You love having a dog so much that you're thinking of having another. But which dog breeds can live together?
Bringing a new dog into your home is a big transition, but it’s even bigger if there’s already a furry incumbent. It’s not a decision you should take lightly – read our guide on whether you should get a second dog - and can cause a lot of stress to your current dog, but if you decide to go ahead, it’s worth thinking about which dog breeds can live together.
Each breed has different personality traits and characteristics. Some may be very lively and energetic, while others may prefer to snooze on the sofa or sunbathe in the backyard. Pairing an incredibly excitable dog with a more docile breed may not be the best move, so it’s important to understand these traits before you commit. No matter how friendly and fun-loving your dog is, there are almost certainly breeds or individual dogs they wouldn’t want to live with, and responsible pet parents need to put their needs first.
Bouncy buddies
Right, let’s begin with Beagles. These pooches are incredibly versatile dogs with an inherent instinct to hunt. Because of their nature, they love being around other like-minded dogs and human companions, making them a good breed to live in a household with more than one pup.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are also highly energetic and playful, much like Beagles. These breeds can live together because they're are similar in their nature: gentle, friendly and in need of lots of exercise. With proper integration, these two breeds should thrive in the same household. Furthermore, Beagles and Labradors are both considered family animals that get along with children, as long as clear boundaries are set.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s a little less crazy, but still has bundles of energy and is very gentle, then a Whippet might suit. These lovable creatures adore being to humans but they also have a wild side which is brought out by their sighthound hunting instincts. They absolutely love to chase things, whether it’s their owner or other pooches wanting to have a good zoom about. They’d suit living with breeds with a very similar temperament, perhaps Greyhounds, Springer Spaniels or Beagles. Labradors and Golden Retrievers, however, might be a bit too boisterous for sensitive Whippets and Greyhounds.
Chilled out chums
A complete contrast to the breeds mentioned so far are Basset Hounds, who are very chilled out in comparison. Because of their docile nature, they tend to be happy in most situations and can deal with more energetic dogs, but might be better paired with dogs that match their temperament.
Saint Bernards, despite being their size, are incredibly soft and love being around similar dogs, so would go very well with a Basset Hound (and make for some very amusing photos).
Another gentle giant is the Great Dane. These dogs can be intimidating to look at, especially because they look like small horses, but don’t be fooled by their size. They’re a very sweet, chilled out breed that would fit nicely into this group - if you have a big enough home.
Playful pals
You also get more mischievous breeds, like Pugs. Pugs would benefit from another breed that can match their comical energy and become their playful partner in crime. Poodles have similar attributes, despite their intelligence. These curly creatures are also brilliant at being trained, so hopefully they’d be a good influence on the more rebellious Pug.
Whichever combination you end up with, don’t get despondent if your dogs don’t become instant best buddies. Your current dog in particular may struggle to come to terms with having a brother or sister, but once the adjustment period is over, the rewards can be amazing with your pups becoming inseparable and having plenty of adventures with each other.