Same breed as a companion for current dog?

[Migsy]

Been thinking for quite awhile that our Springer would do well to have a companion and started looking at getting a Golden Retriever or Golden/Labra Doodle. But it crossed my mind, that most people go for the same breed - any pros or cons of having 2 different breeds, or is it just personal choice?

And a pic.."I'm bored"

[Jasandjules]

We have two of the same breed purely because the breeder of our first asked us to rescue the second one. For some people they won't want two dogs of the same breed - but then two springers will wear each other out and play, and play, and play.... I don't think you want one high energy dog and one low energy dog as the low energy dog won't be as much fun for the high energy dog to play with......

[pikeyboy]

I have two GSP's, both bhes, one spayed and one not - they mostly live in harmony, however the younger one is often snapping at the heels of the older one. However the older one doesnt mind too much and just gives a her a growl to tell her to wind her neck in when she's had enough. If you do get two dogs just make sure they both know you're the boss in the relationship and beware at feeding times!

[Migsy]

Getting the energy balance right is a very good point - I can see them playing all night and me not getting any sleep!

As to sexes, we've a neutered male and I'm inclined towards getting a female.

Watching him out on walks, he plays well with pretty much any dog his own size or bigger that is interested, but hides behind me if it's a little yappy terrier!

[celticpilgrim]

We've had experience of both...
Lads v1.0 - GSD cross and Staffy cross, go on like house on fire
Lads v1.5 same GSDx and Lab - after short period of adjustment, got on like burning house.
Lads v2 (now older) Lab and new Lab - aren't too bad but Murph (older boy) is not the best at standing up to Charlie (new lab-now 18months) who does throw his weight about and at 18 months is bigger and heavier than Murph who is knocking on 8.

I swore I'd never get another lab as they are complete nutters for the first couple of years, but I wouldn't swap him for the world

[Morningside]

Love to mix.
Bassethound plus GSD
Terrier plus Bassethound
Bassethound plus CKCS.
Dachshund plus Bassethound and a Caviler King Charles Spaniel.
Corgi plus Dachshund
CKCS plus Corgi.

We also look after a mini poodle as well some times and they all get on like a house on fire.

I heard Dachshunds and CKCS live better as a pair.


But two springers together That does sound fun!

Edited by Morningside on Tuesday 7th February 19:17

[Migsy]

Subject to all going well tomorrow, this little girlie will be joining us for dinner!

She's a third gen (same as the MX5 then ) labradoodle. Should be less nutty than the Springer, should love the water, will be bigger than Cody (even though he stands tall being a long legged fella) and shouldn't shed her coat much either.

Meet Margot (on the right).....