Good 2nd Dog

Eric · 01-03-2012, 01:13 PM

I don't plan on getting another dog for a while, as Gunner is only turning 1 on 1/19, but I’m curious if GSD typically get along with specific dogs.
I understand that all dogs are different and can react differently. But wasn't sure if for example, GSD usually get along better with Husky's or Border Collies.
If there is no general rule... then what type of dog has been a good 2nd dog for your GSD?
Thanks,
Eric

Lucy Dog · 01-03-2012, 01:33 PM

It really depends on the individual dogs. Some get along, some don't regardless of the breed.

Get two herding breeds like a GSD and a collie and you'll probably see a lot of stawking and chasing and nipping at each other. That's just how those breeds are.

VegasResident · 01-03-2012, 01:56 PM

Depends on the dog. We are lucky to have a daycare where my boy goes all week so they tell us what types of dogs he prefers and that helps.

My boy plays with all dogs but does prefer the prick ear dogs, such as GSDs, huskies, etc. Probably easier to read when playing. Plus they play at his level. he also likes lighter and fluffier.

We tried earlier in the year to get a match for my boy but there was alot of terrier in the dog and my boy did not like how she played. We are going to wait until he is at least two.

Rott-n-GSDs · 01-03-2012, 04:47 PM

My GSDs prefer dogs that have a "rough and tumble" play style, just like them. My Rottweiler, for example, is a great match for them, although my male GSD and my male Rottie occasionally get into little skirmishes. Definitely go for a male/female combo.

I don't know that I'll ever own just one GSD at a time, though... My first GSD likes my Rottie and gets along with him, but she ADORES our other GSD.

Lilie · 01-03-2012, 04:58 PM

My male GSD gets along very well with my older male Golden and my female mini doxie. Although neither dog can keep up with his drive.

In February I'm bringing home a male Blue Lacy....just gotta stir the pot....

Chicagocanine · 01-03-2012, 05:18 PM

My GSD prefers smaller dogs for some reason. I think it really depends on the dog though.
I've noticed a lot of people have GSDs and terriers or GSDs and Corgis.

paulag1955 · 01-03-2012, 05:21 PM

Our 2nd dog is going to be a male GSD but our third dog will be either a Sheltie or an Aussie.

martemchik · 01-03-2012, 05:21 PM

Its fun watching GSDs and terriers interact, especially mini schnauzers. The schnauzer will hear things before the GSD and start freaking out and the GSD will follow. My boy gets along like that with a westie the family has. When they are together the westie will announce the noise and my GSD will follow. I call him "the muscle" as any intruder would probably laugh at the barking westie and then quickly realize there is a not so tiny GSD right behind him.

ZAYDA · 01-03-2012, 05:22 PM

I think much of it depends on how you trained your 1 year old. Of course by train I understand it covers a lot of different topics but when you own a GSD all topics need to be covered for a well tempered companion.

With that being said it will also depend on how you introduce a new pet into your GSD's domicile.

I feel having a good GSD or 6 GSD's it all depends on you as a owner not what breed will work for a second dog.

Chicagocanine · 01-03-2012, 05:28 PM

Also wanted to add, personally I am planning to probably get a Powderpuff Chinese Crested as my second dog. I know Bianca will be fine with that as she is really great with my cats and with the small dogs she's met (I've seen her manage to alter her play style in order to play gently with a Chihuahua mix while simultaneously playing more rough-and-tumble with her friend the Husky mix...)
If that changes, I will probably get another herding/working breed.

