9 GSD's, i dont work so i have plenty time to care for them, It is a full time job but i love them all so much.

i have 10 altogether (must be mad!!!!) 7 gsd, 1 chi, 1 little jack russell and a bull dog! lucky we live on 36 acres with a river all dogs have great runs and swims (even the bully loves the water!)

I technically have two, Cher and Reba.  But there are 3 more here that belong to my mom.  We take the responsibilities together (like training and feeding) but pay for our own supplies (like food and vet bills, leashes, etc). 
I hate when people say "oh thats to many, are you crazy" but its my choice.  Normally when people ask me how many dogs I have, I say 5, because its 5 I take care of for the most part. 

we have 3 bearded collies 6 and half , 5yrs  and 3 and half... all girlies I am desperate for number 4 but hubby...not so desperate!!! you just gotta love grooming with my breed :)

Only two (I feel rather low in numbers !! lol) - Staffordshire bull terriers.  But would love just one more................or perhaps two :)

Wow, can't believe how many dogs some people have! I'm jealous ;-). I've only got 2 dogs - my Mastiff X Akita is 2 1/2 & my Dobermann is 5mths. I would love to get another dog in a couple of years - it'll probably take me that long to convince my partner lol. I would like a Cane Corso, my partner would probably prefer a small fluffy dog so I might have to compromise ;-)...

I do wonder how people with double figure dogs manage to take care of them all properly, give them individual attention they deserve, but I suppose if they devote all their time & money, it is fair on the dogs.

I think my limit will be 4. - oh if my OH saw this haha. Yeah right!

I have 5 at the moment...........4 cockers  (1 working cocker) & 1 sprocker .

I do wonder how people with double figure dogs manage to take care of them all properly, give them individual attention they deserve, but I suppose if they devote all their time & money, it is fair on the dogs.

I think all of us with double figures are at home all day and do nothing else (except when sitting in front of the computer, but even then I often have a Papillon on my lap!) but it's also got to be remembered that not all dogs have the same needs, age for instance can make a big difference -and breed. I have four dogs aged 8 and over that have slowed down and for instance my Cavalier does nothing but sleep all day -he's 15 next month and has a very bad heart so all he really can do is sleep -and eat!! He decides when he wants a walk, which happens perhaps once a month, not more. (Our front garden though is bigger than many people's back gardens, so he can potter about to his heart's content there when he wants.) He's happy, but really takes no time at all. One of my crosses has HD so can only take limited exercise now, and the Golden has epilepsy and gets tired after a short walk. I couldn't do with a lot of grooming for big dogs, it would take too much time -the Golden is bad enough, but the Papillons are no problem, I groom then when they sit on my lap as I watch TV and they get bathed once a fortnight to keep clean and knot free. Malinois only really need grooming when moulting.

Also of course we live in the countryside. Days out for us are obedience training, ringcraft and shows!

1. 14 year old Border Collie dog
2. 9 year old Toller dog (great uncle to no.3 and great great uncle to no.4)
3. 3 year old Toller bitch (aunty to no.4)
4. 12 week old Toller bitch

4 is my limit :-D

We have three here ages 7, 5.5 and 16 months :) also home all day, we occasionally have four when we take in a foster or help out with friends dogs. I would love to get a Vizsla bitch or a black Lab bitch in a few years....:)

3 soon to be 4 Italian Spinoni here, used to say limit was 5, however this will probably be amended upwards :)

> Only two (I feel rather low in numbers !! lol)

You have twice as many dogs as I do!

I only have the one, giant, dog since we lost our old cross-breed :( Would love another dog, but I don't have the time or money at the moment :( also I would rather wait until Buster is fully mature, he's not 3yrs till the end of the summer.

3 and that's my limit for now!

9yr GSD
17 mth Leonberger
3 month Leonberger baby.........who is certainly keeping us on our toes : )

3 Here at the moment,all Golden Retrievers, 2 mine and 1 lodging.

One 5yr old.
One 3yr old
One 6months.

