When I say my obsession with dogs started young, I mean it.
I was just three years old when my family welcomed my first childhood dog - a crazy, energetic chocolate labrador called Daphne - closely followed by her littermate - a much calmer, more affectionate black labrador called Mac, and from then on, I was completely and utterly obsessed.
Having grown up in a multi-dog household, I always knew I wanted the same as an adult, but it wasn't until we welcomed Trixie into our family almost 12 months ago that I truly understood the appeal of having two dogs of different breeds.
Before I dive in further, let me clarify: this is purely an opinion piece based on my personal experiences. I’m no expert, just a dog mum sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
Two Breeds, Two Personalities
While I’m a great believer that no two dogs are the same regardless of their breed, there’s no denying that different breeds come with their own predisposed personality traits - and Vivienne and Trixie are no exception. Their personalities couldn’t be more different, yet they complement each other in ways I never expected.
Vivienne, true to her westie heritage, is as stubborn as they come. Headstrong, alert and devoted, with a dash of selective hearing, she’s the ultimate spoilt first child and, as I’ve come to learn, a classic westie.
Trixie, on the other hand, is the epitome of a border collie - bursting with energy, intelligent and endlessly playful, but also one of the most loving dogs I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Despite their differences, I honestly believe they’re the perfect match. Trixie’s playful energy has reignited Vivienne’s youthful spark, while Vivienne’s calm demeanour brings balance to Trixie’s non-stop enthusiasm.
Different Dogs, Different Interests
One of the greatest joys of having two different breeds is discovering and embracing their unique interests.
While Vivienne is at her happiest curled up on the sofa or watching the street’s goings on from her favourite spot in the garden, Trixie thrives on activity. Her love for fetch knows no bounds, and she’s even brought a new lease of life to Vivienne’s long-neglected toy collection, now mostly destroyed thanks to her enthusiastic “play” sessions.
It’s fascinating to see how their different personalities shape their interests and the subsequent effect on us. While Vivienne’s more laid-back attitude makes her the perfect companion for a cosy night in front of the TV, Trixie’s boundless energy has encouraged us all to get active and spend more time outdoors.
The Bonds That Make It All Worthwhile
One of the most surprising joys of having two breeds is seeing how they learn from one another. While Trixie has adopted some of Vivienne’s quirks, like rolling on the carpet after every walk, snuggling under the duvet at night, and avoiding the rain at all costs, Vivienne has rediscovered her playful side thanks to Trixie’s limitless energy.
Having dogs with such distinct personalities and needs has also broadened our own lives. As previously mentioned, Trixie’s energy has encouraged us to spend more time outdoors, exploring new places and embracing more active adventures. Meanwhile, Vivienne ensures we never miss the quiet moments of snuggling on the sofa and simply enjoying each other’s company.
Of course, it hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. Vivienne needed time to adjust to Trixie’s energy, and Trixie had to learn when to give her sister space. But these challenges have all been opportunities for us to grow together as a family.
Final Thoughts
Being a mum to dogs of different breeds has taught me so much about patience, adaptability and love. It’s a constant reminder that dogs, like people, come with their own quirks and traits that make them uniquely special. While I once preferred uniformity and predictability, Trixie has taught me that the richness that comes with diversity is far more rewarding.
Despite their differences (and the occasional squabble over who gets prime spot on the sofa), Vivienne and Trixie are, in my opinion, the perfect match - not because they’re the same, but because they’re so wonderfully different.
Watching them learn from each other and develop their own routines has been a unique and unexpected joy. Together, they’ve found a rhythm that blends their unique personalities, and their bond continues to grow each day.
So, to anyone debating adding another breed to your household: go for it. Embrace the diversity, the quirks and the chaos, because the love they bring makes it all worthwhile.
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