two dogs????

Question
I am thinking of buying 2 Newfoundland (female) puppies, my reason for this is because i'm looking to breed from them in the future. I have done a lot of research into this, talked to breeders and vets first hand, so i have a lot of understanding in the area. But what i am wondering is, should i get two females? so i can alternate the breeding. Or will this cause problems? is so, what sort of problems? If this is a totally bad idea, will getting a second puppy be better when the first dog is 2 to 3 years old? I wouldn't want to get one dog with plans to get another in a few years in case, the dog gets so attached to me it wouldn't allow another dog in, like my previous male Newfoundland did. What do you suggest i do?

Thanks

Answer

Hi Holly,

Having two puppies at once is a poor idea as you suspected. It is far better to introduce a second puppy into your home when the first puppy is fully trained and bonded to you and your family (at around 6 months or older). Read more about this here:

http://leerburg.com/2dogs.htm

http://www.uvhs.org/behavioral_docs/double_trouble.pdf

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1770914/should_i_adopt_two_puppies_at_o...

Puppies needs to be socialized by you, not another puppy. This is particularly important with a breed as large as a Newfoundland. You will need to spend quality time daily with each pup individually, and train them separately from each other.

It is very common for households with two female dogs (rather than a male and a female, or two males) to have aggression issues. Again, with a breed as large as the Newfoundland, this should be something you consider.

I should mention that females shouldn't be bred before their second heat cycle, only bred once a year, and not bred anymore after 6 years of age (maximum). Before breeding your dogs, they should be examined by your vet to confirm their health, and also be cleared of genetic conditions common to the Newfoundland breed (Hip dysplasia, the congenital heart defect known as Aortic Stenosis, Cystinuria - a kidney disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand disease- a bleeding condition)

Please feel free to get back to me if you have any additional questions.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti