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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

2nd dog advice

27 replies

blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 18:05

Hi, we have a 6 year old lovely black lab plus 2 kids (8&9) and am very keen to get a 2nd dog this year. I am around at home a lot and we are totally ready and committed to look after a new puppy! I had always thought we would get a 2nd lab but now I’m not so sure as our first is so special to us, we thought another breed would be good to try! I am also very keen on a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Our 1st dog is very chilled and whilst gets a good amount of exercise doesn’t charge around like a complete mad thing (well sometimes he does!) so think the two breeds would get on well. Does anyone have any advice on the 2 breeds together? Also any advice on 2 male dogs together or whether it would be better to get a bitch. Our lab is so gentle that I’m keen he doesn’t get dominated but we love male dogs! Any advice welcome. We are super excited but want to get this right! Thanks

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 01/01/2018 18:08

Have you done you research on cavaliers? Lots and lots of health issues with the breed.

Original poster
blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 18:31

I am doing loads of research now hence my asking on here. We haven’t made our mind up at all! I have also been looking at Kennel club assured breeders but anything you think I should particularly be focusing on asking please do advise. I guess there is always the potential with any breed to have issues(appreciate some more than others) but the main thing is to research the breeder well and so do anything you can to mitigate any risk. I’m keen to get as much advice as I can to help us make an informed decision.

OP posts:
Nifflerbowtruckle · 01/01/2018 18:34

Don't focus on kennel club. There is a Facebook page that I can't remember the name of they are campaigning for all cavies to have mri after the age of 2 but before breeding to rule out syringomylia (not sure on spelling). Very very few breeders will do this. I'd love a cavie but not whilst they are so lax on their health.

Wolfiefan · 01/01/2018 18:36

There are lots of health issues with this breed and my understanding was that there was no way going to a certain breeder or health testing parents would guarantee you wouldn't end up with a very sick dog. Syringomelia (spelling?) is horrific and I couldn't take on a pup knowing it may suffer young and die like that.

Original poster
blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 18:37

Thanks - it’s a minefield! If not a cavie, any advice on a good breed to match with a lab?

OP posts:
ThroughThickAndThin01 · 01/01/2018 18:41

Not much advice on smaller dogs as we have two labs. But have had several friends experiencing problems having allowed the second smaller dog on sofas, be a lap dog etc, when the lab isn't. So just a small thing to be aware of.

Original poster
blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 18:44

Thanks. Our lab is allowed on sofas in family room so no probs there! Not in other rooms though, and so a fair point. Thanks!

OP posts:
BiteyShark · 01/01/2018 18:46

What about a different spaniel? Cocker or springer?

Wolfiefan · 01/01/2018 18:47

Terrier type might fit the bill if you want a smaller dog. Could you make it to discover dogs at crufts this year? It's a chance to see different breeds and ask questions.
If your kids are older would you consider a rescue? Your dog would get to meet it and see if they get on. Lots of small rescues have dogs in foster homes so can tell you what their characters are like.

Original poster
blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 18:48

At this rate I could be quickly going back to getting another lab (no bad thing at all!). The other smaller breed I love are wired haired dachshunds but was worried would be too small and not a good match with the Labrador.

OP posts:
Nifflerbowtruckle · 01/01/2018 18:49

I wouldn't go for a springer they are lovely but generally crazy. I'd go for cocker spaniel, duck tolling retriever or a terrier.

Original poster
blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 18:51

Wolfiefan thanks. I was just looking at the dates for Crufts and had thought about a rescue but would also love a puppy as we rehomed our lab when he was 2. I will definitely look into that though as far better a dog gets a happy family home and as you say, the dogs would meet first which is very reassuring,

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 01/01/2018 18:54

I wouldn't discount a pup. Especially if you haven't had that experience.
It's hard though. We got our first pup just over a year ago. You can't leave them. At all. They need to sleep near you. They can't go out and walk but you can't leave them behind and walk the older dog for a couple of hours. The toilet training and training and getting them used to being alone was hard. (See the puppy survival thread!)
Love cockers.
Maybe see you at Crufts?! If I'm brave enough to take my girl who's qualified. Shock

dammitsc · 01/01/2018 19:05

If you like the idea of a cavalier I'd recommend a cavalier cross. I have a Cavachon (cavalier/bichon) and he's wonderful. Same size/temperament as a cavalier but less chance of health issues (he's also non moulting). Even 'respected' cavalier breeders sometimes don't do the proper health testing (being kc reg'd doesn't always mean much in terms of health).

Original poster
blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 19:05

Oh wow wolfiefan that’s fab! Congratulations!

OP posts:
Oops4 · 01/01/2018 19:51

I'd suggest a border terrier but then I am biased 😉 Generally very healthy breed and very affectionate dogs.

bigsighall · 01/01/2018 19:56

I second a cocker... general nice dogs but you might get a hyper one! However I know a couple of families with whippets and I think they might suit your situation well.

ShovellerDuck · 01/01/2018 19:59

I know someone with a Labrador and a young Cavalier, who thinks he’s a Labrador too. He’s very fit and sporty but many of the breed have heart disease.

BiteyShark · 01/01/2018 20:13

My parents had a King Charles Spaniel when I was young. All I remember was that he was overweight, snappy and had heart problems. Admittedly the first two issues were probably my parents fault.

Original poster
blindhorse1 · 01/01/2018 20:24

Thanks all! Lots of food for thought

OP posts:
honeyroar · 01/01/2018 21:23

Something with similar interests. We got a second lab (different type- one was show type, the other working type). Very different dogs but both loved water and balls. Our third dog (terrier cross) is baffled by their idea of fun!

bluetongue · 01/01/2018 22:03

I’m not sure about a young whippet with a mature Labrador. Mine is 10 months old and does plenty of lying around but when he wants to play he’s extremely high energy. He was at the park yesterday with lots of different breeds to choose from. The dog he was most closely matched for play style was an 8 month old Viszla. They were having a great time wrestling, playing Bitey face and ‘boxing’ on their hind legs. The vizsla owner was worried my whippet was too much for his dog though [snock]

TiredMumToTwo · 02/01/2018 12:55

I have a 7 year old lab & a 2 year old cocker / lab cross. They are both neutered boys, get on great.

mando12345 · 02/01/2018 13:00

I've got a labrador and I've always fancied a jack Russell if I could come with two dogs mess and hair! Tough little dogs with a real character.

Also think of the expense, the food is the cheapest item, insurance, wormers etc. Etc,

Tatie3 · 02/01/2018 22:39

A retired whippet or greyhound could make a good match, they don't need lots of exercise and are used to being kennelled in pairs.

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