9 Best Dogs to Get in Pairs

Sometimes one canine isn’t enough. So, you have to start a pack! Some dogs are better suited for this than others, having a history of being kept in packs or an overall friendly demeanor. If you’re ready to learn about some excellent dogs that work well together, then read on and we’ll show you some of them.

1. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence and loyalty. These beautiful dogs often work alongside police and militaries, where their personalities shine.

They’re also among the most dog-friendly dogs out there and socialize well together. Many people have anxiety about mixing them with other dogs, Shepherds do have a reputation after all.

Fortunately, those who raise them to be pets find that they’re loving and friendly with children and animals. Having two around helps make sure they don’t tear up the house due to separation anxiety as well. Or you can opt for a woodworking day with the kids and build them a two bedroom dog house outside. Just grab some essential woodworking tools and start an exciting DIY project.

So, if you’re looking for a pair of smart hounds from an accomplished background… you may want to look into finding a pair of German Shepherd pups to join your household.

2. Basset Hounds

One of the most common hunting dogs still used, the Basset Hound is made for living in a pack with similar creatures. Their low-profile walk and friendly demeanor are extra bonuses for those looking to bring multiple dogs home.

Bassets are intelligent, but they don’t rate very high on the canine intelligence index. They’re independent and famously stubborn, making them a handful for some people.

They can be well-trained with a dedicated owner, however, and they’re friendly with most animals and other dogs. You’ll still need to socialize them but these hunting companions really aren’t aggressive.

Basset Hounds are easy to find, relatively low maintenance, and love to run with others of the same breed. They’re a standout pet and having two of them is sure to brighten up your life.

3. Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russells are feisty, and widely known as one person dogs. They’re also very friendly with each other and having a pair of them can actually solve some of the breed’s behavioral problems.

Companionship is a must for your Jack, and having a friend makes everyone’s life a little bit easier. Separation anxiety is a big problem in the breed, after all.

Other than that, they’re bright, happy little dogs that tend to be on the hyper side. They need plenty of exercise and some extra mental stimulation but aren’t overly demanding. Prospective owners should note the breed is rather stubborn. A firm hand in training is the best way to overcome that problem.

Jack Russell’s are used to being with other dogs and thrive in a pack environment. Picking up a pair of them is a great investment in the happiness of both you and your new companions.

4. Beagles

The Beagle is a hunting dog, and they’re still used for that purpose. They slip through the brush in order to chase smaller prey back to their owners, and their skills are unparalleled. In some places a pack of Beagles isn’t an uncommon sight.

Beagles need companionship, having been bred to live in a pack environment. Another Beagle is, perhaps, the perfect companion and they’re sure to get up to antics together.

Beagle aren’t the most dog-friendly dogs. They tend to get competitive with other males, but they’re more benign around other Beagles. A Beagle is the best companion for one of its own breeds.

You probably won’t be buying them for hunting, but their history makes these dogs excel in duos. They’re still one of the more popular dogs as well, so it will be easy to find a breeder with a couple of pups for sale.

5. Dachshund

Did you know that Dachshunds were originally hunting dogs? These long boys and girls are immediately recognizable and do very well in smaller groups.

Dachshund aren’t the most obedient dogs, and their short legs do present a few extra obstacles when keeping them. On the other hand, is there truly anything more fun than watching a group of them?

They have a long lineage and are one of the most popular dogs in the country. There’s a reason for that: big personalities in a small body and a tenacious attitude. They’re also more easily trained than some dogs, although they’re not on the upper end of trainable animals.

Dachshunds come in a few varieties but they’re the same breed for the most part. Whether they’ve got wire hair or the short stuff, they’re always the wiener dog of legend.

If you’re willing to put up with their minor issues, then you’ll find Dachshund are ready companions. Add a second one into the mix and you’ll really start having fun.

6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an iconic dog, even a favorite of the British Royals. These intelligent cattle dogs are both cute and useful around the home, owing to their origins in the pasture.

They do best with other Corgis around. They’re highly social animals and most of us are out of the house for the bulk of the day, so giving them a friend to keep them company is a great plan.

They’re easy-to-train and eager to please, and having two of them won’t complicate matters. At the very least, these dogs are instant social media stars no matter what they’re doing. Just make sure they’re mentally occupied.

Corgis are friendly with animals, children, and each other. Add in how cute they are with their stubby legs and you can see why some folks just can’t keep one!

7. Greyhound

Greyhounds do well in groups, and a pair of these high-speed couch potatoes are a great option for keeping as pets. Even better, if you look around you’ll find that it’s easy to get a rescue Greyhound that’s been retired from the tracks.

Many people are under the wrong impression about these sighthounds. They’re actually lethargic dogs for the most part, bordering on lazy. They sleep about 18 hours per day and do well in confined spaces like apartments as long as they get a daily walk.

The main problem with keeping them is that sighthounds don’t hunt by smell… so any small, darting animal is a potential quarry to them. Most rescues are listed as cat-friendly for those that don’t have an exceptionally high prey drive. It can make them hard to keep with other pets.

But if you just want a pair of long, sweet dogs hanging around the house then the Greyhound is an excellent option. Best of all, they’re great dogs for beginning trainers. If you choose to rescue them… Well, you’re also giving them a great start on a new life!

8. Pugs

Pugs are often kept singly, especially since they’re bred as companion dogs. They’re also known to be one of the most animal-friendly breeds and they welcome all breeds of dog. That makes them a good candidate for those who want a smaller breed with a matching pair.

Pugs are small as well, so a couple won’t take up a ton of room in the house.

Pugs have few behavioral problems, instead the breed often has to contend with ill health. The result of having been bred for their cute features, unfortunately. You’ll want to check with others about your breeder, some lineages are better off than others in that regard although all Pugs are susceptible to some serious problems.

On the other hand, they’re long-lived and a delight to be around. If companion dogs are your thing, then adding a couple of Pugs into the mix will be life-changing. 

9. Australian Shepherds

Another cattle dog, another dog-friendly breed that always loves having a friend. The Australian Shepherd is fluffy, dependable, and friendly. The only thing better than one Australian Shepherds is two of them!

This breed has some lasting popularity and it’s easy to see why. Their beautiful double coats protect them from the cold and they rarely seem to find an animal or human they don’t like.

Oddly enough, the origins of these dogs have nothing to do with Australia. We’re actually not certain where they came from before they showed up in America. They seem to have been bred as a generalist dog for around the ranch, making intelligence and independence valuable qualities.

Aussies are gaining popularity as time goes on and they do very well in groups together. Just imagine a pair of them sauntering down the street together, it’s an easy reality.

Two Dogs are Better than One

The above dogs are only some of the breeds which do fantastic with a partner-in-crime. Whichever pair you choose to bring into your home is going to be a life-changing decision, so make sure to sit down and think over your choice first.

What’s certain is this: two dogs are always better than one!