we have a staffy bich who is 14 months old. also a xbreed who is 14 years old and on heart tablets.they get on well but poppet the oldest bich get's tiered easily. we are thinking of getting another staff this time a dog, as the mother of our staff has had another litter. we are doing this because we don't think poppet will be around for much longer. also it should give her some rest time while the pup chases the staff. is this a good idea. as we think after this litter she is getting spayed. ant ideas will be appreciated. thank's steve.

I wouldn't consider getting another puppy if your older dog is quite ill and you don't think she will be around too much longer. This could cause extra stress to her.

If the breeder you're using is spaying the bitch after this next litter then I wouldn't worry. If he is a good breeder then he may use another dog to breed from.

But in my opinion I wouldn't get another pup - not just yet anyway

flower. the older dog is not that ill, just a doggy heart. we just wanted to get another staff pup so poppet can just watch while the other 2 play. thank's steve

Hi Pudsli,

There is no guarantee that a new pup will not bother your 14 year old to death too:rolleyes: But it is more likely that he would play with your 14 monther a lot more.  In my experience pups always give an older dog more get up and go, I personally think they keep the old younger. So I think it is a good idea.

Firstly, you already know the breeder, you obviously are happy with the temprement and health of the dog you already have.

Secondly, getting a dog will mean no in-house fighting as a bitch will always be top dog :-D Your older bitch will settle him into his pecking order and also help with his training.

Thirdly, once Poppet passes on, there is no awkward gap. And your younger dogs have each other for company.

Fourthly, the gap between your pup and 14 monther are perfect for training etc.

As long as you have the time to spend training a new pup, along with possibly future nursing of an older dog, I would go for it. :-)

My next door neighbour has 2 Labs.1 is 15 now and the other is 5.
About 3 years ago they bought a new puppy for the exact reasons you are thinking and the older dog became depressed and grouchy. :(
Not long after his health started to deteriate and the puppy seemed to be winding him up.After much heartache the decided that the puppy would have to be returned to the breeder and the older lab seemed to pick up almost immediately and his health improved too.He's still doing fine now :D

Don't most people recommend leaving 2 or 3 years between dogs though?

>My next door neighbour has 2 Labs.1 is 15 now and the other is 5.

About 3 years ago they bought a new puppy for the exact reasons you are thinking and the older dog became depressed and grouchy. :-( <

I suppose it depends a lot on the dog. A friend of my mum's took on caring for her daughter's staffie pup with her own 13 year old CKCS. The Cav has a totally new lease on life and has gone from a quiet and sedentary little old dog to a bright eyed and lively little old dog who looks several years younger than she once did. :)