Things To Consider When Choosing A Second Dog?

[kima]

Even before we bought our current dog, my partner and I agreed that we would eventually like to be a two dog family. Whilst we are not planning to get another puppy for another 2-3 years, it seems like now would be a good time to start planning, getting advice and getting in touch with breeders etc.

We currently have a 10 month old Stafford, Marlo, and whilst i love him to pieces, it wasn't my choice of breed. OH and I agreed that we would each get to choose the breed of one of our dogs (with the others approval of course), so this time will be my turn! Marlo is a very well socialised dog and loves other dogs (big and small) so i think he will be thrilled to eventually have a play mate.

We will not be getting another dog until we have bought a house, and whatever house we buy will have a big backyard, suitable for two active dogs (this is a must!)and my partner and I are both very active. At the moment the breed that has really caught my eye and sounds like exactly what i would want in another dog is the Pointer (Not a GSP, an "English" Pointer). However OH is not entirely convinced and would prefer a Rottweiler or GSD. At the moment i have my heart set on a pointer but i am always open to suggestions! The things we do agree on is that we want an active dog, something reasonably easy to train and with the potential of doing dog sports with (endurance or agility), must be short haired or require minimal grooming (I have owned a Schnauzer before who hated being brushed-never again!!). We also both love sooky dogs that like cuddles and whatever dog we get will be very much an indoor dog when we are home and part of the family. We are also intending to (hopefully) add some human children to our family in the next 3-4 years.

So what i was hoping to get some opinions/advice on is..

1) what sort of age difference between dogs works best? If we were to get another dog in 2-3 years that would make Marlo 3-4 years old.

2) what gender mix would people recommend considering our current dog is male?

3) what are some ways to meet and interact with new breeds? Having never met a pointer in person i would love to see if they are what i am expecting!

4) for people who are planning to have children would it be best to get a puppy first (say a year before) or baby first?

Thanks!

[dotdashdot]

Even before we bought our current dog, my partner and I agreed that we would eventually like to be a two dog family. Whilst we are not planning to get another puppy for another 2-3 years, it seems like now would be a good time to start planning, getting advice and getting in touch with breeders etc.

We currently have a 10 month old Stafford, Marlo, and whilst i love him to pieces, it wasn't my choice of breed. OH and I agreed that we would each get to choose the breed of one of our dogs (with the others approval of course), so this time will be my turn! Marlo is a very well socialised dog and loves other dogs (big and small) so i think he will be thrilled to eventually have a play mate.

We will not be getting another dog until we have bought a house, and whatever house we buy will have a big backyard, suitable for two active dogs (this is a must!)and my partner and I are both very active. At the moment the breed that has really caught my eye and sounds like exactly what i would want in another dog is the Pointer (Not a GSP, an "English" Pointer). However OH is not entirely convinced and would prefer a Rottweiler or GSD. At the moment i have my heart set on a pointer but i am always open to suggestions! The things we do agree on is that we want an active dog, something reasonably easy to train and with the potential of doing dog sports with (endurance or agility), must be short haired or require minimal grooming (I have owned a Schnauzer before who hated being brushed-never again!!). We also both love sooky dogs that like cuddles and whatever dog we get will be very much an indoor dog when we are home and part of the family. We are also intending to (hopefully) add some human children to our family in the next 3-4 years.

So what i was hoping to get some opinions/advice on is..

1) what sort of age difference between dogs works best? If we were to get another dog in 2-3 years that would make Marlo 3-4 years old.

2) what gender mix would people recommend considering our current dog is male?

3) what are some ways to meet and interact with new breeds? Having never met a pointer in person i would love to see if they are what i am expecting!

4) for people who are planning to have children would it be best to get a puppy first (say a year before) or baby first?

Thanks!

I've never had experience with pointers (Only GSP's) so can't comment on that. But have you considered a Dalmatian? I rarely recommend my breed, they can be quite full on, but what you want, sounds like a dal (active dog, smart, great for dog sports, short haired/minimal grooming and a big sook, but maybe not as much as a staff).

