Companion dog age question!

[karenjj]

Hi all, we've been borrowing my Mum's dog to keep our 1 YO lab company while we're at work (Ruby see sig) and my Mum does want her dog back at some point (sadly as he's lovely!) so we've been looking around for rescue dogs etc. and are going to view one on Sat at local RSPCA shelter. He's also a lab, he's 8, is this very old for a lab? Would Ruby annoy him at his age or is 8 an ok age?

 

[camilla4]

HI Karenjj - 8 is about late middle age for a Lab and most of them are certainly beginning to slow down by then, however fit and healthy they are. It is quite likely that a dog of this age will have a lower tolerance for a young whippersnapper - they are a good natured breed but it is possible that he may get a little fed up with a very young dog. It is possible to have them introduced? Don't rule it out - plenty of older dogs are very happy with younger company, but it is usually much easier if they have been together for a while. In your position, I would try to find a younger friend if possible!

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Speak to your local Labrador Rescue - they will be able to find you a companion if it is another lab you are after. You might get one a beautiful as Max

.....(cue gratuitous Max photo

....)

 

[MurphysMinder]

Any excuse Slinky

Would agree that an 8 year old might get fed up with the antics of a 1 year old. My GSD was nearly 8 when we got our pup (7 weeks), because Evie was so young Buffy has managed to still be shown some respect, but as your youngster is a year they may be a bit too bouncy. I would definitely contact labrador rescue, I am sure they would have something.

 

[camilla4]

Labrador rescue definitely the way forward (that's where mine came from!). Apparently the age group most in need of rehoming is 18th months to two years so you shouldn't have a problem at all.