One Lab or Two?
If one Lab is fun, just think how entertaining two could be! People often decide to get two Labs at the same time, and there is some method to their madness. Because they're sporting dogs, bred to work companionably with other dogs, Labs tend to be social, enjoying the company of other dogs. Two Labs can play with each other, releasing some of the energy that you would otherwise have to deal with. They can keep each other company during the day while you're at work and the kids are at school, and they'll be less likely to develop separation anxiety.
What is a brace?
People who show or hunt their dogs often use special terminology when they refer to them. A brace is a pair of dogs. If you attend a Labrador specialty show, you may see a brace class — two Labs being shown together, tails wagging in unison.
The Downside of Multiple Labs
Before you decide that getting two Labs is a great idea, however, bear in mind that there are also disadvantages to consider. Two Labs can be twice as destructive as one. They shed twice as much as one, and while they will certainly keep each other company, they will also egg each other on, reducing your peace of mind and quiet time. You might think they'll nap and play at the same time, but if they take turns, you won't get any time off from supervising them.
A pair of female chocolate Labs: a five-year-old and a 2½-year-old.
If you get two puppies at the same time, they may bond more closely with each other than with family members. Labs are big, strong dogs, and it can be difficult to handle two of them on leash at the same time, unless you have a spouse or friend who's willing to help walk them. And it's a hassle to housetrain two pups at once. There's an economic drawback as well: You'll have greater expenses for equipment, food, toys, training, and veterinary care.
Making It Work
Two pups at the same time might not be easy, but it's not impossible. Just know that it will take a greater amount of dedication to civilize them than it would a single pup. The biggest danger to guard against is becoming so overwhelmed that the puppies end up keeping each other company all the time. It's important to take the time to bond with them, play with them, and train them, together and separately. Each puppy should have a primary caregiver in the family, and the two should not spend 100 percent of their time together.
You may have heard that it's not a good idea to get two puppies from the same litter or to get two of the same sex. In most cases, however, it doesn't matter whether they're from the same litter or of the same or opposite sex. They are going to bond with each other regardless. The work involved is more related to the pups' age than to their gender or relationship.
