We keep considering getting another dog to keep Loki company and run with him but we always talk ourselves out of it. It's more difficult to go anywhere, not sure we can afford the extra cost, not sure we have the space etc. Holidays would be out of the question but then at the moment they are anyway because I can't find anyone to have Loki in order for me to visit the OH who's working in Guernsey but that's another story.

What I want to know is do any of you regret getting a second dog? Will the benefits (especially to Loki) outweigh the negatives? I think Loki would be much fitter with another sighthound to run with and maybe his appetite would improve and he wouldn't be so skinny. We are thinking about either another DH or a Borzoi.

We really can't decide what to do. What are everyone else's thoughts?

Wash your mouth out with soap! What do you really think goes best with a DH?

I know but then I'd be tempted to breed them and anyway I have just happened upon some Borzoi puppies. I love all sighthounds but it was great to see all those Deeries together at the weekend and that was what started us off talking about it again. I just don't know if we should get another one at all.

It happened to me , too - though I usually had more than 1 dog ( normally 3 ) , once my 1rst deerhound moved in and was happy and healthy with my other dog , a Picardy Sheepdog , I just felt she'd needed one of her own kind to fully enjoy life and play and hunt - just a few years thereafter I happily settled in my 4th deerhound - have never looked back since and wish , I'd somehow cold squeeze in a 5th . It definetly enhances the quality of life for them - and I think for us owners , too. 1 deerhound is beautiful and breathtaking when in full flight , but 2 or more are incredible ! And even if they do not play that much perhaps , they for sure enjoy the company of a member of their kind/clan - a friend has 2 who do not seem to interact much and yet the health and joy of her older one improved so much when the 2nd one moved in .

If you want to see how they all interact, come and see ours sometime. Now that you've got your 3 acres, thats loads of space for just two.

I'd love to come and see yours Alan. Hey you don't want another one for a couple of weeks do you? (she says, only half jokingly)

We don't have any land just a smallish back garden and access to fields and footpaths. That is another consideration.

Thanks for your thoughts Verenav. I walk Loki with a friend and her choc lab Cassie. They run all the time they are out but poor Cassie can't for the life of her keep up although she tries valliently. Loki lopes along at a canter until she gets close and then sprints a few strides to get some distance. They are funny to watch but I'd love him to really run.

Go for it !!! Yes there are the extra costs eg food & vets bills., having said that think of what you would have spent on holidays since you got Loki. I got Charlie ( who grew from jack russell size to Deerhound size !)from the rescue when one of my 2 previous collie type dogs died. Then a year later I got my first deerhound Amy, & so I was up to 3 dogs - making walking all 3 at the same time interesting ! Then after my 2nd collie cross died, I was left with 2 once more. I am very tempted to get another deerhound ! I am having the same arguements with myself as you are, but 3 dogs is just me being greedy.
A second Deerhound or Borzoi would be great for Loki. Walking 2 dogs of similar sizes - balances you out.A 2nd dog does not create any more work than 1, ie you walk them at the same time, feed them at the same time etc & is not really any more restrictive than 1 DH.I used to play football with Charlie prior to Amy joining our family - now I still play football with both dogs but they also hunt for rabbits & chase each other around the garden - you should see them go !! they are like bullets, a joy to watch.
No, I have absolutely no regrets getting a second dog. Only negatives are the additional costs, but they are worth it, if you didn't have dogs you would easily spend even more money every week eating out or persuing a hobbie.I think both Loki & yourselves would benefit from a 2nd dog & yes the benifits outweigh the negatives 10 fold.

alan wrote:


I agree with alan

It would be very good for your Loki yes yes yes get another and another and ect ect deerhounds should come with a health warning they are addictive

Alan I've just realised what you mean. The field we've been given. Unfortunately it isn't anywhere near our house. It is about 30/40 minutes drive away so not that useful.

alan wrote:
We'll sort it out then. I'll send you an e.mail this week and work out a convenient date.

I know a few folk who have both DH and Borzoi and they seem to have very different play styles. Running is ok but the together time seems to have different needs. I think there are folk on this forum who have both?

I have recently got a second rehomed girlie and my old guy has perked up no end!

Definately get another. Who cares about joint holidays anyway? I love my time with the hounds

Whats a holiday? Money whats that somehow you find it from family and friends even if it means payback at a later date (whippet bill for elbow over 2,000 and growing)but I would not swap any of them for a holiday extra money would be good though! They are what I wanted so I am responsible for them but they pay back in kind.

Hi we got our second deerhound 7 weeks ago and although she is only a puppy has formed a bond with blue that wasnt there with blue and our other dog a lurcher it is really something to see

It never ceases to amaze me at shows that Deerhounds know they are Deerhounds and recognise each other you can see they prefer their own breed company. I would have more than our two but Sara won't let me, although eventually she'll crack !

I agree with everybody - esp Alan

Borzoi - are you MAD????? They have a brain the size of a pea and that's being generous!!!!
Sorry to any borzoi owners out there

Two DH is soo much easier than one! Each breed does seem to have their own special sort of playing. Not that they can't play with different breeds but it's never quite the same as same breed.
The only thing I would say is that it is nice to have your first one and get it trained and loyal to you at a young age before you start your 'pack'. It makes things easier - so from that point of view I wouldn't rush in to another if you don't feel quite ready yet.
And if you decide again the cost of a another deerhound there are heaps of greyhounds and lurchers desperate for a nice home and won't mind if your garden isn't huge it's better than a kennel!
Sorry, playing devils advocate now

Oh no I won't!!

Oh Purple.....look how much fun Loki had with all the Deerhounds....especially Freyja You would have to get another DEERHOUND for him Holidays...can't remember what they are...but you could try camping with them Or maybe us Deerie people should all go camping together somewhere...that would clear a camp site Seriously there are places that take dogs, cottages to rent etc they had a list in one of the dog mags!

I think another deerhound is a good idea if you can manage it. I'd love another and I do have the land for several DH's but unfortunately my partner is not keen on the idea of having another dog.

You can't possibly stay at one Deerhound. Deerhounds have to come in two's three's etc.
We started with one and now have six. If you don't have to have your holiday abroad there
are plenty of places that will take dogs. 12 of us Deerhound owners went to the lake district
last year and a total of 6 dogs went as well. We had a great time. A walk is a waste of
time unless you have a dog with you.

Liza's right Borzoi's aren't the sharpest tool in the box and their recall is dire. much
worse than a Deerhound.

i say......GO FOR IT:woohoo: