Second dog

[islandhealer]

Hi

We have a one year old labrador cross german shephard who we love to bits.

She is extremely intelligent and gets so excited at times that she finds it hard to control her behaviour, but is gradually getting very obedient. However because of her size and often over-friendly nature, people and other dogs tend to get scared of her. But she is such a big softie and absolutely adores people, children and other dogs.

I'm sure she would really enjoy the company of another dog. But it would have to be small and quite laid back as I'm sure she would love it to pieces.

However, I have no idea what breed to get - maybe a yorkie?

Any ideas please
thanks

[brunosmom]

Hi Islandhealer...welcome to the forum...:wave2: I think a Yorkie might be better for the more experienced owner. They tend to need grooming and aren't recommended as being good with little children as they are the ones that usually get hurt by the young children and are quite expensive. Maybe a cocker spaniel, terrier or beagle might be a better choice.....:) or even just visiting your local shelter a check what is available....welcome again..:)

[MrsRottie]

Hi and welcome :)

Why would dog#2 have to be small? Seems a bit odd to have a huge GSXLab and a tiddler - wouldn't walking be difficult? You'd have one going slow and the other pelting along trying to keep up ;)
I'd also worry that big dog just might sit on little dog and squash it....but then that's based on my two eejits!

Why not go along to your local shelter and see who you fall for? Most shelters will arrange meeting sessions for your current dog and the one you want to adopt, so you can essentially trial them together....

Good Luck and can we see some pictures please??

[Borzoi mad]

Hi and welcome to the forum from me and my Gang. I have three large Borzois and 2 little min LH Dachshunds and the two young borzois and the dachies are great together, however as you want one for company for a lone dog I tend to agree with BMum and Mrs R I would go for a larger breed and visiting a rescue is a good idea there are lots of dogs out there looking for a forever home.

[vagreys]

I would be looking for something of similar size, temperament and activity level. Your dog will calm down as it becomes an adult, but it will still need plenty of exercise. A dog with similar needs and abilities will make a better choice than a breed with completely different requirements.

[LesterJ]

Well, we have big and little (see avatar), and it has worked out great. Big dogs and little dogs can and do make good buddies. I wouldn't recommend the yorkshire terrier though, if you say your dog is already high energy. Maybe a different terrier or terrier mix might work better.

You might look at adopting a rescue or shelter dog too. The advantage to adopting would be that you might be able to arrange for the two dogs to meet before you commit, so you could see how they might react to one another.

Usually for a big dog/small dog companionship, you should pick a sturdy small dog. You don't want the smaller dog trampled or hurt by the bigger dog.