Same breed again after a dog has died

[OrangeCushioning]

My darling dog died very suddenly last year. At the time, I knew it would be a while before I could even think about another dog and I also thought I would get a completely different breed, as it would be too painful to get the same breed again and I would make comparisons, which would be so unfair on the new dog.

Well, a year had passed and I am thinking about a pup, maybe. But I keep being drawn to the same breed as my old dog- they’re just the most gorgeous dogs and perfect for my lifestyle as well. I’ve been looking at pictures online and really longing for one, although there may be a bit of missing my dog mixed up in there as well (ok, a lot).

Just wondered if anyone else had done this and how you found it?

I'm so sorry for your loss but I got the same breed a few years later when this happened to us and never regretted it. We've got a different colour though if that helps. My friend had the sibling of my old dog and when she died friend got a different breed entirely and said it really wasn't the same. Good luck whatever you decide

Personally, I’ve never had the same breed twice. I’ve been tempted but have realised that my circumstances at different times of my life have changed and that a breed that may have suited me 15 or 30 years wouldn’t be ideal now. I don’t really think that having the same breed would be an issue from the point of view of comparing them to a much loved and lost dog. All dogs have their own personalities and characteristics and I will have compared dogs with one another in any case, favourably and unfavourably, depending on whether they’re being good or naughty at the time!

I have some neighbours who have never had anything other than working black labs. They got their latest puppy a couple of years ago and because of their age and health issues, haven’t been able to give it the training and exercise it needs and deserves so they’re still struggling with it now.

it doesn’t sound like that would be the case for you though and you’ve obviously given it a lot of consideration so I can’t see anything wrong with getting another of the same breed if you love them that much.

Good luck looking for your next best friend x

I’m so sorry about the loss of your dog - it’s so hard.

I’ve always had the same breed (Weimaraners), all from the same breeder and bloodlines. Before I lost my first girl I used to wonder whether it would be fair to the next dog if I stuck with the same breed, but now I’m onto my third I can say I don’t ever think about it now. All of them have been so different in their own right, their characters are very distinct and I’ve never really compared any of them unfavourably against another (ok, well maybe a little bit with this last one, she was more of a handful as a puppy than the other two put together… 😁)

if you like a particular breed, then don’t feel you have to try another - you’ll get to know each new dog as a personality of its own.

I waited a while, then did get the same breed. A bitch this time when I've had male dogs before. She's so different to my old boy. Don't expect them to be the same, don't be disappointed if they aren't. Enjoy the differences.

Always have the some three breeds. They suit my lifestyle and my lifestyle suits them.

I love seeing some of the traits of previous dogs in my new dogs. I find it comforting.

I guess it's different for me as I breed...so I always have a hoard of Goldies.

But, I think it's important to remember that every dog is different. Just like every child a couple has, is different. The genetic material may be incredibly similar but they're still individuals. I have a boy atm who is 2, my sister has his littermate. They're polar opposites in every way. Physically, personalty wise, colouring, intelligence wise etc.

No dog can ever replace the dog you lost. It doesn't cheapen the new dog in any way, or damage them, to be compared to your old dog. Even if you got a dog of a different breed, you probably would still compare them - because that's human nature. But the bond and relationship you have with them will be different.

Personally, as with a PP, I find it comforting to have the same breed.

As LandSharksAnonymous being a breeder I’ve always had the same breed.
you must have had reasons to be drawn to the breed you loved so why change. They are all individuals

My friend did but in a different colour so it's the same dog, temperament etc etc (very laid back virtually horizontal dogs) but different colour so it's very much a "different" dog

I've always had male black Labradors. Though they have traits in common they have been individual personalities. A friend has always had male yellow Labradors. Get what suits your life best and is the loveliest to look at, in your opinion.

I'm on my 3rd border terrier all very different in personality and although obviously have same traits they really have been such different dogs.
I talk the talk about different breed of dog next time but I suspect next dog will be a border terrier.

A friend of mine who is in her sixties has always had the same breed of dog called the same name!

I've had various breeds over the years. I'm raising a cocker spaniel at the moment and she's the best dog ever. But as I'm late sixties she's realistically my last puppy.

That is weird! 😂

We had 2 Irish Setter mixed dogs and yes, when they died, we got another 2 Irish Setter mixes. You would make comparisons anyway, even if it's a different breed.

It seems to suit her, and her dog! She's not obviously weird in other ways.

I’ve had 3 different breeds & still always managed to compare them. A spaniel has stolen my heart now & I’m in no doubt I will always go for a spaniel when the time comes.

I also knew an older woman who's entire she'd had (various) Border Collies all called Muffin 😅

Over 50 years, first dog Shitzu,
then Rottweiler + Tri colour Cavalier King Charles together,
then German Shepherd with Black/white Cavalier.
Then a Tan Labrador….
married daughter Black Lab + Cavalier brown/white.
And now I have a gorgeous girl Cavapoo.
Daughter has a rescue boy crossbreed.
I’m mentioning daughters dogs as we look after each others when we’re on holiday, out for the day or whatever…. So they’re all sort of family dogs in my mind.
Daughters Cavalier died not too long ago and her husband is still too upset to get another one, just yet…

Sorry for your loss , it's just awful and heartbreaking. We got the same breed (lab x kelpie) but different colour. I don't think the same colour would have been a good idea . She has so many characteristics of our old dog and I like that .