We have three big dogs, all female mutts. The biggest is a 90 lb shepherd mix, the other two are 65 lb… something totally mutt. We had the two “little” ones first and then added the shepherd.
Negatives:
[ul]
[li]We drown in fur. It’s really ridiculous. Especially when seasons change. An allergic family member would have problems. Fortunately, none of us are allergic to dogs. Check out the Dyson Animal, though, for a vacuum that can handle it.[/li][li]The vet bills are that much higher with the third dog.[/li][/ul]
Neutral:
[ul]
[li]Yes, three eat more than two, but not so much more that we’re in the poor house. It’s dog food after all![/li][li]Other things like baths and nails aren’t a big extra expense or hassle if you do it yourself. One more dog just doesn’t add that much more work.[/li][li]I haven’t spent extra time training three more than two. This may be because they seem to learn by seeing me work with each one. And I am painstakingly consistent between all three dogs in what I expect.[/li][li]I haven’t seen any problems with pack behavior. The two dogs had their dynamic, and now the three do. But it’s not substantially different than before. The two more dominant ones like to try to outdo each other (get out the door first, etc.) but there is no fighting. This may be because I work very consistently to be the pack leader.[/li][/ul]
Positives:
[ul]
[li]Believe it or not, my pack is waaaay more disciplined and easier to walk with all three at once than it was with two. With two, I could afford to slack off and let them get away with pulling and other bad behavior. With three, not a chance – and they know it![/li][li]With the three dogs, there was no jealousy when my son was born. They already had to share affection, so he didn’t upset the pack one bit. And he loves his dogs.[/li][li]We live in an up-and-coming neighborhood, and the three dogs make anyone hesitate to give us problems. They are totally sweet dogs, but the bad guys don’t know that.[/li][/ul]
I have no advice to give, but this is my experience. We don’t regret getting the third dog.
I’m guessing a hedgehog would be out of the question?
Aww, the poor thing would be “retrieved” constantly!
The kid with allergies makes this a no. I’ve been that kid.
I’m probably the wrong person to give an opinion, but for years, I had two dogs. The dogs varied, as one passed on, another dog came into the household, but the number was always two. The dogs got along and were all very-well behaved. It was barely any more trouble to keep two dogs than one. I was never tempted to add a third dog.
Monday, I had to have one dog put to sleep because of chronic kidney failure over the past few months. I have decided against getting another dog. My remaining dog is only four years old. I intend to try to take care of him well enough to live with me another ten years or so, but he’s going to be the only dog as long as he shall live.
So, I would be inclined against getting a third dog, but that’s just my personal opinion.
I like other people’s reasonably well-behaved dogs, but I’m allergic and can’t own one. So I have to agree with the OP: not a good idea.
I agree - I’ve had dogs and loved them fiercely, but if one of my kids turned up with severe allergies, the dogs would immediately be out the door…
IMO “severity” in terms of allergies is a somewhat relative term. I have had allergies for over 4 decades since I was 2. Although the symptoms change over time, they remain manageable by medications. My son’s allergies are similar to mine. So, while our allergies might seem “severe” to someone who is not allergic, to me they are basically an inconvenience.
The answer that really boiled things down to me was Markxx’s. I cannot confidently say that adding a 3d dog will significantly enhance the quality of life for any of our house’s human or animal inhabitants.
Tough not to see the appeal in another one of these, tho. 
You can send it to me, thanks.
I can tell you it is much easier having two dogs then it was having four. For three or so years, we had 3 goldens and a boxer, we are now down to the two youngest goldens. (I think my wife has a form of dogolism. She wants a third, again.) With four it was impossible to find anyone to watch all of them when we left for vacation. Food was expensive, hair impossible, and we were always watching other peoples dogs so that they would watch two of ours.
On the plus side, you’ll never feel more loved. I come home and tussle with the dogs, and we all feel loved. And your house will be safe, as even goldens can be bold when there are enough of them. You wouldn’t believe how fast salesmen left when you open door barely able to hold back four dogs!
As I mentioned, my wife wants a third, and I don’t, so we are in very similar situations. Since we’ve done it before, I think I’m winning this time.
Random thoughts:
Your son is in college - his allergies are very part time.
You get a huge amount of enjoyment out of Clover and Buster.
Three dogs wouldn’t be more work for me - I have a farm. But can you and your wife manage walking three dogs? Your youngest daughter is still at home, but not for long, as I recall.
There’s nothing cuter than a golden retreiver pup.
You can afford a third dog, and you know it.
I have 6 dogs. When I take care of my step-father’s dog, a 7th makes a big difference (in part because he’s a terrier and picks fights. My dogs know better than to do that). But my dogs, although there’s a pack mentality, I’m the boss of the pack. The three youngest dogs like to play and wrestle and chase things. The three oldest are slower and not so active, but still like to drive off the occassional 'possum. It works for me, but it wouldn’t work for everybody.
StG
Dammit! You made me LOL at work! It’s the first time that’s happened. I hope nobody noticed…
Other than the puppy SQUEE factor, it REALLY doesn’t sound like a good idea.
Adorable! (They look like they’re plotting something…)
I had severe allergies as a child; the addition of a golden retriever to the house didn’t seem to provide any extra irritation. I felt I experienced far more allergy problems in the presence of excessive dust, mold, or perfumes than I did when I was around my dog.
