One dog or two? And if two, what would you pick?

[BBP]

Much like my ‘definitely not looking for a horse but if I was...’ thread, I’m not looking for another dog. I don’t have a big enough car, I don’t have much of a support network and it’s a lot to ask family to look after a second dog too, especially if I have to go back to the office (unlikely to be more than 2 days a week but still) and the one I have has turned me grey (some of that is due to BBP too!). BUT, my mind occasionally drifts to the what ifs and it makes me wonder how I could manage it and if I could manage, what would I get. (My dog trainer neighbour keeps telling me I’ll end up with another!)

Do you think the dogs themselves benefit from being in pairs? What about for an existing dog that has lost his social skills through lockdown? Used to play and interact beautifully with other dogs til a couple of lockdown attacks, now he will snap at most if they get too close, fine if they pass more than 3m away (so he’s not crazy reactive). Do existing dogs get jealous of a newcomer? Can you ruin their temperament? Collie is a real cuddler and will push in for cuddles if the cats come looking for attention, but is very unphased about them stealing his food from him. Is it better to introduce a puppy, or an adult that you can assess first as to how they get on? What issues do you come across juggling two?

Then the ‘what would you get’? I adore border collies but I’m not sure how good a job I did with this one (he’s a fab dog now, but as I had a severe neurological issue when I got him at 11weeks I think he has some issues from that as we both got a bit anxious, now I’m pretty chill and so is he...unless bin day!). I have cats who are super important to me. I am enjoying running with my dog, and love general training with him too. I don’t like anything flat faced. The two other types of dog I’ve always liked are working line GSD’s and Norfolk terriers (bit different I know!!). But I don’t have experience of any breed except 2 completely different border collies!

So many questions!!! And purely hypothetical right now.?

 

[CorvusCorax]

I live on my own and have three, I wouldn't be without them but it is a tie, my garden is trashed, I have very little free time and I can't really go anywhere for long or have lie ins etc. One is definitely easier and having help would be great, but it is what it is. I wouldn't want to be working/training two young dogs at the same time, my older two are retired, which makes life a lot easier.
GSDs of any flavour can be same-sex aggressive, need a lot of stimulation and tend to be bullies in terms of play.

 

[splashgirl45]

i now have 3 and if i was to get a 4th it would be a whippet cross border collie if i could find one. but this is hypothetical as it would be very impractical in my tiny cottage, but i do see small lurchers occasionally on rescue pages and daydream.

 

[DabDab]

Eira the westie was very dog anti-social when we got her but loves little Dee dog (despite still insisting on ordering her around), and is really quite miserable if she isn't around. Bit of a different situation though because obviously I already knew Dee and how she just loves everyone and everything.

However, I wouldn't ever keep only one dog again, I like them having a doggy friend when I'm out.

Not sure what breed...I love terriers so that would always be my pick, but maybe something like a German Spitz would suit you. They are pretty (I think anyway), and generally fairly easy temperaments who would probably be happy to run with you.

 

[BBP]

I live on my own and have three, I wouldn't be without them but it is a tie, my garden is trashed, I have very little free time and I can't really go anywhere for long or have lie ins etc. One is definitely easier and having help would be great, but it is what it is. I wouldn't want to be working/training two young dogs at the same time, my older two are retired, which makes life a lot easier.
GSDs of any flavour can be same-sex aggressive, need a lot of stimulation and tend to be bullies in terms of play.

I don’t think mine would enjoy a bully playmate, he’s quite a gentle, sensitive dog. He likes zoomies and bitey face wrestling but not being splatted. So I can perhaps cross off a GSD. Plus I’d need a waaaayyy bigger car! My garden is already trashed as it floods and the dog then tears out to tell off the squirrels and jackdaws and rips it up.
I’m planning to stock fence my horse fields this spring so I should have some nice off lead running space soon, but I still think the garden will suffer.

 

[BBP]

Eira the westie was very dog anti-social when we got her but loves little Dee dog (despite still insisting on ordering her around), and is really quite miserable if she isn't around. Bit of a different situation though because obviously I already knew Dee and how she just loves everyone and everything.

However, I wouldn't ever keep only one dog again, I like them having a doggy friend when I'm out.

Not sure what breed...I love terriers so that would always be my pick, but maybe something like a German Spitz would suit you. They are pretty (I think anyway), and generally fairly easy temperaments who would probably be happy to run with you.

German spitz do look pretty. I had thought of a Finnish lapphund before I went for the collie.