As to your other questions, we're getting our 2nd Dalmatian next year, giving a gap of nearly 3 years. I think it's a good gap, they won't be puppies together (which is crazy hectic) and we won't have one old getting cranky with one young. They will have similar energy levels (hopefully).

I think getting the opposite sex is the best bet for harmony. No guarantees but I've heard it's the best bet.

Try to find some dog shows, the best way to find pure bred dogs and handlers all hanging out together! Usually best to wait until they aren't about to go into the ring though.

My husband and I are also planning on children in the next 5 years. We're doing puppy first - they mature more quickly! My sister got a rescue pup right after she had her 2nd child and suffered PND - another reason why I would go puppy first. At least then you can have a mature dog that isn't chewing shoes and needing to be toilet trained along with a baby!

[darlingdog]

Hi Keema....I have no experience of staffies so don't know their play style at all..I can tell you about pointers though. I have four and also do pointer breed rescue. Pointers are a wonderful family dog and generally have very soft, sooky temperments. They have never met a couch they did not love and need to be with their humans. Pointers need LOTS of exercise and this must include being able to RUN...walking is not really enough.If they are not kept well exercised and mentally stimulated they will amuse themselves by de constructing all your landscaping and shredding all their bedding LOL!! They are extremely affectionate generally and gentle with kids though a young exuberant pointer might accidently knock over a small child. They are extremely playful with other dogs...not sure how suited a staffy and pointer are as playmates others on here will know more than I do about that. They LOVE playing with other pointers. Pointers do not do well with a heavy handed training style, they can be quite sensitive so could be quite different to a staffie in that regard. I see you are in Victoria....Marinapoint would be a good breeder to contact to find out more. Yvonne is very approachable and has lovely temperment dogs.From my observations pointers interact really well with other gun dogs.Do lots of research, pointers are the most wonderful breed of dog to own but they are not a breed for everyone so please be sure you think the pointer will fit your situation. Good luck with your research and I hope you find the dog you are looking for you sound like a very caring owner.

[tdierikx]

Tell your OH that Rotties and GSDs shed lots... and he will be in charge of the vacuum if he wants one...

T.

[Purdie]

I also thought of the dalmatian when i read the OP .If you like the English Pointers then take your hubby to meet some at the breeders too.

[Dogsfevr]

I show pointers & find there not into rough playing & often prefer to hang off there owners (ie stand on 2 legs)

They can be very lazy & very active & very birdy,hate the cold .

There are many dog shows in Victoria but if you pick a bigger one you will see Pointers in attendance & certainly many others breeds.

I guess the main question is do you want a second dog that is like minded or a breed that is more soothing to what you have or 2 crazies ??

Sex wise we suggest the opposite & then a pup that ideally shows a nature that is what you are after to what you currently have .

Ie if your male is dominant then you don't want to like minded animals .

[kima]

Thanks everyone for the fantastic replies!

My childhood dog was a Dalmatian and he was wonderful, that's what initially got me thinking of a pointer as the breeds appear to have similarities. I just love the sound of pointers, they seem like such gentle natured dogs!

In regards to play styles, our friends have a Dalmatian and a foxy and we regularly have play dates. Marlo and the Dalmatian love playing together, the foxy isnt keen on playing though so Marlo leaves her alone. I'm hoping Marlo stays this way as so far he seems pretty good at adapting his play style.

If we were to get another dog it will be very much my dog which would mean 4-5km runs at least 5 times a week, plus walks

I will definitely be looking into shows to try and meet some pointers though!

Dotdashdot I think you are right, puppy first seems like a better idea!

Tdierikx that is brilliant! I will be using that :)

[Salukifan]

I think the general rule of thumb is to avoid having dogs too similar in age, gender or size.

If I wanted a larger, active dog for dog sports, I'd suggest a femaie German Shorthaired Pointer - temperamentally more trainable than most Pointers IMO and I'm confident that they'd handle a Stafford well enough.

