I’m considering a second dog. There’s a puppy available in my current breed that’s a great prospect, and would give me the opportunity to connect with some really cool people and potentially contribute to the future of the breed in a positive way. I love my breed, and I adore the breed community, and part of me wants to throw everything I have into owning, showing, and eventually breeding them. It’s a rare breed and their preservation really matters to me.
However, another part really wants to explore another breed. I am worried if I get a second of the same breed, they will be too similar. This other breeds temperament really appeals to me and I’d love to see if we mesh. I’ve met quite a few and loved them all. Plus they are a toy breed, which makes so many things so much easier. This breed is more popular, and I get the sense the breed community is less friendly and welcoming. And I’d be entering as such a newbie. Also, while I’ll continue to be connected to my previous breed community through my first dog, soon she will likely be spayed and no longer actively showing. So I do feel like I will no longer be as involved as I am now. I care so much about the breed and helping them continue. But since two dogs is my max right now this will be my last for a while.
It might help to know dog #1 is my first adult dog and first purebred. I’ve had fun showing her but would like to get more serious about putting titles on my next. I’m really stuck between leaning all in to one breed before trying another since I already have a solid foundation there, or trying out different breeds while I’m young before getting more serious about one over another.
If any of you have switched breeds, I’d love to hear about it!