Choosing a second dog to live with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Emiliano1 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice as I’m planning on getting a second dog soon. He would be a companion for my male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS), who is nearly 3 years old.

To give you a bit of background, I've grown up around dogs. My parents had a Jack Russell and a Parson Russell Terrier for years – both were very feisty! At the moment, I’m still living with my parents; they have a female Jack Russell and I have my male Cavalier. They are both about to turn 3 and arrived at the house only two days apart. They get on like siblings and are inseparable.

I’m planning on moving out and living on my own soon. Once I’m settled in, I’d love to get a second dog to keep my Cavalier company, so I’d really appreciate your thoughts. I’ll be moving into a flat, but I spend half my day outdoors with my dog anyway, in parks and green spaces.

I’m tempted by a medium to large breed this time, rather than another small dog. Apart from Golden Retrievers, which I love, I’m a big fan of tan, brown, black, ginger, and ruby colours.

Look-wise, I really like Beaucerons, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, but I’m open to any breed suggestions.

I’m mainly looking for a breed that is hardy, affectionate, and sociable with people – and especially with other dogs, as I love taking my dog everywhere with me. I go for long walks every day and my dog is my top priority; he's always by my side.

I don't know much about other breeds, so what would you recommend?

It’s worth noting that my Cavalier is a real "velcro dog" who lives for me. He follows me everywhere, he's quite possessive, and while he’s very calm, he also has plenty of energy. He’s affectionate and lovely, and gets on with people and all other animals. However, he never actually plays with other dogs (except for the Jack Russell he grew up with). I’ve lived alone with him for a few months before and it went well, but his separation anxiety was so bad he’d even go on hunger strike because he couldn't cope with me being away, even for a short time. My biggest worry is that he won’t accept a new dog or will just ignore them. I’m also wondering whether a male or female would be better; I personally prefer males, but he definitely seems to get on better with females on walks, even if he usually prefers just doing his own thing and sniffing around rather than playing with other dogs.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you all have a great day. Thank you in advance!

Translated from French
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    • Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    Regardless of the breed you choose, it might be worth considering an adult dog (perhaps a retired breeding dog or a rescue). If your current dog isn't particularly fond of other dogs, it's really worth thinking about whether he'd actually want a new companion; it would be a shame to force one on him if they aren't going to get along.

    A bouncy puppy who is constantly wanting to play and tease him will likely just annoy him, whereas a more settled adult won't pester him to play and will be much quicker to realise when he just wants some peace and quiet.

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    Balista
    Balista Icon representing the flag French
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    A Golden Retriever definitely sounds like it would fit the bill for you.

    Alternatively, there’s its cousin: the Labrador (yellow, black, or chocolate, depending on your preference).

    Like the Golden, they’re energetic, affectionate dogs who are very bonded to their owners and extremely sociable with both people and other dogs (perhaps even a bit too much sometimes!). They’re also pretty easy to train, even for a first-time owner, though they can be a bit stubborn at times.

    One thing to watch out for though: when they’re young, they’re absolute bulldozers and tend to get into mischief the second your back is turned 😅

    I have one myself (a black female), and no regrets at all.

    If you already have a male, a female would definitely be a better shout. Just as an aside, my husband was dead set on a boy at first because he’d only ever had male dogs growing up (so in his head, a dog = a male 🤪). We eventually fell for a little girl, and today he’s the first to tell me that there’s actually no difference and they’re both just as lovable 😉

    Here’s my silly girl (the photo in my avatar):

    Translated from French

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