Here's a couple of the downsides I don't think anyone has mentioned yet:

1. More dogs = more poop. I just spent 2 hours scooping poop. I probably spend 8 hours a week doing nothing but cleaning the yard! Granted two dogs won't produce nearly as much as 23, but it's still double what one dog does!

2. Bigger vet bills. Beyond basic vet care, can you afford two emergencies? What if they are both sick at the same time?

3. It's harder to get away. I could find a someone to take care of multiple human children much easier than I can find someone to take care of even a few of my dogs. It's been two years since Stuart and I were able to get away for even a night together. Most of my family has never met my hubby. When I go visit, he stays here. When he goes away, I stay home. I've only ever met his Dad!

4. More dogs = more noise. Are your neighbors dog lovers and willing to tolerate a little extra ruckus?

5. Your heart gets broken more often. I look around my yard somedays and think.."Oh my God. The next few years are going to suck!" My pack is rapidly aging, with at least five dogs in double digit years and 10 considered seniors by my vet! My babies, Mac & Ozzy, are almost four. I seriously considered adopting a 7 month old puppy this week, just to get a younger dog in the mix! (Then I came to my senses!!)

I didn't find two was much more work than one. The work level skyrocketed at double digits! Everything before that was pretty easy! It's pretty complicated now!

I am deeply attached to all of my dogs. I don't feel differently towards the ones who came later vs. the ones who came first. Don't feel differently about the two who have been here since puppyhood vs. those who arrived as adults. Do I have a favorite? Absolutely, but it's not set in stone. My favorite changes all the time, sometimes from hour to hour! Every one of them gets a turn to be the favorite!

The good stuff--unconditional love, never a dull moment, the joy of watching them play together, ect. All the good parts of dog ownership are still there with multiple dogs!