[voloclydes]

I think some of us over think things too much...

I made a flippant comment on here and ended up with an extra dog.... I had a jrt chi and a dal and partner had jrt and foxie cross. Sophie another dal made 6. So long as your prepared to work with what ever dog you choose it should work out.

[Dogsfevr]

I think the general rule of thumb is to avoid having dogs too similar in age, gender or size.

If I wanted a larger, active dog for dog sports, I'd suggest a femaie German Shorthaired Pointer - temperamentally more trainable than most Pointers IMO and I'm confident that they'd handle a Stafford well enough.

But harder to live with .

Pointers are trainable but they require a gentler style ,GSP may be more trainable but can be very hard to live with

[Nevafollo]

Even before we bought our current dog, my partner and I agreed that we would eventually like to be a two dog family. Whilst we are not planning to get another puppy for another 2-3 years, it seems like now would be a good time to start planning, getting advice and getting in touch with breeders etc.

We currently have a 10 month old Stafford, Marlo, and whilst i love him to pieces, it wasn't my choice of breed. OH and I agreed that we would each get to choose the breed of one of our dogs (with the others approval of course), so this time will be my turn! Marlo is a very well socialised dog and loves other dogs (big and small) so i think he will be thrilled to eventually have a play mate.

We will not be getting another dog until we have bought a house, and whatever house we buy will have a big backyard, suitable for two active dogs (this is a must!)and my partner and I are both very active. At the moment the breed that has really caught my eye and sounds like exactly what i would want in another dog is the Pointer (Not a GSP, an "English" Pointer). However OH is not entirely convinced and would prefer a Rottweiler or GSD. At the moment i have my heart set on a pointer but i am always open to suggestions! The things we do agree on is that we want an active dog, something reasonably easy to train and with the potential of doing dog sports with (endurance or agility), must be short haired or require minimal grooming (I have owned a Schnauzer before who hated being brushed-never again!!). We also both love sooky dogs that like cuddles and whatever dog we get will be very much an indoor dog when we are home and part of the family. We are also intending to (hopefully) add some human children to our family in the next 3-4 years.

So what i was hoping to get some opinions/advice on is..

1) what sort of age difference between dogs works best? If we were to get another dog in 2-3 years that would make Marlo 3-4 years old.

2) what gender mix would people recommend considering our current dog is male?

3) what are some ways to meet and interact with new breeds? Having never met a pointer in person i would love to see if they are what i am expecting!

4) for people who are planning to have children would it be best to get a puppy first (say a year before) or baby first?

Thanks!

Well if thats the case, I HIGHLY reccommend you and your OH meet some pointers!!! And I'd go a female! Age time lines ect are debateable, whenever your ready!

I show my guys but have also recently started dog sports/training and they ARE smart, just require a gentle hand.

EDITED to add, mine love playing rough and they mix with alsorts of breeds some of which are roughr nd Ive never had an issue. Showdog is right they do hate/feel the cold and they can be very birdie but if you put the time into training them off lead as babies usually they can be taken offlead as adults.

Edited April 4, 2013 by Nevafollo

[The Spotted Devil]

Just a side note....Dallies shed like there's no tomorrow. 24/7. Brilliant dogs though :D I run mine in agility and obedience - more than capable but slightly more of a challenge.

The Pointers I see are much lower key and softer than GSPs but the latter are more working type dogs bred specifically for field/retrieving trials....very intense.

Edited April 4, 2013 by The Spotted Devil

[RiverStar-Aura]

You also mentioned that your OH would like something like a Rottweiler or GSD. I've never owned either breed but I would imagine both are not really suited for agility (Rottweiler especially), however, I could be completely wrong here.

It really all depends on what you're looking for in a dog. I'd suggest a Beagle, however, they do shed a lot too. On the other hand, they love to snuggle with their humans and love to run around.

I know my Aussie Terrier (6.4 kilos) is the best of both worlds -- her best friend is a SBT x and you should see her rough and tumble!!! -- and she's also the biggest snuggle bum ever.

