my wife gets home and they start running to jockey for position to greet her first (at least that what it appears to me they are doing). We have 4 acres fenced in and they do well together playing outside. We're still working on the excitement and attacking problem also. The Pyr mix came to us after twice being in homes where she was attacked by another dog. She does well with other dogs "off property." We enjoy following your dogs.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you for sharing your dogs and their stories with you. It sounds like you know your dogs well. I think that is very important. Thanks for watching.

[@whitefang351]

Loved it!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you and thanks for watching too.

[@dnrw5230]

OMG, they are gorgeous!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks. I agree.

[@user-iv1sk6yt5q]

Our Great Pyrenean littermate sisters fought to the death after turning 15 months of age. A tragic, heartbreaking memory for me.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I’m so sorry

[@ronsilva7394]

Thank you !

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

You're welcome!

[@peggypeyhuahoo3394]

So beautiful family with dogs

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks so much!

[@chipdouglaschipdouglas]

You are amazing! God bless you....rather he has!

[@RA-zw6hp]

Great video,!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@juttakosielowsky6942]

I have a brother and sister, no fighting or bullying. They are great white Pyrenees English mastiff mix. I rescued them out of a puppy mill at the age of ten months. Now they are six years old

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

[@lisalowe6922]

I just got 3 Great Pyrenees. A mother, son and daughter. We've had issues with our chickens disappearing, and then finding pieces of them later; so they are in their chicken run until we can get them some protection :( We already have two rescue mutts that would be chicken eaters if I gave them the opportunity. I love my animals like you do. We are hoping that these new dogs will be the answer that we are looking for. I absolutely love your vlog so I subscribed.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Just make sure to give them time and supervision around your chickens while they are puppies. Thanks for subscribing!

[@strongereveryday1891]

I know! I had no idea people got so crazy about it.

[@beltoftruth56]

Such a beautiful life, i have 2 their great dogs

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you

[@SheepyHollowCanada]

Great video... we have 3 GP's and normally all is calm, and they share the same parents but from different litters, even though they are all born in January. Storm is Soon 6 , ICE 5 and Bear 2. Storm is the problem and he used to pick on ICE until ICE was older than 2 years old and he now picks on Bear. Bear holds his own but if I'm not there to stop clashes I'm thinking they might have an all-out slugfest. Storm's aggression at times isn't a pleasure to be around... I just wish they got along like your clan :).

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Hopefully they will just work it out without blood shed and then when they all know their place in the pack hierarchy maybe all will be well.

[@Allome430]

I have a whole pack as well. They are small breed. But i see the hate you saw about owning more than one from the same pack… they all know there names and get plenty of one on one contact. You have a beautiful pack so glad I found this videos. Dont feel so alone now.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you.

[@andriadavey6156]

My dog had 5 pups I want to keep 2 females and 1 male, everyones is saying no no no you can’t do that! But i just can’t let them go 💔 how did you find keeping a pack? Did everything go smoothly?

[@toniharms5807]

So thankful for this video. I need a pack of dogs here and am looking into puppies. It was stressful trying to figure out how to get them in 6 month intervals. Also the fact that you have them all in a small double wide as we are camper living right now.Do they wander a lot? I have 60 acres so plenty of room to run but no fences, a little worried about that.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Hello. I'm glad that you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting. Mine are all 6 foot fenced in. I wouldn't let them roam the property if we weren't fenced. Before we were all fenced they stayed in a smaller section.

[@ritagoertz8939]

I find it odd that it is an issue to have litter mates together. It’s a big deal with cats too. We discovered this at the vets when we brought both of our male cats together for an appointment. The vet and the vet techs were all asking if we had any trouble with both of them in the same house. All I could think to say is “What kind of trouble?” That is when the vet said that they don’t recommend to get 2 cats the same sex from the same litter. Well it’s too late now they are 14 years old and they are still getting along. I think it matters more that the owner is attentive and meets their animals needs for care and attention. Maybe it’s more of a problem for people who work outside the home and their animals spend most of the day by themselves.

[@Trapphausmusic]

An impressive pack!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you.

[@osathegermanshepherd]

I've seen things go very wrong with siblings. I think it depends on the breed, upbringing, and most of all how strong of a leader the owner is.