We have 18 cavaliers
Between 10 years
& 9 months & they all live in the house.
We would not be without them.

3 at the moment.

1 mastiff nearly 4 years
1 mastiff 2 years
1 GSP 6 months

We have been upto 5 mastiffs in the past but at that point didn't have any other breeds and for me personally at the moment I wouldn't want to get back up to that number again as they had to be walked in shifts and I just didn't feel I could give each dog the time they needed but we managed and they were all very happy! I am happy with what I have at the moment and find it very manageable. The GSP came into our lives slightly by accident but actually fits in very well with the big boys so I have no plans to add anymore at the moment. Like somebody else said though dogs seem to have a habit of finding me!!

Three at the mo. Granny 8 years, her daughter 5 years and her devil pup just 1 year, We will possibley go to 4 again this year but that is only because Treacle went to rainbow bridge last year and we had 4 till then. 4 is my absolute limit to leave room for the possibility of a pup returned for re-homing (Not happened yet!!!) I am so proud of having three generations of a breed with a very low life expectancy!! Love em'
When I had the GSD'S and my life was in the dark side! I had kennels and the highest count was 13 BUT I personally think that is too many for one person as It was full time and EX-OH dictated numbers but did not help (Hence EX!!!) and I was run ragged just giving each one some one to one training time every day. 13 dogs @ 20 mins each alone every day = 4 hours (5 lived permanantly indoors) and then feeding, cleaning, walking and looking after a family too! and working evenings just to put food on the table!! I weighed 9.5 stone!! Now I have a wonderfull OH and only three dogs I weigh MUCH MUCH More!!!! Anyone want to know the secret of weight loss!!! I think I walked for at least 3 hours a day then!!! Luckily I had access to acreas of forestry commision land to use and a huge lake for them to swim in, so they were fit and healthy.
Aileen

flipping heck Minnie mouses where do you sit!! !:)

Beardie boys one 10 in April and the other 7 in June so really ........ starting to think about another one. ;-)

7 cavaliers
and down to just 1 boxer :-(

I'm at home all day with nothing else to do.
Cavaliers are all in full show coats and all sprall all over the sofas and beds.

My OH is always vague about the numbers, best it stays that way really, but when asked he normally replies "two (many)".
The number is about to increase by one soon when a nearly 10 year old is being returned as a result of a marriage split. Very sad.

We've got 6 Weimaraners, 5 that live with us aged, 12, 10, 7 and her 2 daughters aged 4, and another litter sister that lives with my ex and a cheeky Norfolk Terrier who is 10. :)

I work from home so I'm here with them too all day. :) I thought I was mad having that many but to go into double figures, I would need to win the lottery :)

> 15 Labs, was 16 before Ollie went to the bridge
>

Kay, 16!   I wouldn't even like to estimate your weekly dog food bill.

I have 2 and I find it so easy especially as they are full sister & brother now aged 9 & 7.   The most I have had has been 4, the 2 I have now, their dam & grand-dam.    Easier to keep the same sex together but the male LM is a wuss & that is Curtis!  Cats on the other hand............

I have 9 at present.

Normally stick to around 6 as I find it so much more manageable, but we have 2 Papillon / Phalene pups, 1 rescue Pomeranian and 1 Phalene visitor which takes the numbers up.  :-)  Thank goodness for an understaning OH.

We just have the two - 12 year old ish, very active, ex-Battersea mutt and a 7 year old Aussie. No plans to have any more. We have the money, time and space, but just feel that two is the right number for us. Dog owning would change tremendously if we had any more - and I'm not sure it would be for the better :)

Daisy

I have 7 soon to b9e 8.
1 x 12 year old lab x rottie (shes the boss)
1 x 5 year old lab (my boy)
1 x 2 year old lab (the quietest)
1 x 7mth old lab (for my sins)
1 x 11mth old spinone (shes the sensible one)
1 x 2 year old cocker (the clown)
1 x 3 year old parson russell terrier (the smallest and the noisest)

and soon 1 more spinone!  and another, and another, and another one day.  just love them!!!!!!!!

