An intact pair is doable, but if you have a male who is really wanting to be with the female when she is on heat, better prepare your neighbours for some sleepless nights. Some can howl for hoursā¦ Besides that, it's just watching them all the time when they are together so no 'accidents' will happen.
Getting a dog only to keep your other dog company is what I allways advice against. I've had 2-3-4 dogs together the last years, and from time to time I set up a webcam when I leave home so I can see what they do. I close the door behind me, they jump on the couch or in a basket and they sleep till I get home again. Never seen them play together while I was away. If it is only to keep him some company, why not a cat instead of another dog? Much easier and see cat-dog plays far more over here then dog-dog plays.
A better reason to get a another dog, is that you want another dog.
With 2 dogs, you also need to train them separate, walk them separate... to keep the bonding between you and the dogs stronger, then the bond between the 2 of them.