What do you think(dog play mate)?

Question

I have a 4 month old pug, with tons of energy. He loves everyone and everything, but he absolutely adores other animals. Cat's are his favorite, but since I recently lost my cat due to old age/illness I don't think I'm ready for another one. He get play dates with my friends pug whenever we can make it happen. I also have a much older dog, a toy poodle at the age of 10, who loves my pug, but just doesn't have it in her to play with him quite to way he'd like. She's at that age where she hides away in the bedroom, and only comes around when she wants to go out. We do live on a farm, and we're constanly outside working. Our pug is outside when we are, just doesn't get that sort of play that really wears him down and helps him sleep better at night. So, I'm considering adopting a dog. Do you think this is a wise decision? To adopt a dog wanting it to be a play mate for another? Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have another dog, but has anyone else done this and had it work out successfuly?

Also, what breed would you find best for this? I was thinking jack russel, as they seem to have tons of energy and thats just what i'm looking for.

The reason I was thinking about a jack russel was because of its energy level, and I live on a 20 acre farm. I work at home, as my profession is raising rabbits. I have time to dedicate to any breed of dog. I wouldn't mind a larger breed but am afraid of a larger breed getting to excited and accidentally hurting my pug.

And like I said, I know my dog loves cats, but I just don't think i'm ready for another cat.

Answer 1

I think it would be a great idea to get a friend for your Pug. I would suggest an English Springer Spaniel or Shetland Sheepdog. Both are medium sized dogs who require a fair bit of grooming but would make a great friend for your Pug, Poodle and your family. Considering you live on a farm, both would be fantastic for you, as long as you don't mind the extensive grooming that a Sheltie needs. If you can't deal with a lot of grooming, try a Labrador Retriever, German Shothaired Pointer or Beagle. A Lab is quiet big but if you get them as pups, they will learn to be gentle with smaller dogs. If you decide to adopt a Lab, be sure that he has been socialized with dogs of all sizes. With the Beagle, it's probably not the BEST idea due to the fact they they are scent hounds and if you let him outside without a securely fenced yard, he will escape on the hunt of an interesting scent. Pointers are great dogs. Very friendly, loyal and will get along with any other dog, as long as they are socialized with them at a young age. If you live in the US, you can go to http://www.petfinder.com and adopt a dog who needs a new home.

Answer 2

Is there a small dog park nearby? I've found that an excellent option when my dog was a puppy. We met other small dogs the same age and they had such great fun running & wrestling together. Our small dog group now has about 8 dogs, so there's usually at least 2-3 other dogs to play with when we meet. Most of them are around 2 yrs now, so they aren't as playful. Now to more specifically answer your question, I recently adopted a 2nd dog (male) as a playmate for my female dog. He's about a year younger & both are from the bichon family. While it has doubled my vet, food, grooming, & overall costs, it has worked out well for my first dog. They have so much fun playing together - alot of wrestling & running. They've only been together for two months, but I can already see the bonding between them (as well as us humans). When I start to question my decision to get a 2nd dog, I look at them having so much fun, and it's been worth it. Another alternative to a Jack Russell Terrier is a Rat Terrier. I don't know what the differences are, but my brother has a RT and he's a really nice dog. Lots of energy, but not "over the top"!

Answer 3

You seem like you're still mourning your cat recently passing away. It's very kind of you to think about a playmate for your pug, but make sure YOU are ready for another animal in your life. :]

A jack russell sounds great for your family, but they have the potential to be extremely high energy, and may annoy the other animals on your farm with their playfulness, especially if they're younger. Pugs are playful, but lower energy type of dogs [usually]. Although, yours may be an exception!

A beagle may do very well with you. They're very playful, easygoing, and are famous for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets in the family. They're still on the higher end of energy and are VERY social, loving dogs, but are still mellow enough to get along with. haha

Another one to look for is a welsh corgi. They're a good size for your pug, they're friendly, playful dogs, highly intelligent, and very affectionate. They also have loads of energy since they're herding dogs! Just one thing to remember is that male/female go along LOTS better than male/male will. So considering another female would be a clever move.

Good luck with finding a new playmate!! :]

Answer 4

Awww ... so sweet. I think it is an excellent idea! I have a male pomeranian that was also full with a lot of energy when I first got him. I got him his own dog, a female pomeranian (which I love her as much as I love him and spoil them both equally). They are best friends and absolutely adore one another. If you and your dog love cats, but, you think it is too soon, why not just look at cats first? You might be more ready than you realize. But, if you are not ready, don't push getting a cat yet. I lost a lab of over 16 years and thought I could never get another dog. However, when I saw my 1st pom, he stole my heart and really helped to fill the void and ease the pain from the loss of my lab. He did not take my labs place, but, he certainly brought a lot of happiness with him that took over so much sadness that I had going on. I wish you much luck with your decision and hope you find the perfect little addition to your family.

Answer 5

Get another pug, who is the same age but opposite sex. Dogs are better off in mixed sex pairs as long as they are desexed and with similiar breeds. They will then age at the same rate and understand each other better. Believe it or not different breeds of dogs because of face shape communicate differently. Read 'The Intelligence of Dogs'.
The worst fights in dogs who do not get along are same sex pairs, so do not risk it and instead get a desexed feamle pug. Jack russels are high energy for a lot longer then pugs, so you will be eventually looking for another dog to keep your jack russel company.

Answer 6

I think its an excellent idea! What a win, win situation. Your pug will have the companion and play mate he so desperately needs and you'll be giving another dog a well deserved home. A Jack Russel sounds cool..... what ever you choose I'd make sure they're around the same age and size. I'm sure once you get another dog in the house it won't be just his playmate you're surely going to fall for it too!

Answer 7

It sounds like a good idea and would keep the bundle of energy happy. I would adopt a border collie, they love to run and herd and would give the pug more than his fare share of play.

Answer 8

ive loved every dog i come by. I suggest a breed of the same size or another bug( same sex.. o.O) umm... remember to spay or neuter them.

I have 2 bitches rite now and well they don't seem to get along to well becuase one is a rat terrier pinsher mix and another a toy poodle. yeah big difference. Same size would be better but they seem to get along o.k. at the least but they fight a lot. =/ wish they were the same size or else my mix wouldnt be so big and agressive.

Answer 9

I think you've answered your own questions! You love dogs, you want another dog, you even know what breed you want, your dog wants another playmate -- what's stopping you??

Have fun with your new companion!

Answer 10

We went through this with our dog, She is a Boxer...Full of energy and never tired (It seemed) My father would play with her himself.
She loved it and grew closer to my father and when i would play with her she would grow closer to me aswell.
Just hop down on your pugs leval (on all fours)
And with your hands grab her front paws and tip her over and just be silly and play, (just like another dog would).
I recomend this because its alot cheaper easyer and down right fun!