Nowadays, people are treating their pets like their children, which is why many are wanting to expand their “family” and get another dog. This can be a valuable addition to your household, and two dogs can easily keep each other company. One concern of many pet owners is that they do not carry out enough research and might end up with two dogs that don’t get along. Because they are such big parts of our lives, it’s important to make sure that your dog won’t become distressed with the new addition or even begin to fight. We’ve all seen the interaction between dogs and cats within the media historically, but a much more complex interaction is that between certain dog breeds. There is an interesting dynamic to consider as dogs can have very different personalities.
It’s also important to consider the role of competing for attention. Some dogs are pretty selfish and even have the potential to act out or become violent when there is another animal introduced that you want to spend time with. This is why we have some great suggestions for dog breeds that go well together that will hopefully suit you and your furry friend’s needs.
German Shepherds
These are notoriously protective creatures that have a lot of physical and social needs. You might be considering looking for a companion for your German shepherd because they are more energetic at times and need someone to keep up with them. Play is very important to German shepherds because they can hold a lot of energy, so need to blow off steam. Some of the best breeds to accompany a German shepherd are golden retrievers, border collies, Siberian huskies, and Labrador retrievers. While these breeds are similar in size to create a great balance, they are also more mellow and chilled out, meaning that they will even out your German shepherd’s temperament when needed.
Goldendoodles
A Goldendoodle is known for being a perfect family dog because they get on really well with children and other dogs alike. This is a great breed for most other types of dogs because they are intelligent, friendly, and very social. Goldendoodles love to be included in activities and would enjoy the addition of another friend, or even would be a good addition to your family.
Other Poodle mixes such as a Cockapoo or a Maltipoo (Moodle dog) would also be a wonderful addition to your family.
Pug
In spite of their size, pugs are a great addition to any pack, once they have had the time to acclimatize. They offer comedic value as well as bundles of cuddly company. Of course, with a smaller build comes less walking, and they will struggle to keep up with bigger dogs who enjoy playing. That said, they are very playful and mischievous, so will definitely keep you on your toes and get along with your other dog.
St. Bernard
This gentle giant is most widely known for looking after the children in the original Peter Pan movie. Originally bred for helping injured people, these adorable creatures are perfect additions to any family because they enjoy playing as well as cuddling. Many larger dogs enjoy the company of children and might even have a preference over adults. This breed is wonderful when given the correct environment and nurturing.
Great Danes
Running with the theme of size, great Danes are big softies at heart who want nothing more than to make friends with every dog and human that they meet. Great Danes get on well with children, adults, and other pets, and are perfect additions to any family who have the space for one!
It is usually the bigger dogs who are the most affectionate and will love cuddling up to you on the couch in the evenings. Of course, they will need to be placed in a home that allows room for them to run around and explore easily. That is why there are other options for those who prefer smaller dogs. Pugs can be funny little characters and entertaining additions to many pet dynamics. A very comedic interaction is that between a smaller dog and a bigger one because it is usually the larger dog who is completely baffled by the smaller one.
In summary, whether your dog is a bigger, smaller, or medium breed, there is a perfect addition for you out there. Make sure to do some more research and check specifics about temperament and safety. That said, your dog will greatly benefit from the social development of a new dog, as well as learning the dynamic of having to share their toys and human attention. Of course, there are a lot of other breeds that make great combinations and can be the best of friends. Another benefit of getting another dog is that there is less to worry about when you leave them alone at home. Just make sure they aren’t bad influences on each other!
