Multi-pet households can be especially tricky, be sure that the breeds you’re choosing work well together before making any decisions. Opposite sex dogs will usually work best together as will high energy and low energy breeds and puppies and older dogs. Try to pick two breeds that compliment each other and remember that opposites attract. Choosing a puppy to bring into the home alongside an older dog will keep the older dog alive longer by engaging its puppy instincts and choosing a low energy breed to compliment a high energy breed will usually tame the more excitable dog. Keep these breeds in mind when choosing a dog for a multi-dog household.
Australian Shepherd
This breed was bred for herding purposes and is known for being highly intelligent, active, and good-tempered. Aussies can also be known for being a bit cautious around strangers and they require extraordinary amounts of energy to maintain their health. They have a very thick coat which means that it’s weather resistant but you’re going to have to brush and maintain it once a week. They make a great dog for indoor or outdoors and are highly obedient and loyal. If you have a low energy dog, this may be a good choice if you want to liven them up a little bit or if you have an older dog that lost its spunk.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This mid-sized dog is known for having a mild temperament and is happy to be energetic or calm which makes it a great companion for an older dog. If your older dog is having a rush of energy thanks to the new Corgi puppy that you brought home, your new Corgi will be happy to play along and won’t torture them when they become tired. They are also a herding dog and they are known for their obedience. They are a shorter breed of dog, although they can get up to around thirty pounds. Despite their short legs, they are known for their agility capabilities. This smart breed is easily trained and has a very adaptable personality.
German Shepherd
Despite being a large breed, this herding dog is also known for its affectionate nature. They have a medium energy temperament and can get to around eighty pounds in weight. They thrive outdoors and require quite a bit of exercise, but they are exceedingly obedient and easy to train. They are also extremely loyal and can make a great breed to have around the family and other dogs. This breed will work well with an older dog and puppies because it will assist you in training and try to get the older dog to play with them without being overly pushy.
Golden Retriever
If you’re looking for one of the most versatile dogs out there, you’ll find it in a Golden Retriever. They’re happy to be bouncing around, hanging out on the couch, or performing. Keep in mind that they can get up to around 75 pounds and are a large breed of dog. They thrive both indoors and out so you won’t have to worry but they are an athletic dog and as such they require some exercise. Be careful when exercising your golden though, they are known to have problems with their hips which can be detrimental to their health. They have a people-pleasing attitude and are happy to do whatever you wish and they make a good companion for humans and other dogs in the home.
Labrador Retriever
This is another highly popular breed, like the Golden, and they can get up to about eighty pounds. They come in one of three colors, black, yellow, or chocolate, and thrive indoors as well as outdoors. They are known for being obedient and like other retrievers they have keen tracking and hunting skills. They also have a very stable temperament and are very adaptable so they will be able to adjust to just about any living situation be it that you have other dogs, cats, or other animals. They are highly attentive to their owners and enjoy going for a swim, just keep in mind that they need exercise and regular grooming.
Shetland Sheepdog
This is a small breed of dog that is often mistaken for a mid-size thanks to their thick, heavy coat. They only get to around twenty-five pounds and about a foot and a half in height. They are known for their herding abilities as well as their agility talents and are extremely obedient. This breed thrives indoors thanks to its docile personality and is inherently devoted to its owner. They have a rough coat and love to be cuddled but can also experience bursts of energy which makes it a great companion for an older dog. Shetlands are also known for their patience which makes them a great companion for puppies and also require some daily exercise.
Pug
This small breed is known for its low energy which means that it will balance and compliment well with a high energy breed. Despite their low energy, they are known for their agility talents and they have a sweet and even temper. They are also very playful and outgoing making them a great choice for families with multiple children or families with multiple dogs. They are known for having a clown personality and for being huge people-pleasers. Pugs are highly adaptable and trainable and despite their playful attitude, they don’t require much exercise, if any at all.
Collie
Often confused for a Shetland Sheepdog, this large breed can get up to around eighty pounds and is known for herding, tracking, search and rescue, service, and agility. Needless to say, this breed is extremely obedient and thrives indoors and outdoors. They are very popular in Scotland and England thanks to their herding abilities but they are also very intelligent and protective which makes them a great pick for families. They are known for getting along incredibly well with children and generally prefer them over adults. They need moderate exercise but because of their playful, yet calm demeanor, they work well with low energy and older dogs.
Beagle
This breed can range anywhere from fifteen to thirty-five pounds and are usually just over a foot in height. They have a very sweet disposition and are known for their hunting abilities as well as their obedience and agility. They were originally used as a hunting companion and enjoy being in the company of others as they are a pack dog–this means that they thrive with just about any other kind of dog. They are exceedingly friendly and gentle creatures but they are also active so they’ll need daily exercise.
Cocker Spaniel
Cockers are a breed of small hunting dog that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They are known for being in the top 25 most popular breed in the United States in 2009. Cockers are working dogs but are also known for their cheerful disposition and gentility. They make great companions for humans and other dogs, alike. They are also known for being extremely intelligent which is what made them so popular for hunting. They are exceeding obedient and respectful of their owner’s. One of the only behavioral issues you’ll have to worry about with a beloved Cocker is that they will be too shy and they only way to avoid this is to have them socialized when they are young so it’s recommended to get another breed first and then to bring in a Cocker Spaniel puppy.