Four Dogs

Question
Hi Wendy,
I am writing you becuase you own just the right amount of dogs for my question.  I am wondering if you have any info on the right amount of dogs for a certain household, I have researched online and I have not found much.  My Fiance and I live in a single famil house-3 bedroom, 1400sf.  We have 2 Shar Pei mix dogs: Annie-1yr and Tyson-7months.  They are both very friendly and very hyper and love to play and neither of them are aggressive towards other dogs or humans.  My Fiance found a lady that was looking for a good home for 2 full bred boxers for $75, 3 yrs old and well behaved.  Although this is a great deal, I immediately said no but it seemed to really mean a lot to her so I said we could try it as long as we could give them back if it does not work, even though if felt it was too many dogs.  I know we can afford the extra food and vets but we both work and go to school so I don't think we can afford the extra time and attention.  These boxers need a lot of attention and I don't think we will have time to give all 4 of them the attention, training, and exercise we used to give our 2.  We have had them for a day and she still firmly believes we can pull this off and she really wants to keep them.  
I have pretty much made up my mind that this will not work.  It is just to much too handle. It is not fair to our other 2 dogs and it is not fair to these beautiful boxers that deserve to be the center of attention since their owner for the first 3 yrs of their life cannot take them with her when she moves.  However, I am having trouble convincing my fiance of this and I would greatly appreciate any information you may have and if you know where I could attain more info on the negative aspects on having too many dogs and them not receiving enough attention.  Or maybe you could tell me from your own experiences if this is the best way to go. This way I can show my Fiance and her family that this is more than me just saying "no" because I think it is too many dogs.
Thank You.
-Louie

Answer
Louie,
I would not own four dogs at the same time again. My house is about he same size as yours and it is a housefull. My dogs don't even shed, so I can't imagine having 4 shedders in the house. We have a large fenced yard, which makes it easier, but it is still hard. If you want to go somewhere..finding a sitter or paying for boarding for 4 dogs is alot. Also, you guys are young and probably planning on having a family someday. 4 dogs and a baby crawling on the floor is not a good mix. Many of my grooming customers can't deal with 1 or 2 dogs once a baby comes into their lives. I know your fiance' means well in wanting to "save" these dogs but trust me, they are purebred well behaved dogs and they will find a wonderful home. You can't save them all. Your dogs are young and will hopefully be with you guys for a long time. Just enjoy them. You have your whole lives ahead of you to own more dogs. Sorry future Mrs., but I'm with your groom on this one.
Good Luck,
Wendy