01-03-2012, 01:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Eric New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 8	Good 2nd Dog I don't plan on getting another dog for a while, as Gunner is only turning 1 on 1/19, but I’m curious if GSD typically get along with specific dogs. I understand that all dogs are different and can react differently. But wasn't sure if for example, GSD usually get along better with Husky's or Border Collies. If there is no general rule... then what type of dog has been a good 2nd dog for your GSD? Thanks, Eric

01-03-2012, 01:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lucy Dog Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,180	It really depends on the individual dogs. Some get along, some don't regardless of the breed. Get two herding breeds like a GSD and a collie and you'll probably see a lot of stawking and chasing and nipping at each other. That's just how those breeds are. __________________ Paul

01-03-2012, 01:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
VegasResident Master Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 919	Depends on the dog. We are lucky to have a daycare where my boy goes all week so they tell us what types of dogs he prefers and that helps. My boy plays with all dogs but does prefer the prick ear dogs, such as GSDs, huskies, etc. Probably easier to read when playing. Plus they play at his level. he also likes lighter and fluffier. We tried earlier in the year to get a match for my boy but there was alot of terrier in the dog and my boy did not like how she played. We are going to wait until he is at least two. __________________ Dogs Teach Us Unconditional Love Bindi - GSD (standard coat)- High School Jingles Bell Doyle - (12/1993 - 08/2004) Binky - my soulmate GSD dog (12/19/99-11/16/09) I miss her.. Romeo Bär - Long Standard Coat GSD

01-03-2012, 04:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rott-n-GSDs Master Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Range, WI Posts: 999	My GSDs prefer dogs that have a "rough and tumble" play style, just like them. My Rottweiler, for example, is a great match for them, although my male GSD and my male Rottie occasionally get into little skirmishes. Definitely go for a male/female combo. I don't know that I'll ever own just one GSD at a time, though... My first GSD likes my Rottie and gets along with him, but she ADORES our other GSD. __________________ Luna, GSD (11/22/08) Nova, GSD (07/01/07) Apollo, Rottweiler (06/28/08)

01-03-2012, 04:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lilie Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 6,289	My male GSD gets along very well with my older male Golden and my female mini doxie. Although neither dog can keep up with his drive. In February I'm bringing home a male Blue Lacy....just gotta stir the pot.... __________________ Hondo Von Dopplet L Bauernhof "Hondo"- GSD Lilie's Tug McGraw "Tug" - Golden Retriever Maggie - Mini Dachshund (Rescue) Lonestar - Texas Blue Lacy Funyon, Ashe, Soot - Barn Cats Scooter /1/2 Arabian, Shadow, Katie / APHA

01-03-2012, 05:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Chicagocanine Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,518	My GSD prefers smaller dogs for some reason. I think it really depends on the dog though. I've noticed a lot of people have GSDs and terriers or GSDs and Corgis. __________________ Chicago Canine Bianca HIC CGC TT (GSD)

01-03-2012, 05:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
paulag1955 Knighted Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Western Washington Posts: 2,781	Our 2nd dog is going to be a male GSD but our third dog will be either a Sheltie or an Aussie. __________________ Paula Shasta - GSD (4/30/10) RIP Duchess - Shetland Sheepdog (12/25/88 - 2/14/04)

01-03-2012, 05:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
martemchik Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,049	Its fun watching GSDs and terriers interact, especially mini schnauzers. The schnauzer will hear things before the GSD and start freaking out and the GSD will follow. My boy gets along like that with a westie the family has. When they are together the westie will announce the noise and my GSD will follow. I call him "the muscle" as any intruder would probably laugh at the barking westie and then quickly realize there is a not so tiny GSD right behind him.

01-03-2012, 05:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
ZAYDA Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: KENOSHA WI. Posts: 707	I think much of it depends on how you trained your 1 year old. Of course by train I understand it covers a lot of different topics but when you own a GSD all topics need to be covered for a well tempered companion. With that being said it will also depend on how you introduce a new pet into your GSD's domicile. I feel having a good GSD or 6 GSD's it all depends on you as a owner not what breed will work for a second dog.

01-03-2012, 05:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
Chicagocanine Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,518	Also wanted to add, personally I am planning to probably get a Powderpuff Chinese Crested as my second dog. I know Bianca will be fine with that as she is really great with my cats and with the small dogs she's met (I've seen her manage to alter her play style in order to play gently with a Chihuahua mix while simultaneously playing more rough-and-tumble with her friend the Husky mix...) If that changes, I will probably get another herding/working breed. __________________ Chicago Canine Bianca HIC CGC TT (GSD)

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