[DD and Sue]

If one were to consider a second Havanese... (ok I am feeling that potato chip syndrome bad) Is there a better combination? Two females or one of each? Is there an age that is easier to introduce another dog? Both would be pet dogs - no showing.

Marj, I'm hoping to find an older pup just as you have in your new pup. I'm not up for the new baby thing again!

DD is going on 11 months and is a real lovey lady. She is my shadow and I don't want to put her out of sorts.

Any advice would be great!

 

[Laurief]

Sue - the potatoe chip syndrome def took over in our household. My first to were females & they did fine together, as one made it clear that she was the dominant one & the other took that fine. My third (who came in Jan) is a male & he too gets along fine with both girls. Again, the older girl does put him in his place often, but it is my understanding that the males are the less dominant in this breed. MY breeder suggested the male for my third to avoid any fighting for the alpha spot. So after rambling, I have a combo of all & never really had any problems at all. I can say that my male seems easier to train & is SO well behaved compared to the girls at his age! Not sure if that is just temperment or sex thing?
Laurie

 

[irnfit]

I have 2, one of each. Kodi is 15 mos and Shelby is 5 mos. They get along great. Kodi didn't like her for about an hour, then they were fine together. He is still a little jealous. If I pick her up, I have to pick him up. But all in all, they are best friends. As far as dominance, she was trying to be the alpha dog, but Kodi realizes that she is not that tough. She still is a little more aggressive than he is, but we have not had any problems. They are a joy!

 

[juliav]

I had two standard poodles (male and female) by the time I got Bugsy. Romeo - male was first, Brandy - female was second. Bugsy came to me at 12 weeks and just became part of the family. My female took to him first, took my male a couple of days. But they are absolutely the best of pals and all three play nonstop (too much!) Bugsy would have made a great alfa dog, if I didn't have Romeo. lol He rules the roost and no one dears to question. All three of mine are young 2 years 8 months, 1 year 4 months and 9 months.

 

[havlover]

I'll be interested to see how this thread grows. We have a male who is 6 months and we'd like to get a second Havanese after he is one year. In the past we had 2 bichons, one male and one female. The female was definitely the alpha and we got her 1 year after our male. I've been told by some friends who breed other types of dogs that a male and female are best. We are leaning towards a female but I know some folks who have 2 males and they get along great. My guy is somewhat shy so I don't want to cause any problems.

 

[marjrc]

You know, Susan, I hadn't actually planned on getting a second Hav right away. If I had to think about when the 'right' time would be, I would have probably said we'd be best to wait until Ricky was 1 yr. old. , maybe we'd look this coming summer since it would be nice to have the weather on our side.... but ...... I just happened to mention on a mailing list that maybe, perhaps, I'd START to look into another hav, an older one, late spring or summer. A mutual acquaintance put me into contact with our #2's owner and voila! It is a perfect match! Who knew it would happen so soon? LOL

I felt like it was an opportunity and one I thought we might regret passing up so after some serious thought and with hardly any effort to convince my husband - who is actually just as excited as I am! - we made it happen. You just never know!

There is a lot to think about - is there room in the van for another dog when we go out, will our friends and family still welcome us as if we show up with two dogs, can we afford the high quality food, vet expenses and insurance now that it's doubled, will we be able to train two to be 'good citizens' or will that be too much work, will our two cats totally freak out, who will watch them if and when we travel..??? And on and on..... I had SOOOOO many concerns. We made a 'pros' and 'cons' list and there were actually more 'cons' but the 'pros' were really good ones... so ... lol Here we are - and no regrets so far!

 

[Cosmosmom]

Funny !!

I know what you mean about the potato chip thing . I have 2 . My husband just said I hope you are not thinking about getting another one ..
If we did not travel I would get another one .. Time will tell