Just 2 at the minute, although only one of them is technically mine.

12 year old crossbreed - family dog
3 year old Toller - my dog

Hopefully later this year I will be moving in with my partner, and so will gain an American Cocker. The 12 year old will stay behind though so will still have 2 dogs. In a couple of years when life has settled I'm sure we will have another, and another... ;)

As for how many is too many - I guess it depends on the person and their lifestyle. I used to say no more than 6 for me personally, but I don't know, it will depend on our circumstances.

Ahhhh I do feel normal now.  However I do work FT.... mostly from home though :-)

> and soon 1 more spinone!  and another, and another, and another one day.  just love them!!!!!!!!

Here here!! ;)

Hi

3 male border collies (6 yrs, 3yrs, & 2ys)

male Leonberger cross border collie (3yrs) - accidental mating and not bred by us but big, beautiful and bouncy

male Leonberger pup 6 months

5 is definately it! (unless we win the lottery!)

I have 4:

Staffie nearly 7yrs
Akita 4 1/2 yrs
Rottie 3 yrs
Rottie 19 weeks

I thought we had a herd until reading this thread. My daughter and I live at the same address (I have the annex ) and we have 7 dogs between us. 3 rescue boxers, 1 GSD, 1 rescue cocker, and 2 Patterdale terriers. They all live in harmony as a big family.

One. We would dearly love to have another one but we do worry due to our ones health that it could be difficult.

Just the 2 here at the moment.  A (nearly) 6 year old Chow X Rottweiler and a (nearly) 5 year old Newfie.  Would dearly love another but don't think the dogs would welcome an addition.

Dont you just hate it when people say " HOW MANY"?

Yes I do, and feel quite annoyed that they think they have a right to be disapproving.

So far on this thread, the most normal people are MandyC   kayc   Floradora  sam  MarianneB and minnie mouses  :-)  :-)  :-)

To be fair, I only have 3 big dogs, and who notices if there are a dozen titchy ones that have taken over the largest Beardies bed?  Although it does look ridiculous to see my oversized Beardie bitch, curl scrunched up in my late Toy Poodles bed.

My eldest Bearded Collie is an absolute dream in teaching toy breed pups that big dogs are fine and nothing to be scared of.  They all live in the house and in complete harmony. 

I live alone, so have no choice about working full time (until the magic fairy pays the mortgage.)  But I have a dog sitter here during the day who loves dogs.  He lives in an upstairs maisonette, so can't have a dog, so he is rarely there.  He works shifts, so the arrangement suits us both.  I don't care if he lays snoring on the sofa with the TV blaring.  There are usually 9 dogs asleep on top of him! 

He takes my 2 Bearded Collies and the Border Collie out during the day, which is a great help.  He wouldn't think of washing the floor when they get it muddy, or throwing vetbed in the machine when I have a litter.  But I leave him plenty of clean bedding, he can manage that.  And they get loads of attention from him.

I spend all my time and money on the dogs, and that is my choice.  Plans in place for all of them if anything happens to me.  And I take my annual leave for whelping.  I admit that over half are neutered, and some are here that have health problems, but they get the required medication, clean beds and good food.  In general, none are treated any different just because they're not good enough for breeding.  At the end of the day, I am never more content that when I am surrounded by my pals.

And they all think I'm perfect, so I'm not looking for a second  opinion.    :-)

2 Cavs and JR..love them all and want more:)

Would love to be able to have the time and money for more dogs, but alas right now i don't :-(.. Even with 2 dogs i get 'how many' and 'what is wrong with you?'...
I'm hoping to be in a position in a couple of years time for another, but i'm sure that if the right dog comes along in the meantime i would make time and find the money for it in my home..

