I found 2 dogs was easier than 1 b/c they entertained each other when I was busy. Three was more work than I expected, but the added fun makes it worth it. Also, circumstance played a big part it in. We chose to get Jersey as a playmate for Serene, but we never conciously said "let's get a 3rd dog", and along came Marlee, abandonned at the vet clinic, and we were asked if we'd be interested in her. After Beanie died, I wouldn't even think about getting another dog. It felt like I would be trying to replace her, but then along came Brucie, a pug when we've always been big-dog people, desperately in need of a new home...And we're back to 3! We also don't have human kids, and I think that's part of it for us. One dog and a couple of kids=very busy mom!!
There are dogs, which are kept for a certain work or sport. For example, dogs directing sheep herd or reindeer herding dogs. They do their job in groups of two and more dogs, if the herd in big. Scenthounds and sighthounds are very social and they hunt better in groups of two and more dogs. More then one dog is good for playing and exercising together, especially at the puppy age, when young dogs develop their physical and social skills, interacting and communicating in a group. However, if individual socialization of humans is missed, they grow too wild and disobedient. It depends how the dogs will live and work as adults. Sheep guarding dogs can work only in groups, otherwise predators will break the herd and kill sheep. Sleddogs also work in teams.
Try having multiple different pets! When I tell people we have two dogs, two cats and (now) two guinea pigs, they're eyes bug out and they say "Wow that's a lot!" 
I recently lost a guinea pig, and I will get a third again, but right now I'm concentrating on finding a job. And I would love to have more dogs! But I can't afford it right now, and I live with my parents and they don't want any more dogs.
I recently lost a guinea pig, and I will get a third again, but right now I'm concentrating on finding a job. And I would love to have more dogs! But I can't afford it right now, and I live with my parents and they don't want any more dogs.
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^^^ Raises hand! Know whatcha mean too.
We have always had dogs and cats. Stepson once had a hamster, but they don't live as long as other pets so it died a few years ago. We also have a very large reef aquarium in the living room .. coral, live rock, anemones, marine snails and hermit crabs, a few shrimp, and a couple marine fish. Those aren't interactive with humans though ... so I guess I never considered them "pets" in the same sense as dogs and cats.
We have always had dogs and cats. Stepson once had a hamster, but they don't live as long as other pets so it died a few years ago. We also have a very large reef aquarium in the living room .. coral, live rock, anemones, marine snails and hermit crabs, a few shrimp, and a couple marine fish. Those aren't interactive with humans though ... so I guess I never considered them "pets" in the same sense as dogs and cats.
It's funny, my parents had three dogs for a while a couple of years ago, and my grandfather thought it was ridiculous, and was always telling them that three was too many. My mom said that when she was growing up they always had two dogs, no more, and usually no less. I guess my grandfather got it in his head that two is the perfect number of dogs.
