Dogs: 2 vs 1

shea77

We are considering getting a second dog.  Those that have 1 or 2 (or more) dogs- what are things to consider or what is your experience with getting another dog?

Chloe is about 2 1/2 and is the BEST dog in the world... but we want her to have a friend to play with. 

Would you recommend getting a puppy or a dog that is a little older?

Chloe is a female- is it better to get a male or female as the 2nd dog?

Keep in mind... we have 3 cats and Oliver (19 months) so it will be a FULL house.  I guess we love the idea of lots of animals and possibly more children running around.  We have a fenced yard and are very active.  Chloe is a snow dog so its important that the 2nd dog be big enough to endure the cold weather but not bigger than Chloe (40lbs). 

Any thoughts are appreciated.

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We have 2 dogs, they are brother and sister form the same litter, so I am no help on adding a 2nd.  I can't imagine them not having each other though!  Originally we got 2 because I was afraid of one being lonely.

Mike wants a 3rd but I said nope to that!

jasarah

I wish I could convince my husband to get another dog!  Boo. Are you looking at rescuing a dog?

I don't know that age should have a ton of pull in your decision, because it's really just want you want.  The good thing about an older dog, is you will know their temperament, and you can see how they are with Chloe.  With an older dog, though, you'll have to know that they'll get along with cats.  Pupplies are (obviously) much more work, but would more than likely get along with Chloe and the kitties.

Females typically don't get along well with other females, but it is completely up to the dog.  If you are rescuing, I would just take Chloe with you, and see how they get along. 

 

Victoria6F

Athena was over a year when H bought Ithaca. Athena was totally the domante female of the two. Ithaca, misses her like crazy. I think Chloe would do good at her age to introduce another dog. Both my girls were/are Masstiffs so they the same breed, just different types. Athena was a Neopolitain Masstiff & Ithaca is an English. So even though Ithaca is taller Athena was the boss! LOL

We'd like to get another too, but we're not sure how Ithaca would do w/another dog, especially a puppy, (she's 5, her life span is 6-8yrs)

You might be better off getting a dog that is a year, so they're not AS yippy as a pure puppy.

I hope this helps!

J.Johnson-Smith

We have two dogs..of the same breed, they are only 4 months apart though.  I would see if you could see how your dog tolerated a puppy first, because she may be annoyed?  Also though puppies are adorable the potty training and razor teeth are hard to deal with while having a toddler.  I puppy sat a week ago and she chewed and ruined several things (shoes/toys) and both my boys despised her as she was so rough and her teeth were so painful.  I think either way there would be a transition period.  Good Luck! I think having two dogs though isn't any harder on me, though more expensive at the vet .