[@achewy4565]

i have a mother&daughter pair right now but have been wanting to raise a family of them. i didn't know people were doing it.

[@trillgutterbug9378]

Thanks for sharing your experiences on this topic, there is such an incredible amount of nonsense out there about dog genders and how they get along. It's baffling how some people think dogs operate! As though a pack of dogs will naturally all kill each other until there's only one male and one female left, or something 😂. I've done a lot of rescue work and there's quite a common notion in that community that many dogs (especially if they have behaviour problems already) can only live with certain genders, which honestly does nothing but spread misinformation and throw impediments in the way of finding homes for dogs who desperately need them! It's definitely, in my opinion, just another one of the many excuses people come up with to absolve themselves of the responsibility of properly training and socialising their dogs.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

So well said. I agree.

[@1Craigsworld]

great dogs

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. They really are!

[@zollyzelem6643]

I miss your videos!!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

We hope to have a Christmas Tree one soon where the guardians help us pull it out of the mountains.

[@karenrichardson8918]

We found two puppies dropped off. They were about 6-8 weeks old. Terrier mix. Females. They played all the time and grew up with our gentle lab/doberman male on a farm. All the space they could wish for. When they reached about 4-5 months, they began to fight. I mean, fighting to blood. If we weren't around, we would see them later with blood and scabs. At about 6 months we had them spayed. We left one on the farm and I took the other to mine. It looked like a perfect situation initially, that mine could go out to the farm when I wanted to travel. However, even after spaying, when the pups are together they will fight. The only solution is to crate one and let the other run, then alternate. AS soon as they make eye contact they start with hackles up, growl, then attack. If there is a solution to this, I'd love to know how to help them get along. We don't want to rehome either.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Hi Karen. I'm really not sure that I have any advice. I think sometimes any two dogs may just not like each other. If it were me I'd keep them separated until if you ever noticed their attitudes towards each other change. I know that's not an easy thing to do. I did it once for a couple of years. The two were not related. But then they got along fine. Sorry I'm not more help.

[@Ann64]

Well said esp re litter mates❤

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you

[@Preciousaccordingto977]

Now what could all the fuss be about the same gender? Or siblings? I don't want the answer because I don't care. I have three males that live together just fine. There was some pecking order when my youngest LGD was a year-ish old with the 5 year old Great Pyrenees Border Collie mix but they settled that by one dog being over the front of the property and the other being over the back. We have 48 acres with no fencing that is connected to tons of private uninhabited land that they roam.They do come together when they decide to do so. I've had the older who is brilliant 6.5 yrs and the young one is 2.5 yrs. They do a remarkable job of keeping our land free of predators, even the big birds, they also guard their people!! I have 11 yr old rescue Chihuahua that we got when he was 7. He has no problem bossing off that young Pyrenees when necessary. He is a spectacular good dog, a great companion and in all the years we've had him he's never naughty!!! So they are all male and they are all living together just fine!!! LOVE Pyrenees then again that mix of Border Collie isn't a slouch either!! You have beautiful dogs!!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks for sharing and thank you.

[@JenHendon]

Love the biblical names!

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks. I do too. :) It suits them.

[@kimschuster7228]

I love your videos! I’m curious what you feed your dogs? I use to make my own dog food, but started adding kibble and now both are having skin issues. I top the kibble with steak, because I thought they might be having a chicken problem. I buy Diamond dog food, it’s rated as a good kibble, but I’m seriously thinking I should go back to home made food. Love to know your option? 💕🙏🏼💕

[@lulu-tg6vc]

I would be interested in what you feed in your homemade food. I have been adding to their kibble.

[@whitefang351]

I feed my dogs Gentle Giant dry food...but they all get raw chicken 4 days each week. Big dogs get leg quarters, little dogs get wings. I warm the chicken up in a big pan of hot water from the tap. I fill them up with chicken so well that they don't even eat that much of the dog food on other days. The raw chicken with the bones keeps their teeth clean and it makes their poop much nicer and they stay healthy without skin issues or other problems. I have been feeding many different types of dogs like this for over 15 years. They definitely love their chicken dinners and will let me know if I'm not providing it in timely fashion!

[@whitefang351]

I have a chunk of hardwood block and a machete in case I need to cut some of the chicken up for them. I'm sure the crows pick the block clean after we get through.