 

[meleeka]

I have two dogs again after only having one for a while. Existing dog is a JRT bitch. Any dog had to be submissive to her as she has only child syndrome ? she’s a princess and being a JRT is unlikely to ever change her opinion or back down. We’ve ended up with a German Shepherd who has had a rough life and is nervous of everything and it’s worked out amazingly. The JRT is most definitely the boss and the GS isn’t brave enough to challenge that, but she’s learning about confidence and being sociable from the JRT.

I don’t think the JRT minded being an only dog at all, but equally shes enjoying having a friend who is happy to fit in with her and matched her in terms of calmness.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I don’t think mine would enjoy a bully playmate, he’s quite a gentle, sensitive dog. He likes zoomies and bitey face wrestling but not being splatted. So I can perhaps cross off a GSD. Plus I’d need a waaaayyy bigger car! My garden is already trashed as it floods and the dog then tears out to tell off the squirrels and jackdaws and rips it up.
I’m planning to stock fence my horse fields this spring so I should have some nice off lead running space soon, but I still think the garden will suffer.

They are major Splatters, unfortunately.

 

[Lintel]

They are major Splatters, unfortunately.

Can ditto this.
I think I've come across one gentle GSD ... mines is not. Plays ROUGH and given the opportunity will SPLAT any four legged friend. Right enough will stay away from anyone giving him the stink eye ?

 

[BallyJ]

I Have a JRT and we have a Labrador, they're great together! and it's nice to have 1 that listens when the other one isn't!

 

[Clodagh]

We used to be a proper rural cliche and have terrier and labs. They played beautifully as the labs never minded the terriers being a bit over emotional.
Now we only have labs, but 4, I love them dearly but we have no life at all outside them. Day off work for us both tomorrow and we will lie in until...7am! woo hoo! On the plus side my OH exercises them and they hang out with him while I am at work. If I was single I'd have some kick ass kennels and they'd be out there while I was at work. We never leave more than two together.

 

[Sandstone1]

I have 2. Have had three and been down to one. I find two is a nice number as they are company for each other as long as they get on. Three is more of a handful for walking etc. I have had GSds for years but lost my last one last year. As much as I love them they can be bullies with other dogs and also play rough. They can also have a lot of health problems. I will have another one day but at the moment have a lab and a labx They are great, love their walks but also chill out, they play nicely together too.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

I don’t think mine would enjoy a bully playmate, he’s quite a gentle, sensitive dog. He likes zoomies and bitey face wrestling but not being splatted. So I can perhaps cross off a GSD. Plus I’d need a waaaayyy bigger car! My garden is already trashed as it floods and the dog then tears out to tell off the squirrels and jackdaws and rips it up.
I’m planning to stock fence my horse fields this spring so I should have some nice off lead running space soon, but I still think the garden will suffer.

German spitz do look pretty. I had thought of a Finnish lapphund before I went for the collie.

Don't have any video of my 3 playing together, but I knew I had seen a video of other Finnish Lapphunds playing on YouTube. Would perhaps this suit your current dog's playing style:

ETA I might jinx something by saying this, because I presume they exists, but after 15 years of owning the breed, I haven't met a Finnish Lapphund that wasn't good at socializing yet.

ETA 2 Most Finnish Lapphunds breeders I know of, have several bitches living together without a problem, sometimes in combination with 1 or more entire males.

 

[BBP]

Don't have any video of my 3 playing together, but I knew I had seen a video of other Finnish Lapphunds playing on YouTube. Would perhaps this suit your current dog's playing style:

ETA I might jinx something by saying this, because I presume they exists, but after 15 years of owning the breed, I haven't met a Finnish Lapphund that wasn't good at socializing yet.

ETA 2 Most Finnish Lapphunds breeders I know of, have several bitches living together without a problem, sometimes in combination with 1 or more entire males.

