Why does this happen...I am now in a bit of a quandary.
I have a litter that has just turned two weeks old that I have a waiting list for. Of the 3 boys in the litter I have one that has a surefire suitable new home. I have another 6 names on the list for boys so some will be disappointed anyway.
Here's the dilema.... I have just got off the phone from speaking to a lovely lady who had to have her 14 year old lab PTS yesterday morning..he fell and fractured his leg above the elbow. She told me that she went for a run this morning, saw a dog and just burst into tears. The boy that she lost was the littermate of a pair so she would want to have a pair of boys again. All of the normal criteria I have for suitable new homes she meets.
I should really phone my list to see what the situation is and if they are still available phone her but, this could be a bit of heart ruling head, I can't help feel that I would like to let this lady take the pair.
Either way some of my list are going to be disappointed it's just how many I disappoint
A moral maze...advice needed!

Selling someone two puppies ?? Most definitely not.

Normally I would say the same, especially if new dog owners, but previously I have had new owners who have always had a pair ( like this couple) who know the pitfalls and know how to manage having two at once. They have stayed in touch and have very happy and healthy dogs. The couple in question are very experienced with the breed so the pair thing wouldn't be an issue for me.

I think you should honour the people you have already promised puppies to if they are suitable prospective owners.

She has only just lost her Lab and understandably will be very upset but even if I was in her situation I would be unhappy to know that I had jumped the queue just because of my loss.

I don't know anything about who you are or who is on your list of course, but in principle I think you should honour the people on your list. Some buyers want to pay a deposit to stop their hopes being dashed when waiting for a puppy and it is this kind of situation where all the cards are in the hand of the breeder that drives people to less reputable breeders. What is the point of researching your chosen breed and patiently waiting on a breeder's list if the breeder doesn't follow the same rules? Breeders can't complain about joe public supporting backyard breeders if they don't honour those who try and do things the patient way.
Good luck!

I would never keep 2 puppies through choice so I kind of use that as a rule.  I won't do to anyone else, what I wouldn't do to myself!
1 puppy can heal her heart.  Only reason I think people take 2 is because they aren't going to spend enough time with them.  So they keep each other company?  But why bother if you are not getting him to keep yourself company?

A long time ago I had my name on a waiting list with a breeder, the litter arrived and I was told there was definately a pup for me. The day before I was due to visit and pay a deposit (if it was suitable) I called to confirm times etc. I was told someone else had been that day and paid a deposit.

I was so upset.....I have bred a couple of litters myself since and always feel bad if I have to let people down, even if its because there isn't the gender they want.

Having two puppies together isn't a good idea, you can rarely give them the attention and training the same as single puppies.

I don't think it's good breeder practice to let two go to the same home from the same litter.

i have only had two pups at the same time once. i loved it, but i am experienced with pups, had the time to give and i thourough enjoyed it. however i would never advise anyone to do this. pups will focus on each other rather than the owner. at my training classes i have had over the years about four sets of two with same owners and there was never a problem in sibling rivalry ect. however at the moment i have someone with two same age pups from diff litters and the owner is struggling with them. she has had the breed before so is experienced with the breed, but not having two together. def would NOT recommend it. 

Thanks for all the replies.

I think I have been swayed somewhat by the fact that it is christmas, losing a pet at any time of year is never going to be a bed of roses but on Christmas day it is going to be an increased heartache. I have had to think to myself if it were the middle of June would I feel the same way? I think the answer has to be whilst I would empathise I don't think I would be so hasty in thinking of letting this person 'queue jump'.
From experience it often turns out that many of my list weren't as prepared to wait as they initially said they were ( I have already had one contact  me to say that they have sourced a puppy elsewhere) or their situation changes. I have therefore reached a descision to stick with my usual principles and ring down the list...if it turns out that a puppy is available for said person then so be it.
If two are available ( which is unlikely ) I shall discuss the options more fully then.
Thanks for offering your opinions.. I think the fact that I felt the need to seek others' advice was a sign that I wasn't truly comfortable going against my usual 'system' anyway!

I think you should honor those who have been there from the start personally.

> I have therefore reached a descision to stick with my usual principles and ring down the list...if it turns out that a puppy is available for said person then so be it.

Good decision.  "Do as you would be done by" is another bit of good advice for your own peace of mind too :)