I would like to get a second dog. I have a large breed at home. Is it okay to get a small breed as my second dog? Or should I get another large breed?

If you are thinking of getting a second dog, there are several important considerations, but size is rarely one of them. A large breed dog and a small breed dog can live together quite happily, as long as the big dog’s play style isn’t too rough.

More important than size is the sex of the two animals. If you have a male dog, look for a female as a second dog, and vice versa. Two females are sometimes incompatible, and two males may wrangle over pack position. Opposite sex dogs are most likely to get along well.

Most important is that your first dog is well socialized and well-behaved before you introduce another dog into the household. If he’s anxious, or barks a lot, he could easily teach your second dog the same bad habits.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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