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!!