There are just so many wonderful breeds around it's very hard to find just the 'right one' -- I'd love to be able to trial one of each then pick my favourite!!

[tiff-689]

Every situation is completely different and one dog is different from the next but I have owned both a staffy and English pointer and probably wouldn't own them in combination again... My situation was a little different as I got my pointer when she was 6 months old and she had been really poorly socialised with both people and other dogs. My ex partner had a staffy so when we moved in together the dogs started living together. The staffy had a very dominant and aggressive play style and my pointer, completely submissive and timid. It was hard work keeping them together!

My pointer now lives alone and has completely come out of her shell. They are beautiful dogs, very receptive, must be by your side during every waking second and as others have mentioned, very sooky! As much as ide love another dog I actually think my pointer is happier alone and as the centre of attention.

Never the less, with the right training and socialisation most breeds and capable and happy living together :)

[blakkjackal]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

I too would suggest a dalmatian or even a standard poodle (although they require grooming every now and then -- easy though just to trim them down if you have no plans on showing the dog). Poodles don't even shed and make wonderful, active, social, easy-going companions. I know combinations like poodle-rotty, poodle-husky, poodle-doberman and all get along really nicely.

e: Also... As your current dog is only 10 months old and being a staffy, he is not matured yet and things might and probably will change (e.g. how he goes with other dogs) so the safest bet would be to get a dog of the opposite sex.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Hockz

[Salukifan]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

So those of us with sighthounds shouldn't have them if we don't allow them to course live prey?

[blakkjackal]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

So those of us with sighthounds shouldn't have them if we don't allow them to course live prey?

Is this activity legal here? If not then of course I wouldn't want anyone practicing it. Simulating hunting by lure coursing is often just fine and with other hunting dogs plenty of nose work (tracking etc.) will be better than nothing. Still, as it is very much legal to hunt and use pointers and other hunting breeds I'd leave them for those jobs.

[Salukifan]

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1365122349[/url]' post='6166009']

1365122164[/url]' post='6166006']

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

So those of us with sighthounds shouldn't have them if we don't allow them to course live prey?

Is this activity legal here? If not then of course I wouldn't want anyone practicing it. Simulating hunting by lure coursing is often just fine and with other hunting dogs plenty of nose work (tracking etc.) will be better than nothing. Still, as it is very much legal to hunt and use pointers and other hunting breeds I'd leave them for those jobs.

So using them as guide and assistance dogs is out too?

[blakkjackal]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

So those of us with sighthounds shouldn't have them if we don't allow them to course live prey?

Is this activity legal here? If not then of course I wouldn't want anyone practicing it. Simulating hunting by lure coursing is often just fine and with other hunting dogs plenty of nose work (tracking etc.) will be better than nothing. Still, as it is very much legal to hunt and use pointers and other hunting breeds I'd leave them for those jobs.

So using them as guide and assistance dogs is out too?

Nothing is out if they also get to do what their drive and nature tells them to. I know plenty of dogs that compete in agility and hunt, do obedience and hunt, are service dogs and hunt (labradors).

[Kavik]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

I too would suggest a dalmatian or even a standard poodle (although they require grooming every now and then -- easy though just to trim them down if you have no plans on showing the dog). Poodles don't even shed and make wonderful, active, social, easy-going companions. I know combinations like poodle-rotty, poodle-husky, poodle-doberman and all get along really nicely.

e: Also... As your current dog is only 10 months old and being a staffy, he is not matured yet and things might and probably will change (e.g. how he goes with other dogs) so the safest bet would be to get a dog of the opposite sex.

That's a silly argument! As long as you provide enough activity and mental stimulation, it is fine to get a breed for something other than it has been bred for! What about all of us who have herding breeds primarily for other sports such as agility or flyball? Or who get a GSD primarily for obedience?

There are several people who are very successful in agility with various pointer breeds - GSP and Vizsla mostly.