Best second dog to get. We own a 2 year old Jack Russell

Question
Hello and thanks for reading.
We currently own a 2 year old female Jack Russell terrier.
She really is our baby. She sleeps with us, cuddles with us, likes to be held, and is a big suck.
Because we are both huge animal lovers I am wanting to get a second dog. Partially for Daisy(our Jack) to have someone to play with, and also because I think animals should be in two's. We have been thinking about it for awhile, but I was wondering what breed would best compliment a Jack Russell?
Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your reply.

Answer
Hi Andrea,

This is not an easy question to answer because there are so many variables. It depends on your lifestyle, your schedule, the disposition of your dog, your house, your backyard, etc....
Jacks are pretty territorial dogs and really do better with a 2nd dog coming into the house before they are a year old. Depending on your dog, she may be very jealous of a new "baby" coming into the house and taking the attention off of herself. They can learn to live together but it takes patience and work. How is your dog around other dogs?
I have four jack russells that live together in harmony - and they're all females so when you hear that you shouldn't put jacks of the same sex together, it's not true!
If your dog is submissive, you may want to look at a breed who won't mind taking over the dominant role. If your dog is dominant, you'll do better with a more submissive breed. You can't have two dominant dogs live together or they will fight.  So how do you know? You don't. You can definitely lean toward breeds that are opposite of  your dog, but no one really knows how the dog will be when it reaches adulthood. If I were you, I would get another Jack, (but of course I am very biased) but make sure it is a PUPPY so that it learns right away that she/he comes 2nd in pecking order of the dogs. That's true with any breed you go with. The new pup will follow and copy your older jack and learn early on who is "boss".  Other breeds that do well with Jacks are Golden Retrievers, Labs, (more laid back breeds). Other terriers (Boston, Yorkies, West Highland, etc) are NOT a good match together - they try to out-do eachother,  It's a big decision, good luck with it!