That’s definitely more his style than being splatted!
Lapphunds are such gorgeous dogs, I love seeing your girls when you post pictures of them. I so nearly went for one last time round, as a puppy had unexpectedly become available when I was looking. Not that I regret going for a border collie, I have learned sooo much from him.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would always want to have at least 2, we currently have 3, because we had a pair of Rottweilers and one had cancer of the spleen and had to be pts aged 6. Her sister was devastated, so we got a couple of Lab pups. They play beautifully together most of the time but we would never leave the \labs (now about 18months) loose in the house with the Rotter, she is very big and heavy and plays like a Rottweiler and accidents could happen with no-one there to supervise.
We have had up to 7 dogs (all bitches), different ages, different breeds, some litter sisters, some singles, some introduced as pups and others brought in as adult rehomes. Of all that lot though, we had a pair of LabxGSD's who were the youngest of them all. We were eventually left with one on her own, with an elderly cat whom she had known all her life. She seemed to be much happier and more relaxed as an only dog but spent a lot of time cuddling the cat. Those pups were rather odd all their lives, although the sister fitted into the pack better than she did.
IME dogs are tying but 7 are no more tying than 1 and the *vast* majority of dogs like canine company. I would rather go out and leave 2 than one on its own.

 

[BBP]

I would always want to have at least 2, we currently have 3, because we had a pair of Rottweilers and one had cancer of the spleen and had to be pts aged 6. Her sister was devastated, so we got a couple of Lab pups. They play beautifully together most of the time but we would never leave the \labs (now about 18months) loose in the house with the Rotter, she is very big and heavy and plays like a Rottweiler and accidents could happen with no-one there to supervise.
We have had up to 7 dogs (all bitches), different ages, different breeds, some litter sisters, some singles, some introduced as pups and others brought in as adult rehomes. Of all that lot though, we had a pair of LabxGSD's who were the youngest of them all. We were eventually left with one on her own, with an elderly cat whom she had known all her life. She seemed to be much happier and more relaxed as an only dog but spent a lot of time cuddling the cat. Those pups were rather odd all their lives, although the sister fitted into the pack better than she did.
IME dogs are tying but 7 are no more tying than 1 and the *vast* majority of dogs like canine company. I would rather go out and leave 2 than one on its own.

That’s sort of my thinking, that I’m already tied down with one, so a second wouldn’t change that aspect. It’s a bigger ask when asking others to look after then whilst I’m on a long day at work though, currently he sleeps all day of at my sisters and doesn’t cause her any bother at all. But I would only ever want to get another if it was to benefit my existing dog and make his quality of life better and make him happier. It’s really hard to know if that would be the case or if it would stress him out. Id hate to have two and have to keep them separate because they didn’t get on, that would be really tough given it’s just me. I guess with an older rescue type you could do introductions to see if it’s a match, but a puppy you just don’t know what they will make of it.

 

[Clodagh]

That’s sort of my thinking, that I’m already tied down with one, so a second wouldn’t change that aspect. It’s a bigger ask when asking others to look after then whilst I’m on a long day at work though, currently he sleeps all day of at my sisters and doesn’t cause her any bother at all. But I would only ever want to get another if it was to benefit my existing dog and make his quality of life better and make him happier. It’s really hard to know if that would be the case or if it would stress him out. Id hate to have two and have to keep them separate because they didn’t get on, that would be really tough given it’s just me. I guess with an older rescue type you could do introductions to see if it’s a match, but a puppy you just don’t know what they will make of it.

My mum has only ever had one at a time, mainly collies, and they seem very content. I think they like being with humans more and collies are so clever and focussed they get a lot out of human company.

 

[L&M]

We find 2 easier than 1 - they keep each other company when we are working, entertain themselves and we are lucky to have a big garden so they also exercise each other. However we have just thrown a 3rd into the mix as my oh was desperate for a shooting companion so we now have a cocker too.

To walk we keep the terrier on the lead unless chasing a ball, but the whippet goes off lead the majority of the time. The pup has only just had her 2nd vacc so will see what walking is like with 3 at the weekend. Hopefully once trained she will also be off the lead.

I wouldn't have 3 if I was single but as we take the dogs most places together, and share the dog related chores, don't anticipate 3 being an issue - if we go away we usually take the dogs with us.

Breed wise I don't think there is a magic formula, the main things is they all get on.

 

[BBP]

My mum has only ever had one at a time, mainly collies, and they seem very content. I think they like being with humans more and collies are so clever and focussed they get a lot out of human company.

He definitely loves attention and will soak up as much training and as many cuddles as I can give. Life has just got to the point where it’s really easy having him around, we have a good thing going, he and the cats all get on ok now. Adding another would probably throw a massive spanner in all my hard work. I probably only think about it because sometimes the way he looks at other dogs I think he wants to play with another dog but has lost the confidence through lockdown, and I feel like I’m denying him that. Especially since he doesn’t really play with me. He will bring me toys but if I then try to play with them he looks at me like I’m an idiot!

 

[HorseyTee]

I once had 12 dogs (3 adults, litter of 8, and a boarder).

