Why do people have more than one dog?

Question

Alright so, my family has a dog but I really wanted another one. (Not as like a replacement, though!)
My parents said no, because we don't need another dog. They said to just spend more time with the dog you have.
That got me thinking.. there aren't many people who actually NEED more than one dog, unless it is for working purposes or something, right?
So, what are your reasons for having more than one? I would like to see people's opinion on this.

Answer 1

WE Have always had more then 1 dog. Never sinking below two but have had as many as 6. Right now i just moved out and only have one. ITs wierd. Going back to my dads house where there are 4 four legged furballs running around i realized what makes me want more then just one.

Its the entire crew running up to you the minute you walk in the door each of them tyring to be the first and last you say hi to. ITs the unexpected attack from them while whatching tv. When its just one dog they dont act the same way. They dont have the confidence to run up and jump in your lap for no reason. Unless they have been raised alone thier whole life. My dog has NEVER been the only dog. He is enjoying it though dont get me wrong but i know that i am a multi dog kind of person. For now though our duplex will only allow one. But in the future i will get into bredding and be able to have however many it takes to get a good line going.

And just to clarify, we have only ever had larger size dogs. Border Colie- Bandit, Siberian Husky- Rock, Shep/ Grt Dane- Bella, Staffordshire Terr mix- Scooby, Australian Shep Mix- Sonoma, Grm Shep-Midori, Dal/ St Bernard-Skittles, Grm Shep Mix-Misery. All of our pups have been of good size. We havent ever really dealt with a smaller breed of dog.

Answer 2

I have had a foxhound for years, only him. Then I met a fellow who had a Brittany, and we moved in together. My hound and his dog got along very well, but his dog died within a year. Gary, my hound was devastated. So we got him a puppy. You can see them on Youtube if you search mastiff and foxhound. Anyway, Gary seems to be much happier since he has a buddy to play with. Gary also "mothers" the mastiff even though he is now 2 1/2 years old. Dogs are pack animals so I figure if you have the room and the time for 2 or more, it is best for them.

mastiffs360.com

Answer 3

My household has 4 dogs at this time, 2 inside, 2 outside. If you live in a suburb or city, I don't recommend more than one dog, however, I live in the country on several acres of land, so the dogs are happy with their freedom. The 2 indoors are AKC Shetland Sheepdogs, 1 male, 1 female. The 2 outdoors are a mixed breed, the older being the father of the younger, lost the mother, and siblings 3 years ago to anti-freeze poisoning. Dogs are a natural for deterrence of anyone wanting to harm my land or me for that matter. Thats why I have more than one.

Answer 4

Because I can love more than one dog at a time. My second dog (lab/shepherd mix) was almost a year when I rescued him from the pound, and I thought that he was just too young to have the death sentance.

It comes from my mom...she has 8 dogs right now, and the majority are rescues that didn't have anywhere else to go.

Answer 5

Because there are so many needy animals on this planet that do not have homes. That is why I have two currently. I had 60 in my rescue at one time which have all been placed in loving homes.

I feel that if you have the space, time and love for another pet please do it. So many animals die in shelters everyday over 4 million a year due to breeding and abandonment. Give a needy pet a chance. It is their only hope.

Answer 6

I have more than one for a few reasons.
1) I love dogs.
2) They enjoy playing together, and keep each other company while I'm at work.
3) The companionship, love and contentment I get from them both.

Answer 7

Many time logical rules have exceptions. Some breeds of dogs simply do not do very well by them selves. This is depending on the individual dogs "pack" instincts.
Many breeds, like my Beagles, are run as a "pack".
There are also probably as many different reasons as there are different breeds.

Answer 8

People have more than one dog because their current dog may get lonely and everyone who are pet/dog lovers love a new friend to the family.

Answer 9

i have 2....i always said one was plenty for us, for years but my older dog wandered in as a stray and made himself at home, turning into a wonderful pet, we had him for a little over a year and he just kind of laid around the house , he'd play with us of course but how many hours a day can you really spend playing with your dog when you have a life and kids otherwise? lol. anyhow, my cousin brought me this little tiny shih tzu one day that had been tossedin a corn crib and left, its been the best thing to ever happen to my older dog, he plays all the time now and is SO much happier, even when shes stealing his bones lol.i really think it was good for him. the shih tzu is almost 2 years old now and both dogs are happier and healthier for having company of their own kind around i think.

Answer 10

I currently have 6 dogs but they are working dogs and come to live with us for a lifetime... no throw-a-way dogs live at my house.

When I had the small dogs I had more than one of them because I worked a lot of hours and they could come in and out the doggy door and play together... it releived my guilt of leaving just one dog alone to be lonely....

JMHO
H.O.T. Dog
Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's