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May 2, 2017

Littermate Syndrome

Littermate syndrome is most commonly known as a behavioral issue that can develop if you bring home two puppies from the same litter. However, we are currently dealing with a rarer form of problem wherein people believe your three-year-old dog and your six-month-old dog must be littermates. It's quite the understandable misunderstanding. For one thing, Penny and Zero are pretty much the exact same size now.
Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory Littermate syndrome is most commonly known as a behavioral issue that can develop if you bring home two puppies from the same litter. However, we are currently dealing with a rarer form of problem wherein people believe your three-year-old dog and your six-month-old dog must be littermates. It’s quite the understandable misunderstanding. For one thing, Penny and Zero are pretty much the exact same size now. Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory I’m myself am guilty of momentarily mixing the two up while they’re running across the beach. While Penny was once my only flying pup: Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory These days she’s always accompanied by her wingdog: Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory It used to be quite clear who was the puppy between the two: Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory But since Penny is still wild and Zero is still growing, the line has become quite blurred.
Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory

“Zero, face it, you grew.”                                        “Let’s not rush to conclusions, maybe you shrunk?”

For now, it remains difficult to tell where one dog ends and the next begins. Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory But by the look of things, this won’t be an issue for too much longer. This morning a neighbor I hadn’t seen for a couple months walked up to us and said, “I can’t believe how big your puppy got!” ….while she was petting Penny.  And I have a feeling that won’t be the last time it happens. Luckily, Zero doesn’t mind the mix-up so long as he still gets to curl up with his “big” sister.
Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, marking our territory

“Will, I have terrible news. Penny shrunk again.”

 

Comments for Littermate Syndrome

  1. this is so adorable, i love that zero and penny play together on the beach awe. and the pictures are amazing wen they are jumping over the fence..so cool 😀

  2. Victoria Coleman says:

    Ha – thats too funny- thats what you get for getting identical twins (kind of) and that way penny isn’t left out of that “so cute puppy stage” these days either – thats ok poor Rigby is constantly called a girl because he has beautiful brindle long curly hair – so they always says “she is so pretty” – he doesn’t care as long as he gets tons of love and treats – and Muffin because she is so big is always called a boy – she doesn’t care either. People’s perceptions are funny aren’t they? I used to correct them but then i decided – who cares – i know who and what they are and that is what is important.

  3. roberta m says:

    Her wingdog–love that! And I love that tummy in the last photo!

  4. Ellen Quilty says:

    Wow!Zero is one gorgeous pup.I have a feeling thatPenny has already established who is the boss around there so that when he is twice her size he doesn’t know it.

  5. I’m sure the phenomenon of shrinking Penny will continue ;O) it’s great that you have two “puppies” now… although to have only one can be a challenge :o)

  6. I cannot believe how big he has gotten! But wait….is he crazy like Penny too? If he is then you will NEVER tell them apart! lol!

  7. meANXIETYme says:

    Hysterical post and awesome pictures to go along with it. Lol

  8. Kismet says:

    The dingdog has a wingdog? Will, you’re in trouble.

  9. Emmadog says:

    They are like Bailie and Madison, both puppies at heart. Luckily for us, we all look different, and Bailie will always be so much taller than me and Madison. Soon Zero will tower over Penny.

  10. Thanks! They make a pretty great team.

  11. Exactly. Dogs don’t mind what you call them, just as long as the love and treats keep coming.

  12. Yup! That pecking order is firmly established and I don’t see it changing anytime soon, no matter how much Zero grows.

  13. Penny got her lever stuck permanently on puppy-mode a long time ago. We’ve accepted that’s just where it will stay.

  14. Thankfully, Penny is in a league of her own in that department with no signs of Zero approaching anywhere near.

  15. Based on current growth rates, this phase is going to last all of a few weeks.

  16. The struggle is real, LOL

  17. Fran says:

    I always enjoy their journeys. They are amazing. Hugs to all

  18. Jo Rhodes says:

    Lol. How often are talking to one while you’re asleep? How long does it take to dawn in you that the reason Zero looks at you like you have four heads is because you’ve been calling him Penny for 10 minutes!
    Love, Jo, DeSam, SaDean

  19. Penny, you learned from the best and taught you “little” brother well!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  20. Life is hard for a “little” pup in a big city.

  21. Oh my heavens…he really IS growing or else Ms. Mayhem is shrinking (is this a case of . Either way, no one misunderstands the facts that they are both adorable!

  22. coastingnz says:

    Zero sure is growing up fast but he still has that slight puppy look on his face and Penny – well girls just look like girls sometimes. We had a wee girl come visit lately and she really did look like a girl v our boys that look like boys. I think it is the nose or the lips that give them away. Hard when both super adorable though! Great captures by each photo lol

  23. Connie Taylor says:

    “Hey Emily! I think I’ve shrunk Penny again‼️. Oh, never mind, Zero is just sitting next to her .”

  24. He is going to be a big boy. Can’t wait to see what a handsome one he becomes 🙂

  25. Great photos, Will & Emily! And great work on your site. Dropped you an email, and are getting ourselves back in action again. Awesome to see you’re doing well. Cheers!

  26. Judy Petitto says:

    Zero the magnificent! Penny the Queen!

  27. Anne says:

    Holy moly, look at his big ears! That should help people tell the difference. ❤

  28. I love the photos when there’s a big tangle of long legs everywhere! They certainly do enjoy each other’s company INDOORS and OUT!

    Hugs, Pam and Teddy too

  29. ya they look like they have lots of fun and i love seeing dogs that are happy and have one another to play and be happy with 🙂

  30. dogdaz says:

    OMD!!!! Zero is going to be a giant among ridgebacks, it seems. Penny will always be his hero, I bet. Too cute. Eko would be proud of how well he taught you to dog.

  31. Eve Walraven says:

    That last photo is a great one as I love his facial features!! Yes it’s takes me back to when my little brother was um well shorter than me. But that changed one summer and didn’t stop for awhile! Oh yes I bet it’ll be confusion from here on out about who is the older as I got that same problem when my brother & I were together sometimes!! Enjoy it.

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