[@jtatum6900]

I recently just rescued two female husky aussie pups and im worried abtout littermate syndrome since they do fight quite a lot (biting) and they get anxious when they arent together.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I would keep meeting their needs with lots and lots of daily exercise, play, cuddles, individual attention, and group games. I hope it all works out. Congratulations on rescuing them both!

[@holliee8070]

I just recieved 2 littermate male shepherds. At 8 week weigh in they were a whopping 20 lbs. Currently 26 lb after only 10 weeks. They are definately beautiful and loving. They enjoy human touch everywhere for soothing. The only issue were having is the constant fighting and bitting each other indoors and definately always outdoors. We've separated them in training, however, they are drawn right back into the same behavior. When we take them outside of our home, it's the only time they act perfectly and without a fight. As well as bedtime and nap time they snuggle without fighting. Would you have any guidance for us to change the dynamic? I'm never giving up on them but I sure would appreciate some help.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Hi Hollie. How old are they now? That would help me to answer better.

[@juju.and.the.dogs.]

Right on! I also had a pair also … I do dog videos also ♥

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

I will check out your channel! Thanks.

[@FVWhimsy2010]

How on earth do you tell them apart (especially from a distance)? Lol. Seriously though...the dynamic of the LGD dog pack IS greatly influenced by the owner/shepherd. Being aware and educated enough to guide the dogs, without creating unnecessary stress on THEIR social fabric is key to the health and success of the "pack".

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thanks. It really is such an honor to be their shepherd/human mom. And you said it so well of how it's important to let them have their pack dynamics but also know how and when to step in to keep it a healthy pack. About telling them apart, to me they are so different is every way. I think we will make a fun youtube coming up on how I tell them apart. It might even involve me being blindfolded at times and still tell them apart.

[@danieleallen648]

Well, my adult and puppy Akbash, when I call them it’s » what is in for us » lol

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

haha. Well that's ok too.

[@ggod4185]

I got 5 pit🎉bulls i kept from my 1st litter, and they are good together or alone

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

That's so good to hear.

[@EricWieber-mi9yj]

Hi there, I adopted a male Pyreness Arti. He is a 1 year. I love him but I am having lots of problems with his eating habbit because he is very picky as of the last month. I have days when he refuses to eat. I have tried all thoughts of things, adding Salmon Oil, tried different kibble, cooked home food,etc. He eats at first and than rejects it. I am very worried because of his weight. Is there anything I can do? What do you feed yours? I have two other dogs, Bella, a pyrenees mix. She is 11 years old (developed cancer) and Ronnie, a 12 year old female. She is a collie mixture. He is also extremely timid, Scared of everyting. Please advice.

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Could it be the weather if it's hot where you are? Sometimes several of mine skip breakfast and eat so much less for the day when it's hot out.

[@EricWieber-mi9yj]

What kind of food do you provide your dogs? Kibbles(Brand) or home cooked? @@BigHornMountainAlpacas Thank you in advance.

[@doomboydoomable]

i still want one of those dogs but i wouldn't have the energy and time to look after them. great video though

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

Thank you. They do require lots of exercise, attention and should be fenced in. Not for everyone for sure.

[@doomboydoomable]

@@BigHornMountainAlpacas you look after the doggos so well, they all look happy and love you

[@Aquorii]

hello! i am a first time owner and and sister and i are getting 2 dogs one for her, and one for me next week. and when we go to malls/travel should we also separate them or could we put them in the same stroller? and how long could the pups socialize with eachother?

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

If it were me, I'd let them socialize as long as they and you want to. Enjoy and congratulations on your new additions.

[@user-rz7nn1ox4p]

thank you for the information.. ive owned littermates.. im getting littermates again lol

[@BigHornMountainAlpacas]

My pleasure. I'm glad you liked the video.

[@CrazyMountain_Fiberworks]

I have two a brother and sister we had her tubes tied and he will have him neutered at two . They are fine. I agree 💯

[@crystalduque7559]

So gorgeous ❤❤

[@nik7183]

Pyrenean females tend to be mostly good together, unneutered males will fight more often than not and seriously fight. Females tend to be fine as long as there's a top dog.

[@Homesteadlee]

I need a purebred male for my girl but they are so hard to come by a good one