The cause for the singleton litter according to these breeders was the use of frozen semen. All of the sires had previously produced average size litters. The breeders of these frozen semen litters indicated that it was just bad luck that only one pup occurred.

Is it normal for a dog to have just one puppy?

Dogs are polytocous, meaning they have more than two young ones each time they give birth. They have an average litter size ranging from three to seven, depending on the breed. But sometimes, it is seen that only a single or two puppies are present in a litter. This is quite rare and is called Single Puppy Syndrome.

Are Singleton puppies bad?

Along with lack of bite inhibition, typical problems in singletons are being unable to get out of trouble calmly and graciously, an inability to diffuse social tension, inability to handle frustration, lack of social cues and skills, lack of impulse control, and touch sensitivity.