More is better??? Maybe not. I would not trade any of my family for anything but what you don’t have you don’t miss. Before you run out and get yourself 4 or 5 dogs please think about it first. Have you ever had what people refer to as a “Cat Lady” in your neighborhood? Well it seems to me that they are always the brunt of derogatory jokes and such nonsense. Please avoid this trap with dogs. Get enough but not too much. Maximum number I’ve seen work is 5. The people across the street from where I live have 4 Golden Retrievers and a German Shepherd. At my house,there are 5 Havanese including me and I do have bragging rights to all of them except Snowball. I am the father or grandfather of these dogs. What does it entail to support and care for multiple dogs? Buckaroos woof. Time woof. Patience woof. It is great and most dogs are affectionate and loving.
Let’s examine what this multiple dog ownership entails. This is an important if currently you don’t have a lot of dogs. It is worth it to think about the responsibilities that come with multiple dog ownership before you partake.
1) There is no favoritism. They all love you the same, and chances are you will love each of them the same. This means they will stay for life which is 12-18 years.
2) Dogs need health maintenance so be prepared for Vet bills. Safely figure $500.00 dollars a year per dog provided that no major health issues arise. It cost between $12-18 per month per dog for the flea/heart worm medication that is really necessary to keep a home flea free and your dog’s heart free of heart worms. Also, an annual exam runs about $125.00 per dog and any shots they need will run around $80.00 a year. Figure another $50.00 per dog for treatment of ear infection or some minor sickness. (It will run more like $150.00 per dog when it happens, but it probably won’t happen every year to every dog.)
3)Dogs need to be walked everyday.There are leashes that attaches two together and it makes it easier to walk multiple dogs.
4)They want to sleep in your bed and be with you whenever you are home. It’s a fact. You can crate them and maybe they will like it but chances are if they get a taste of the bed, that’s where they will want to be.
5) You will have to find a condo to retire in that allows pets-multiple pets.