What breed is good for me?

Hello,

I'm thinking about getting a puppy, I'm already getting a border collie puppy but I would like to get another dog as a play mate for him and for the enjoyment/challenge of owning two young dogs

I'm looking for a loyal, playful, intelligent dog. I'm home all day due to a problem I cannot work but I will not stop me caring for a dog. I currently have a 5 year old jack russell who loves other dogs and I'll be getting a 7 week old border collie in less than a months time

I'm hoping to show and train in obedience with a new puppy, I also have similar plans for Shadow (BC) I go on regular long walks mostly 1hour+ and on the weekends spend most of the day at the woods, which I am hoping for two dogs to come with me, My jack russell can't because she has a medical problem. I have a large secure garden where the dog can go when it pleases aswell as have the run of the downstairs of the house.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

I definately wouldn't get another puppy until the collie is at least 18 months old as it is incredibly difficult to raise two pups at the same time.

As for breed, I would wait to see what the new pup is like and see how you get on with the training etc as this will tell you if you could cope with a similar type (i.e working) or whether you need a calmer, 'easier' breed

Agree 100%. I would even contemplate getting a third dog as you haven't even got your second yet. Focus on your new pup and get another when he is fully mature and trained. Don't make the mistake of thinking two pups is a good idea...it isn't, believe me.

Why don't you wait a bit as with all the showing and training you'll meet lots of other dogs and doggy people in the course of which I bet you'll get a lot clearer picture of what you want in your next dog. By which time your new puppy will be about 18 months, a good age to consider another pup!

J.

another collie! butid also wait, if you want to do obedience training two at the same time do9es neither pup anygood! you might also see a type of collie arund the ob shows that you really like then you can get one from those lines!

Owning 4 BC's personally I'd wait. BC's need alot of mental stimulation and will take up time, having two if one gets bad habits the other will more than likely copy.

Only a personal opinion but having owned them for 48 years I wouldn't be tempted to have two pups together whatever the breed

Have fun

I definately wouldn't get 2 puppies together, not only will they be harder to train, but they will also grow old together meaning 2 x age related health problems (vet bills) and losing 2 dogs at a similar time.

Once you have your BC you will find yourself addicted to them and probably end up with a few!!! I now have 5 BC's, but they are spread out in age, 15 years old, 12 years old (today), nearly 9 years old, 4.5 years old and nearly 16 weeks old.

We wanted to get 2 at the same time but were strongly advised by our breeder not to. As everyone else has said Id wait till you have all your training esthablished with one before getting another (still in all likely hood your first could 'revert' back to puppy stage for a while when the new one come along or so Im told)

I'd also wait until your pup is a lot older. Plus, you won't be able to take them on your long hour walks for at least a year anyway, so I wouldn't worry about that yet.

When the time is right and you're ready, you'll have a dog who's met lots of other dogs, and you'll have a clearer picture of what kinds of personalities your dog gets on well with.

Hope that helps

I have to agree with all the advice you have already received. One puppy (especially an intelligent and active breed like a border collie) needs a lot of attention, time, training and socialising. Two would be a nightmare! Two pups often bond very closely together, to the exclusion of the human owner, and would need a lot of individual time spending with them.

When the time is right, and your collie is around 18-24 months old and trained to a good level, you could consider looking at getting another collie puppy (if you have decided your lifestyle is sufficiently stimulating and active) or a German shepherd. I have BCs and GSDs and the two breeds compliment each other perfectly.