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Should I keep three puppies, including a deaf one? Is it too much?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 50 lbs

Hello. I'm just here because I'm looking for advice. 8 weeks ago our Boxer had a litter of 8. Now that the 8 week mark is here, we have to decide which one/s to keep. We planned in keeping 2 puppies but I would like to keep 3. 2 boys and 1 girl. Now my question is, is it going to be very hard with 3 puppies at the same time? We have 1 white puppy that is deaf..we decided to keep her. Is it going to be hard with her? I mean, I'm already used to 7 puppies. So how hard can 3 be? Or am I wrong?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2019

Thank you for using PetCoach they can be very difficult to train even 32 puppies at a time, three puppies and a special-needs puppy will require an extreme amount of time and discipline on your part. It is not impossible, but will take a lot of work. Deaf dogs require very specific training for their safety and the safety of people who interact with them.
This website can give you some more info. http://www.deafdogs.org/training/

Also remember expenses for food and veterinary care will be doubled or tripled depending on the number of pets you keep. Siblings will meet with each other if not fixed or meet back with their parents if everyone remains in tact. So it is strongly advised to spay and neuter related dogs.
Even if fixed having more than two dogs can result in territorial or resource fighting.
I would strongly recommend consulting with a trainer or behaviorist before keeping 3 pups to get a better idea of what you need to expect.
These websites may give you some more resources as well.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&sterm=Training%20puppies&species=All

This is a great book. https://drsophiayin.com/product/perfect-puppy-in-7-days-how-to-start-your-puppy-off-right/

https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/a_foolproof_potty-training_plan/

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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