I had three GSDs for a couple of years, until I lost one. Two 5 year old intact bitches (four months apart), and a 2 year old intact boy. Everyone got along. The mix of personalties I had worked well. I'm contemplating adding a puppy next month. Maybe.
Depends on the dogs. I have 3 male GSDs and one female. Male 1 and female get along, but sometimes they argue vocally, which makes them sound like a married couple--he always tries getting the last word in but she isn't having it. Male 2 has had issues with Male 1. They have got into a fight but it had something to do with the female(she got vocal and male 2 jumped in, but physically not vocally). Male 2 and female are now very close and are together all the time without issues at all. Female corrected male 2 once as a pup, he never has crossed her again--total respect between the two. Male 1 never corrected male 2 and I believe gave male 2 the upper hand as a result.
I always step in with the dogs and don't let them normally work stuff out themselves but I sometimes think in the case of male 1 and male 2 I stepped in to often and it might have caused more bad then good. I'm still observing them, so I haven't completely figured it out yet.
Three GDSs has been our norm for many years and we're about to do it again when the new puppy arrives.
Usually, it's two males and a female though we did successfully keep two spayed females happily together for several years. I credit their individual temperaments.
Bringing in a puppy is usually the safest way to go. Adults will tolerate a lot of puppy antics. Ideally, by the time the puppy's license expires they will be too bonded to fight.
Three just seems to be our natural number. The only time we kept more was when I owned a kennel. Three works for us.
One thing I liked about having my three was being able to take one dog with me, and not feeling bad about leave the other two at home. It seemed easier when they had company.
That is something I completely overlooked! Interesting point, since I intend to spend most of my energy on the new guy. Certainly a BIG plus providing they get along!?
As long as you weigh it all out, the potential for good and bad. We've have 4, litter mate females that are 6 years old, a 4 year old neutered male and a 2.5 year intact male. Currently the two males are not being "agreeable" so there's gates up and along with some management.
I had 3 GSDs for awhile, and while it was pretty awesome...
They all had personalities that complimented one another. I had a bossy male, meh whatever male, and a slightly bossy female (the youngest). I introduced the third dog as a puppy.
I have one intact male and two intact females and they get along great! My male is a year and a half and is a little excitable and sometimes annoys my older female. She is 3. We added a new puppy, she is 4 months old and she gets along great with the male and other female.. we are considering adding a new puppy to the mix as well, an Australian shepherd. I guess it all depends on the temperament of your dogs. In my opinion you can never have enough as long as you have enough time for each!
Your second female is 4 months, I'd wait at least until she fully matures before adding another. By then she'll be much further along in training allowing you more time to work with any newcomer and you'll know more about her adult temperament. Problems, if there they're going to develop, most often show up around maturity.
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