Always had 4 until I lost my old girl last year. Now I just have 3.
And tbh will probably stick to 2 in future.

Had all sorts of breeds and sexes as I used to board as well.
My own lot were bullies, Labradors, chihuahua's, a dachshund, ex had a smooth collie, and boarders were all sorts from huskies to a Hungarian puli.
Mix of bitches and dogs. Neutered and not.

All always got on amazingly.
They seemed to thrive having so many buddies to play with or snuggle with.

So obviously I'd say always have more than 1 lol.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Sure a puppy/second dog could disturb your circles, but if you get a new one with suitable, easy-going temperament, it might also turn out to blend in with your current dog + cats easier than you think.

 

[Lots of Gift Bags]

I would say, given your time constraints and your general anxiety, to stick with one dog. Yes, 2 can be good company and play with each other but there will be double the worry and you'll have to work around any issues.
We thought that having another dog would be great for Juno, and whilst she loved Rocky (and is really missing him) she missed out on her human play time as she resource guards, so we couldn't play with toys, we had to be very careful at feed time and feed them separately, and if I tried to do training with one of them, the other got upset.
If you really want him to have doggy playtime, have you considered putting into doggy day care occasionally?

 

[Chiffy]

I currently have three dogs. I have not kept one dog on it’s own since our first dog after marriage. We bred a litter and kept a pup and I would never keep a single dog again. Mine get on so well, never a cross word, share toys, aren’t possessive to be the one who has my attention. I love that they have each other if I leave them.
Mine are all retrievers , two flatcoats and a rescue supposedly retriever cross but there is a good dose of collie in there. Flatcoats have easy going friendly temperaments although they are high energy.
I don’t have any problem training one at a time, there is no jealousy.

 

[scats]

I have 3 dogs. All arrived separately.
Mine all get on well. They’re not snuggle together kind of dogs, and they like their own space, but we don’t have fights (play fights, yes)
The only time I find 3 a bit much really is when 3 wet, muddy dogs come back off a walk!
That said, when my older dog passes, I won’t get another. We’ll stick to the two little ‘uns.

 

[rextherobber]

Our GSD is positively saintly and gears his level of play to his playmate, he is very respectful of senior dogs, and very tolerant of the cats ( who love to wrap their front legs around his tail, and rake it with their back legs while they bite...) He was very trainable, and I'd imagine would go well with a collie ( bred for similar jobs after all!) They do have the health issues, as mentioned previously, but I think that's the only negative thing about them. You could do dog agility with them. I'm not a huge terrier fan, I'm afraid of them getting stuck down holes!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I don't think I would want 2 collies, or a Collie and a GSD, they are too similar in temperament, imho. Although having said that, our 'rescue' BC was a very gentle, easy-going soul. I would want to find a very calm companion, so that would probably rule out a terrier or a spaniel, too. Of course if you were to approach a good rehoming centre, they should be able to find a suitable 2nd dog.

 

[Clodagh]

I think two is good if you don't have an enormous amount of time for them, an extreme example are my MIL's dogs, at least they can entertain each other. As his life is structured in a way that suits him, and he isn't left for long in your shoes I'd stick to one.
Not saying that those of us with multiple dogs use that as an excuse for neglect!
As for training I sometimes take a couple out together but is more beneficial one on one usually, except for steadiness, so having two means you go out twice. Often I go out three times a day to do the younger ones, as well as walks on top of that.

 

[buddylove]

My JRT enjoyed being an only dog for 9 years until we moved to a bigger house and got our lab, now we have 4 (including my miniature long haired dachshund pups), but he would still rather be an only dog (plus he is old and cba'd with most things these days apart from sleeping and eating).
When I was a kid we had GSD's and collies together, which got on fine, but they were outside working dogs. Not sure I would want them all in the house together!
Temperament wise I don't think you could go wrong with a lab/retriever of some description to complement a collie, they are so easy going, gentle and generally less neurotic than a collie.

 

[Auslander]

I'd be inclined to make sure current dog would like a friend first! My dog gets really fed up when we have dog visitors, and sulks until they leave. He is perfectly pleasant to dogs outside the home, but makes it very clear that it's his house, and he prefers to be an only dog.
He is much more interested in people than other dogs

 

[AmyMay]

We’re about to get a second dog. But with BC’s they’re pretty focussed on their person. Certainly the ones I’ve had anything to do with certainly couldn’t give a stuff about other dogs in general.