Are you wondering which are the best dogs to get in pairs?
Adopting two dogs can be quite challenging, especially if you don’t pick the right combination.
Some breeds just plain get along better together.
So, keep on reading to discover 7 dog breeds that work well in pairs and enjoy having each other’s company.
7 Best Dogs to Get In Pairs
You’d think that dogs will get along with other dogs of the same breed since they’re supposed to be a pack, right?
Not so fast! See, scientists have challenged the notion of pack dogs in recent years.
Basically, our entire idea of pack mentality in dogs stemmed from what amounts to a massive misunderstanding of a study of captive wolves.
The truth is, not all dogs like other dogs, no matter how affectionate and sweet they are towards people.
Such dogs see other dogs as invaders of their homes and can become quite vicious and aggressive.
On the other hand, some breeds work together to hunt, guard, or protect.
They enjoy having a playmate and an accomplice in their shenanigans.
It keeps them from destroying the house or developing separation anxiety.
So, for this list of the best dogs to get in pairs, I’ve selected breeds that don’t like to be alone and might work better as a pair.
#1 Poodle
Look at that aristocratic stature, magnificent coat, and intelligent eyes!
Poodles have been among the most popular breeds for ages, and their achievements in the show ring are legendary.
While Poodles might look like snobs, they are affectionate, playful, and goofy. What better qualities when you want a pair of dogs?
Moreover, being one of the most intelligent breeds, Poodles are highly trainable, eager to please and learn with ease.
So you won’t have much trouble training two dogs at once.
That’s the other reason why getting Poodles in pairs is a good idea is separation anxiety.
Poodles bond closely to their owners and might become distressed and destructive when alone in the house.
Moreover, people consider Poodles a hypoallergenic breed because they don’t shed much dander and fur.
However, their coat is high-maintenance, so they aren’t the easiest hypoallergenic dog when it comes to grooming.
#2 Corgi
If you happen to meet the queen of England, she will tell you that you can’t have too many Corgis in your life.
These dogs are so cute and adorable that once you’ve got one, you’re bound to want another.
One of the reasons why Corgis are better in pairs is their energy levels.
Since Corgis were herding dogs, they’re far more energetic than you’d expect from a cute small breed and need plenty of exercise to stay fit.
Moreover, Corgis love to eat and can quickly put on weight without enough daily exercise and physical stimulation.
Having two Corgis will make it easy to keep your Corgi at a healthy weight.
Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are two separate breeds with similar personalities and one notable difference.
Pembroke Corgis have docked tails, while Cardigan Welsh – long.
Both breeds get along well with other dogs and animals with proper socialization.
#3 Labrador Retriever
Do you know which the most popular dog breed is?
If you’ve guessed Labrador Retriever, you’d be right.
There’s something in those puppy eyes and soft fur that makes Labradors irresistible.
Thanks to their sociable nature, mellow temperament, and playfulness, Labradors are one of the best dogs to get in pairs.
They’re friendly dogs that thrive when they’ve got company and don’t tolerate loneliness very well.
Moreover, Labradors are working dogs and aren’t the lazy breed most people assume they are.
Labradors are the happiest when they’ve got a job, and that’s why they do so well as service animals, therapy dogs, and emotional support pets.
In general, Labradors get on well with everybody and won’t be sad when you get a second dog as long as you socialize them well.
They also adore children and love to take part in tea parties.
#4 French Bulldog
Look at the French Bulldog and those adorable bat-like ears!
One of the sweetest companion dogs, the French Bulldog, is next in our list of the best dogs to get in pairs.
Goofy, mischievous, and intelligent is how people often use to describe French Bulldogs.
We can add that Frenchies are also sensitive, adapt well to apartment living, and don’t take much space.
So, why not have two instead of one?
Since French Bulldogs are a companion breed, it’s not surprising that they attach to their owners and don’t tolerate being alone.
If you’re a busy person and want a Frenchie, getting two is an excellent solution to boredom and separation anxiety.
However, French Bulldogs often drool and snore and aren’t the best dogs for neat freaks.
Having two would mean that you’ll have to put up with twice the noise and the mess.
But Frenchies are one of the sleepiest dogs and don’t need much exercise.
#5 Beagle
If French Bulldogs attract attention with their unique appearance, Beagles enchant with the cutest puppy eyes you’ll ever see.
It’s easy to give in to your Beagle’s whims when you gaze into those warm hazel eyes, but owners beware.
Most people let the Beagle’s innocent expression fool them into thinking that they’re getting a calm, mellow dog.
There’s a good reason Beagles get on so well with children, and it has nothing to do with being an affectionate breed.
Just like children, Beagles are full of energies, mischief, and stubbornness.
Beagles are scent hounds, so they always follow their nose and are notoriously hard to train.
There’s no denying that having two Beagles can be exhausting, but Beagles don’t tolerate loneliness very well.
They’re used to hunting in packs and can bark relentlessly when bored and alone.
So, if you have the energy, patience, and time, two Beagles can bring a lot of joy into your house.
#6 Pug
A clown at heart, the Pug, is an affectionate, playful, and lovable companion dog.
Pugs love to be the center of attention and get miserable when you ignore them or leave them alone for long.
Since Pugs are social creatures, they prefer to have someone around to admire their antics.
They can be quite clingy and obsessed with their owner to the point that they always want to be in your lap.
That’s why having a second Pug around isn’t such a bad idea.
Pugs usually get along well with other animals and are relatively low-maintenance dogs.
They don’t need much exercise, but they do shed a lot thanks to their short, double coat.
The bad news is that Pugs are hard to housetrain, and having two might be double the challenge.
However, if you already housebroken a Pug, training the second might be much easier.
#7 Shih Tzu
When you look at Shih Tzu and their snobbish topknot and silky coats, it’s easy to imagine them in the Chinese royal court.
Their charming personality, majestic appearance, and high adaptability make Shih Tzu a popular small dog even today.
In general, Shih Tzu is a smart dog that loves to be the center of attention and doesn’t allow you to neglect them under any circumstances.
They make friends with everybody and would be terrible guard dogs.
Since Shih Tzu is intelligent, highly trainable, and eager to please, they are one of the best dogs to get in pairs.
These cute dogs don’t need much exercise and are happy to live anywhere, from apartments to palaces.
However, having two Shih Tzu will mean double grooming on your part.
That gorgeous coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats and frequent baths.
Should I Get Two Dogs At Once?
Before you decide to adopt any pair of dogs, you should be confident that you’re ready for such an adventure. Two dogs mean more expenses, more responsibilities, and twice the training and attention.
If you’re sure that you’re ready, keep the following things in mind:
- Gender matters when you adopt two dogs. Two male or two female dogs are likely to fight for dominance, even if you spay/neuter them. A combination of a male and a female dog works the best.
- Dogs with opposite personalities might not get on along. Look for two puppies with a middle-of-the-road personality to ensure the dogs will get on well with each other.
- Two puppies will keep themselves busy, but they will make quite the mess in the house.
- Puppies don’t learn at the same pace. You might have to train them individually.
Most specialists advise that you adopt one dog and then introduce a second one to the household once you’ve trained the first one. In this scenario, the older dog will help train and housebreak the little one and teach them the house rules.
If you’re adopting two dogs from different breeds, make sure that they’re roughly the same in size. Small and toy breeds often don’t know how tiny they are and pick fights with dogs thrice their weight, while large dogs might see them as prey.
For most owners, having two dogs is better than one. You get twice the joy, love, and affection, but also twice the responsibility and bills. Think about that before you get a pair of dogs.
