Owning two dogs also has its own special benefits and pitfalls. Dogs easily pass infections between themselves, and both will need inoculations, so your vet's bill may double as well as your food bill. Two dogs are more difficult to control than one, especially when off lead. Dogs of different sizes or ages may need different amounts of exercise.
Dogs are instinctively pack animals.
Watching their friendship develop can be a joy, but it can also lead to discipline problems if they bond more closely to one another than to their owner. If you are sure that you can offer a good, permanent home to two dogs, take some time to decide on the right two. Choose breeds that are inclined to get on with other dogs. Breeders or our own Canine Advice Life Lines can advise on this and there are special websites designed to help you choose a suitable breed for your life-style. Dogs with obvious differences often get on better than those who are very similar, and the contrasts will help you to form a strong, individual bond with each one.