looking at getting two bitch puppies, i am keen on a border terrier and my partner is looking a boxer, just wondering if anyone has got advise on these breeds, would they make good canine chums? would probably be housed in outdoor kennel together in the day,  would this be suitable? any advise on either breed and thoughts on compatibility gratefully received.
thanks, em

There is no way i would buy to pups and put them in a kennel together and expect them to live a happy life together the border is a terrier needs a lot of stimulation as for the boxer well they are always on the go, these two breeds left on there on all day every day i wouldn't do it.

thankyou for your response, on re-reading my post it does sound a bit harsh let me explain, the puppies would not just be plonked in the kennels to get on with it and at most it would only be during day a few days a week. I want to get the dogs as puppies as they adapt better at a young age, so i can get them use to spending periods in the kennel, (would not leave them straight away, i would get them use to short periods first and slowly lengthen) but am unsure about these particular breeds being outside and their compatibility. they would be in every evening  with us, and of course exercised thoroughly. i hope this seems a bit clearer, i value your opinion do you still think this is inappropriate.

Hi yes i do understand what you are saying it's just that these are two very active breeds and as they get older you might have a problem with them living/staying together in kennel in the day time with no one around to supervise when they come into season is the worse time that they might scrap you just need to think hard about two dogs i would say one would be a better idea to start with.

I know nothing about Border Terriers, but Boxers are definately indoor dogs. A couple of hours outside might be ok, but they do not cope well with heat and cold. Boxers really need to be with their human family as much as possible.

It is not a good idea to get two pups at the same time as they will bond with each other rather than with you. Get one and wait until it is around 2 or 3 and well trained before getting another.

You should also be aware that having two bitches together can lead to serious problems.

Firstly, definately not a good idea to buy 2 puppies at the same time - they will be more than double trouble. Secondly, I would never leave 2 dogs of such different sizes, strengths & temperament together unsupervised. Situations can escalate into tragedy all too easily. However sweet & good natured, however well they appear to get on, they are still dogs & capable of over reacting. If you must have them outside, have 2 runs next to each other, so they still have company, but can't harm each other. If they get on, they'll be thrilled to be reunited when you come home!

I couldn't agree with you more about two pups together of different size and substance.

I know of an instance where a 5 year old Border was killed by a same sex kennelmate of a larger breed who was only 8 months old.

But pushing all that to one side, like Boxers, Borders are very much people dogs and would hate to be kennelled and not be part of the family.  You wouldn't get the fun out of them that you would if you had one in the house.

Lets put it like this I wouldn't sell you one in those circumstances.

Jayne

just want to say thanks for all your advise. I've had dogs all my life, but always quite docile breeds so its helpful getting input from you people in the know. I think i need to rethink this whole idea, but i am desperate to have dogs back in my life, any suggestions to breeds that don't mind outside kenneling on the odd occasion. I take your point about the 2 pups at the same time, might be a bit of a handful thanks for that one. Also is having two bitches together a bad idea whatever the breed?

oh - and spot the typo in the first line.....should be advice !

Thanks again

Having two bitches together is considered unwise as, if they have a falling out and start fighting, they do not forgive and forget. They will hate each other for life and you will end up having to either rehome one of them or having to keep them apart for ever. Also bitch fights can be to the death.

Some bitches do get along together, but it really is not worth the risk.

Regarding breeds that don't mind kenneling, perhaps ex-racing greyhounds would be suitable? Obviously they are used to being kept in kennels but I imagine they would need somewhere fairly cosy as they are so thin-skinned. If the idea appeals you could contact one of the greyhound rescue groups and find out more about their requirements. (They might even know of a couple of bitches that are friends) :-)

Hi Guest
I have never had any problems with keeping 2 or more bitches together, but that may be down to their breed (labs).  I also have a male terrier, who grew up with one my labs as a pup...again there were no problems there.  I think the main thing will be, if you are to leave them kenneled during the day, that you only leave them for very short periods of time initially so that they learn to know that you're always coming back soon so as not to cause any undue stress that they could possibly take out on eachother.
Good luck!