my limit is two (and i have 2 cats). duke and alex the wonder dog are and were absolutely the best dogs ever. i found, as a single working full time human dog mom, i could only do right by 2. both dogs were/are high maintence, both had medical conditions the required daily meds, near monthly vet visits, and in alexs' case, i can expect one to two vet er bills a year. i have a good job, but i do know that there were times when money was tight, and the animals came first (good thing i love thrift stores and drive a used car.) when i hit the lottery however, things will change.....