Dexter is almost 14 months old and loves other dogs to bits. All he wants is a playmate. I have always had 1 GSD and never had 2 dogs. However, we can now afford both time and money so are thinking of getting number 2! Rescue or puppy, what breeds other than GSDs go well together. I was thinking of a Spaniel due to high energy etc. Anyone got any suggestions? Not a Pug or handbag dog as I dont want to carry it after a mile or so!!!! Thanks in advance
I think a spaniel (springer?) is a good idea. It needs to be an active dog to keep up, and also not one that will compete with the GSD for a place by your side. ;-) A Springer or Cocker will have its own agenda (scent / retrieve fun) and their outgoing nature will balance the Big Girls Blouse that is the Shepherd. I was considering a Springer myself recently but then Prince came along.
My advice is not about breeds but about waiting. Your GSD is now entering what can be the most obnoxious phase of male dogs and you do not know what you have got at the end of the lead until they are at least 2 usually 3. So my advice would be to wait another year before getting a companion.
Thanks for the replies C&D and SB. All other GSDs we have had, have been from rescue and have usually been 3+ when we got them. This is the first pup we have had. I guess waiting another year to 18mths wont kill us. Like you say, I guess we will know what the almost finished product will be then. I wasnt sure if waiting longer would cause issues with introductions etc but what you have said makes sense. Still - recommendations welcome for next year!!!
Well I have a Weimaraner and a GSD and they get on fine, even though both are "one man" dogs so to speak. I remember years ago someone saying having both breeds would "look funny"?! I am not sure what they meant and why they should look any more peculiar than any other combination but each to his own. But the possibilities are endless.
I have a pug and a papillon, and mine are no handbag dogs! and I def dont carry them the pug is now over13yrs but believe me Mouse the Pap keeps up with the collies.
Would you consider a rescue staff? If you can rescue a dog we all know the shelters are overflowing with them! They can easily keep up play with a much bigger breed, have high energy levels well into old age and they cant be much farther from a handbag dog lol...although they would probably try and fit in one if you offered it to them!
I have CPs with my GSDS more active/high energy needs but a pack dog as you can keep several bitches kenneled together. Westies if brought up correctly are good with GSDs and Border Terriers both active small breeds
Sorry if I offended anyone with my handbag dog comment! I didnt mean too! I just see so many people carrying their dogs around!!
I have considered another GSD but not sure we have enough room for 2 of them! As Dexter is a dog, am I better to look for a bitch? Do you get problems with pack status etc with 2 dogs? He hasnt been castrated yet either.
To be honest, if your dog is of a good temperament, most active medium/large sized dogs will fit the bill. Most of the gundog breeds would fit, some of the pastoral breeds, some of the workers, etc. I personally think that dog and bitch is a better combo.
I fostered a little rottie bitch and she seemed to be a good match with my GSD although didn't have her long. I would say any active breed really and i suppose your less likely to have any issues if you get a bitch although my GSD lives with a male dog fine.
I think, as others have said, in general, yes a dog and bitch combination works the best. I volunteer for GSD Rescue and if the prospective home already has a dog, then I usually advise they look at a bitch.
There are several really big, and young, GSDs at our local park; they play beautifully with a cute white Staffy puppy. He's 9 months and already a very strong, stocky fellow. Also, lots of lovely Staffies in rescues, waiting for caring new homes Or what about another GSD - again, quite a lot in rescue?
hi. i had one rescue gsd in 2000. i rescued another gsd a year later. max was 18mths by then. jeager was 6mths. i was able to take max to meet jeager, and spend time with him to make sure they would be ok together. that was essential. max was attacked by a lab/dalmation cross, twice in the same week..he never stopped fighting after that. i had to take them out seperately, take them out training and agility seperately. as it was, jeager was the only dog that max didnt attack. also me and my partner split up, and i had to remortgage the house, so i could keep the dogs. another owner of two dogs, once advised me.."when its good, its twice as much fun... but when things go wrong, its more than twice as hard!" very wise words. just think of all the things that could go wrong, first!
What breeds do you personally like? That's probably the best starting point. I agree with all the previous suggestions, but in the end you have to find the breed appealing and your lad has to get on with the dog in question. And I personally enjoy having a dog and a bitch as a pair. It's generally your best bet for a harmonious pair.
