I currently have an 11month Miniature Schnauzer. Can anyone suggest a suitable companion for him?

Question

We'd like another dog that needs roughly the same amount of exercise and who is as good natured as little Bo. Any ideas?

When we first got Bo my parents' dog was staying with us. I think he really enjoyed the dog company and while we play with him lots and exercise him plenty we feel like he's missing being part of a pack.

Answer 1

Personally I would wait a while longer until Bo has finished maturing. Dogs go through the 'teenage' stage and you might have a few problems to deal with. If you are sure that you want another dog it would be better to wait until Bo is around two years old. Why do you think he needs a companion? If you are providing all his needs, including mental stimulation and physical exercise and of course socialisation with other dogs, then there is no reason to add another dog to the mix.

Answer 2

So glad you are going to get a companion for your Miniature Schnauzer. I am going to dis-agree with some of the previous answers. Get him a friend sooner than later. Young dogs adapt to each other much better than older ones and anyway the longer he is an only dog, the more difficult it is going to be to get him to accept sharing your attention.
My M.S. was actually bought as a companion for my Dalmatian. He was 3 months old when we bought him home and it was the best thing we ever did. The Dalmatian took to him straight away and became his surrogate mummy. They have been inseparable from the first moment they met.
I was unfamiliar with the M.S. breed until we had this little fellow but what wonderful pets they are. If I was starting over and already had a M.S. I am pretty certain I would go for another one but my experience just shows that size has not got a lot to do with compatibility.

Answer 3

I own a miniature Schnauzer mi self and i got her a little friend wen she turn a year so she could have more fun because of the reason that i had just had a baby i felt as if i was not giving her as much as attention as i did before so i went ahead and bought her a Yorkie, it took her a wield to get use to him because she was always the only dog in the house so she got kind of jealous at first but i would always tried to communicate with her by actions like if i would give her a toy i would give him one too so she will see that she was still going to be treated with the same love except that she was going to have to share some things and now she loves Tony they play and run around all day they sleep together on their bed and they are best friends.

Answer 4

I also own a 10 month miniature schnauzer! And I am also thinking of buying my Dutch a companion. I share your pain when it comes seeing that they may feel lonely after having played with my parent's dog. I grew up with 2 dogs all my life and saw how they played and loved each other. Now travelling a lot for work, my husband and I are convinced we need another puppy for Dutch to play and have as companion when we are out for so long. I agree that maybe we should wait until Dutch is more mature since now he is the baby and center of attention and it may take a bit more maturity for him to accept another puppy in the house to share his attention. Good luck on your decision! i understand what you are going through...its killing me! I also had a miniature schnauzer (that was not neutered) in m y house for a week. I was babysitting him, so Dutch played non stop with him. But it was a hassle since the guest dog wanted to mark territory everywhere. So something to have in mind!

Answer 5

Another Miniature Schnauzer. I've got 2 dogs of the same breed and age and they love each other to bits. Would recommend having 2 dogs to anyone

Answer 6

I have myself a standard size 18 months old schnauzer, 2 golden retrievers and 2 akitas. They get along very well. He enjoys playing with all of them indipendent of size. The response of the bigger ones to him is always protective considering he's the smallest of the group. When it comes to playing with a ball then he's mate is the year old golden retriever. So really it comes down to which dog do you really want. The only advise I would give stick to the opposite sex no matter which breed you choose. From my own experience they are very family orientated and faithful which brings out a streak of jealousness when another male dog gets your attention (even if they are good mates playing and sharing). Hope this helps you in deciding. Dogs do need a companion of the same kind just like children.

Answer 7

I myself have a Miniature Schnauzer. Just get another Schnauzer. They love to play w/ eachother. Or get a medium size dog. They will have a lot of fun!!! Hope I helped. Thanx. I love Miniature Schnauzers!!!!

Answer 8

I have a Jack Russel Terrier and he has a lovely temprament but is a handful. I did not want him to be on his own, but as a working woman I did not want to have another dog as I wanted to be able to give him the attention he deserves.

So, I acquired a kitten, my friends were speechless. In fact my friend who has my dog to live with her when I go on holiday just could not bring herself to say anything - a doggie lover - however when the boys went to stay with her she realised that they have somethin special.

The thing about it is that they have different needs. My dog likes to be made a fuss of and entertained with balls and such like. The cat likes a fuss once or twice a day for short periods, and plays with a ball on his own for hours on end. They also play together. I can give them all the attention they both need and they are good companions for each other.

It is just a thought - it worked for me and still does.

Just had to add this EDIT my cat went to the Vet today for a small operation, my dog refused to eat and was looking for him whilst whimpering! I am not sure that he is aware that they are different animals. Now that the cat is home he is settled and has eaten a big meal.

Answer 9

You need to watch what type of dog you go for as terriers can be quite fiesty.Given he is only 11 months he has still to mature.I would not go for another male dog , I would go for a female because there are less heirarchy problems between a dog and a ***** with no vying for top dog,perhaps if you like terriers a westie or a mini wire dachsund, a small dog with a big heart, or another of the same type.
Hope this helps, whichever breed you go for research the temprement and care requirements of the breed to help you decide. The kennel club do a breed standard section that will tell you about each breed.

Answer 10

Dogs are a pack animal he may at first object but as long as u give him his cuddles and not over fuss the new dog once he understands he is or she is 4 keeps and his nose isnt pushed out he WILL accept the change and grow to love his new freind.It was like that when i imported a new dashund from germany to mix with the two that i had at mums all was fine in my home,saddly i lost my old dog to old age,now i have a rescue greyhound with the two dashounds,all is fine.
Relax and remember u r the pack leader and what u say goes
in your home.All u r doing is giving him a companion a best freind and as with people that takes a little time to build and as we can have words they may have a tumble.Go on do it!