# At what age is it recomended to introduce a second Shiba into your household? I have learned so much about the breed, and have had a fantastic time with Mylie. BUUUUT, I have Shiba fever. I want another! Not only for Mylie's sake of having a playmate but because; I recall a quote I once saw in this forum: "Shiba's are like potato chips, you can't have just one." Whoever said… ## Thread In Shiba Inu · started by LoveMyMylie · 6 replies - **Category:** [Shiba Inu](https://nihonken.org/community/c/shiba-inu) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## LoveMyMylie · 2008-08-03T00:56:59.000Z I have learned so much about the breed, and have had a fantastic time with Mylie. BUUUUT, I have Shiba fever. I want another! Not only for Mylie's sake of having a playmate but because; I recall a quote I once saw in this forum: "Shiba's are like potato chips, you can't have just one." Whoever said this, I apologize for not recalling; You're 100% spot on! My worries are these: Mylie is only 5 months old, is she too young to introduce another dog into our family? She's constantly starving for attention, despite the huge amounts I give her. I don't want to deprive her of this by adding a new family member, although I think a playmate would be healthy for her. I'm moving. Soon. As soon as I finish the remodeling project that is my house. I don't want to wait too long to get another Shiba, although I really don't want to put two dogs through a dramatic move. I'd really like to rescue a young adult Shiba and give him or her the same wonderful life I am able to give Mylie. This may wind up being a lot of work, although I don't see the point in searching for another pup when I can help out a Shiba who needs me. Should I lean towards a male Shiba? I fear there may be tension between two females? Is this a legitimate worry? I'm just scoping out my options, and may decide against another dog in the long run. Overall, I am only interested in what's best for Mylie, and OF COURSE she'd have to be with me to meet and greet any potential newcomers. :) ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2008-08-03T01:41:01.000Z I think male-female pairs do fabulously, although I do know female-female and male-male pairs, and my two females get along, but I think if you are going to just have 2, than male-female traditionally get along better and easier. Tsuki was 7 months when we brought in Kitsune, and she's done fine with the transition, although at the time she wasn't the only dog, we did have 2 foster dogs when we adopted her and one other foster when we adopted Kitsune. I think whenever you are ready for another dog is probably just fine for Mylie. Adopting a young adult shiba can be a tricky thing. Honestly, if I were adopting to you, I'd probably want you to wait until you were moved in and settled into wherever your new home was and you had an established routine with Mylie, then adding another dog would be less stressful for all involved, but you know your situation best! I think adopting is a fabulous option. When you find the right match for your lifestyle and existing dog, you will know it, Shibas can have matches made in doggy heaven, I really lucked out with my little pack!! Shibas are like potato chips, I think Dave said that?!?! ## _dlroberts · 2008-08-03T10:15:06.000Z I agree with what Jen just said. Its probably best to wait a few months after your move before introducing a new dog; however, if you are going to adopt an adult male, it may be best to do it while Mylie is still such a young puppy. Lucy was 17 months old (I think) when I brought Joey home and she handled the transition about as well as I could have asked for. Don't forget that Shibas go through an "F U" stage around 18 months so it would probably be best to avoid doing the introduction when either one of the dogs is in that stage. Otherwise, I think having a playmate is always a good thing! Jen: It was scarlet who said that. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2008-08-03T11:12:55.000Z oh!! sorry dave :/ where IS 'scarlet' lately!?! --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)