Getting a dog is a major decision, and adding a second one to the mix brings a whole new set of considerations. From gender to size and everything in between, AKC Meet the Breeds offers dog lovers the opportunity to learn directly from the experts, including what to consider when adding a second dog to your home.
- Personality: Each dog is an individual with its own personality. Before adding a second dog to your home, you should have a clear understanding of your own four-legged friend’s personality and energy level.
- Gender: While there is no set rule that a female dog will be a better friend for a male dog, if you have never had two dogs at the same time it is generally easier and often safer to have dogs of the opposite sex. Same-sex combinations can be tricky to manage as dogs work out their dominance or pack order.
- Age: Take your dog’s age into account when considering a second dog. If you have a senior dog, getting a young, playful puppy might not be an ideal match. The older dog might find a rambunctious puppy too much to handle, especially if he has age-related issues.
- Size: Keep size in mind. A very big dog and a toy dog would need plenty of supervision together to make sure the little guy doesn’t get hurt during playtime.