Suitable companion for Junior 6yo

[Nell71]

Hello fellow Rotti lovers,
My question is this. I have a pure bred 6 y/o neutered male called junior. His darling rotti companion Tess (5y/o) died 1 year ago and we have only just been able to consider another play mate for Junior. We ourselves are happy not to get another dog as our hearts were truly broken by the loss of Tess. But I feel weboth work fulltime and Junior could do with a friend throughout the 8 hour period when we are not home. Junior is an inside dog, he is part of our family, our child.
I felt a friend would also keep Junior active and be good for his joints etc not laying round all day waiting for us to come home.
We have a decent yard size and Junior is walked daily.
What breed of companion would be compatible for him? We can not face another rotti, as it would remind us too much of Tess and would feel almost like a replacement which could never happen.
Any ideas friends?
Thankyou
Nell

[AngelBunny]

I am sorry for your loss. Our dear canine friends do not live long enough.

The only reason to get another dog is because you, the humans, want another dog. Junior and his new dog friend are not going to be playing for hours while you're gone, won't be entertaining each other, and generally won't be pals. They will be sleeping and napping, waiting for you to get home from work to entertain, walk, groom, and feed them. Dogs don't really need another dog buddy to keep them from being lonely while their humans are away. Dogs need their human buddies far more than they need dog buddies.

If you, in your heart of hearts, want another dog, by all means, get another dog. But, if the only reason you're getting another dog is to keep Junior company, please rethink.

[brunie's mom]

I agree with AngelBunny....most dogs do not mind being alone, and the # 1 dog.
They often get more time and attention then they used to get when there were two dogs...no need for sharing.

If you feel you need and want another dog, get it for yourself...not for Junior.

A female dog would be the best choice, and of course a rescue dog would be even better. Nice if you could save a life and adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue.

I think Labs and Rotts make good companions. Probably a Lab a bit younger than your Junior...so it would motivate him to play.

We have a long-term boarding Labrador staying with us right now...and he get's along great with both of my dogs....and they even play together.

Gina

[Nell71]

Thankyou so much for your replies and condolences. I appreciate that very much.
Maybe I sounded a little anti-dog. This isn't the case. I adore animals of any kind especially rotties, they are just the most divine breed of all in my eyes.
I guess my heart was broken so much with Tess.
Junior is THE perfect dog and his bloodline is from prime breeds.
He is Chateadun Zeus, His mother was Ezygro Alice & father CH. Stromhall Nobelius, great grandfather being Powderhorn Fetz of Wencrest (the original USA import to Australia) *gloat* hehe and also Chesara Dark Nobleman (imp UK) is sires father.
We couldn't ask for a more perfect creature in anyway and I guess I want the best thing for him first, as most mothers do with their children.
Either way I would be happy and our darlings are the most spoilt, loved and cared for.
So I wanted to know if there were specific breeds? Sizes? etc....
All thoughts appreciated.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by Nell71

So I wanted to know if there were specific breeds? Sizes? etc....

Go to the shelter and adopt a mid-sized female if you want a second dog for you.