I'm hoping(lottery win needed) to not have to work for much longer and then i can have as many as i like(within reason that i can obviously give all the time and love to them and be able to afford them... Oh the joys of dogs.. wouldn't want it any other way.. Crazy maybe, happy yes!!

Just 2 here, both terriers, ages 2 and 4.
Oh to have lots of money and then stay at home with them.

Karen ;)

Just to here too.  Two cavaliers.  One is 4 years old and a little puppy who is 9 weeks old and an absolute delight :)

We have 10 and thats the limit for us

3 labradors - ages 8, 9 and 10 -
7 German Wirehaired Pointers, 1 7yr, 2 6yr, 1 4yr, 1 3yr (imp), 1 2yr (imp) and pup of 10 months.  Someone is at home all day and all spare time is spent training for working and showring.

Would love another lab when the oldies go

Tracy

> 1 7yr, 2 6yr

I knew i was missing something but i read this as a 17yr old and a 26yr old.. Hehe.. think i've had one too many already ;-)

Hi MarrianneB>
Also of course we live in the countryside. Days out for us are obedience training, ringcraft and shows!
Help me out here - how on earth do you [and all the other multi-multi dog housesholds] then manage all the sozialisation? > I think all of us with double figures are at home all day and do nothing else - Still can't see how you manage it. Wish I had 1/4 of your energy - can see what you're saying about old/less able dogs.

> Kay, 16!   I wouldn't even like to estimate your weekly dog food bill.

Neither do I Christine lol...

we have four dogs and that is our maximum (at this time), thats the number we can walk, afford, have adaquate time for. In the future maybe more....but at the moment thats the right number for us. Two akitas and two cresteds x

I thought we had a herd until reading this thread. My daughter and I live at the same address (I have the annex ) and we have 7 dogs between us. 3 rescue boxers, 1 GSD, 1 rescue cocker, and 2 Patterdale terriers. They all live in harmony as a big family.
I forgot to add we also have 3 rescue goats, 2 rescue sheep (saved from slaughter) 2 rescue horses ( bought at a premium from gypsies) and 24 ex battery hens !!!!!

Well most will have generations of dogs so most of the socialisation is needed when they are puppies, and usually one at a time.

After that there are plenty of ongoing socialisation opportunities with the adults with whatever canine pastimes your involved with.

I imagine most of our social lives revolve around canine activities, training classes etc.

I would say that most pet dogs do not get anywhere near as varied social experiences as the average show or trials/obedience etc dog?

> I would say that most pet dogs do not get anywhere near as varied social experiences as the average show or trials/obedience etc dog?

and pub dogs :)

Mine do pubs, but it is getting really annoying as more and more pubs are banning dogs.

My local (a Wetherspoons) does not allow dogs, but do now allow children (never used to when mine were younger), now there is a children policy, only if adults are bringing them in for a meal, must leave by 9pm and stay in family area, it is totally ignored and kids running about everywhere and messing about while parents outside smoking.

I used to have to walk quite a way to get to somewhere I could have a meal with my kids, and now it seems it's gone too far the other way.

We are part of a scheme with the Kennel Club called 'open for dogs'. Basically it shows the public, and people who search for dog friendly restaurants/pubs/hotels, that we allow & cater for dogs :)
I am quite fussy with people who do bring in dogs. They must have clean paws, be with their owners at all times, and be on their best behaviour!

I don't allow anyone under the age of 18 in my pub and I feel that regulations regarding children in places that serve food & alcohol need tightening. There is nothing worse than eating out with foul mouthed children running wild!
I would love a little sign that says
"Dogs welcome. Please tether you children outside, water is provided" hehe :)

such an adorable breed the spinone.  wouldnt know where id be without my girl.  was a bit unsure at first such a major ownership change from a lab, but as she has grown she has totally smitten me and captured my heart and the family's.  Love the labs, always will have a place for them in my home, but the spin has just stole my heart.