Advice - adding a second dog to the family?

[PinkieAG]

Hi,

My family and I just recently brought in a White German Shepherd (female) named Jada into our family last august. In june she will be a year old. We were thinking about getting another dog for her to play with? Is that a good idea? And if so, what kind of dog would go well with a big, friendly but protective, loves to play, crazy, fat, fluffy dog? My dad likes black labs, but isn't sure how well two big loyal dogs would do well spliting the difference between the family, if you know what I mean? It would be great if I could get some feedback. My family had been a "cat" family for years, but now thats changed...


Thanks so much,

Me:cool: =

[zoe08]

I think that if your dog gets along with other dogs, it could probably get along with many other breeds.

The main questions are what size would you like? Do you have room for 2 big dogs? What kind of grooming requirement and exercise requirements are you will to take on? etc.

[MrsRottie]

I think that if your dog gets along with other dogs, it could probably get along with many other breeds.

The main questions are what size would you like? Do you have room for 2 big dogs? What kind of grooming requirement and exercise requirements are you will to take on? etc.

Yup, I second that. There's very few breeds that don't mix very well, the main one that I know of is the Akita, but saying that I've known whole families of Akita's that have been just fine.

A Lab would be fine, they're good steady dogs and would love to have a fluffy white GS friend :D

[nats]

iv just got a puppy shes 9wks old now and my other dog is 3, there both jack russell cross breeds and get on great now, first 2 weeks they need 2 get to no each other slowly and supervised, and its quite stressfull wen there bombing around together playing can be very noisy,its nice though cus they never get bored anymore.

[nancy]

I would say a rotti would be a good choise they are so friendly good natured and so much fun. I got a little 5 month old bitch from a rescue and she came to stay with a 10 year old Doberman who has been on his own since our other dog died 5 years ago, so at first it was a bit of a shock. But now they play so much he is like a pup again. It is a bitch you have so I would suggest you get a male and unless you intend to breed with any of them I would get at least one of them sorted so there will be unwanted pups. They love having another dog to play with after they get over the first shock. When you are ready to get one let us know and we will give you some tips on how to introduce the dogs for the first time. This is very important. Regards Nancy.

[MaryGrace]

I would say great to another dog. I have a black lab, and they are just terrific dogs, but I agree with you: two big dogs could be tough. But it also could be great. It really depends on the tempermant of the dog: My black lab is very laid back, and not dominant, but another lab could be pushy and dominant and therefore not a good fit for your situation. Go to an animal shelter and see if a particular dog catches your eye. Bring Jada to the shelter too, to see if the dogs get along. The main thing to think about is the particular dog's tempermant, not a particular breed. :)

[ic_kennels13]

I would go with a lab puppy (but then, I might be a little biased towards them because they were the first breed I owned). I have a lab litter coming up soon, you could bring Jada to come pick out a puppy, when they arrive. Any questions about price, color, due date, etc. send to straberry_lick_my_lips@yahoo.com

[Becky]

If you decided on a getting another dog, I would definately look into getting one from a rescue/shelter.


If you'd like to purchase a pup, make sure you get one from a responsible breeder.

Here's a link to a pdf document frim the HSUS website on identifying a good breeder,
http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/Good_breeder.pdf