We have a westie named Jamie and would like to buy another, however as he is four years old we are worried about him accepting a puppy. Secondly would it be better to get a bitch or a dog? Or doesn't it matter

Opposite sexes are most likely to be a success, especially in a terrier, though the same sex can get on fine, it is rare for a dog and bitch to fall out, the bit h usually ends up in charge :D

I would say his age is ideal for introducing a puppy, providing of course that he has been properly socialised, and interacts normally with other canines. What I mean is does he know he is a dog, and does he like them. He doesn't need to like all dos, but should at least like the odd one!

Have no experience about Westies - but our older dog was 4 when we got our puppy. We got a bitch as we were advised, because he was a rescue and we didn't want to risk upsetting the status quo :) The main things that we did to avoid problems were:

1) We used a crate for the puppy
2) Didn't make a fuss of the puppy in front of the older dog.
3) Always gave the older dog his food first, put his lead on first, let him thru' doors first etc
4) Didn't let the puppy have any perks - like going on furniture etc. So that any perks our older dog had were only for him.
5) Gave the older dog time to himself and made sure that he was still top dog (althought sometimes it doesn't work out like this in practice !)
6) The way that you introduce them can be important - but had no real experience of that as we picked our pup up on the way home from holiday - so they met in the car - she travelled in a large cat crate :)

I hope that this gives you an idea. We haven't had any problems. They argue at times like any brother/sister - but are good friends.

Good luck

Daisy

Hi,
You shouldnt have a problem if you are careful. I have just introduced a pup into a household with two existing adult dogs, Rocky, who is not teh best with other dogs, and Saffi who can be bad with other bitches.
at first, rocky wasnt too chuffed, but he took around a week to calm down, adn realise that the pup was staying. saffi thought the puppy was her personal plaything!
now they all get along fine, though i wouldnt be suprised if i have problems when Dill gets older, between him and teh other boy!
If i where you, id get a bitch.
I would make sure i had a crate for each dog, or just one if you can manage.
lastly, but i think most importantly, if your current dog has any behaviour problems that you dont want the new dog to pick up on, sort them out first! so if your dog likes to pull on teh lead, or bark etc etc, be warned, soon your new pup will do that too.
On the other hand if your current dog is an angel, then hopefully the pup will pick up on that too.
Oh, and to make it more complicated, your current dog could well go backwards, and pick up bad habits from the puppy!!!!!!!
But, its lots of fun with two, and even more with three! have fun, enjoy your dogs.

Em

We introduced a Westie bitch puppy to our 12 year old Westie bitch and they got on just fine together. There was a brief period of the older dog putting the newcomer in her place a few times but after that they were best of friends. Older dog was a quite set in her ways whereas puppy was very placid and quiet so perhaps that helped. Not sure if things might be more difficult with a dog rather than a bitch.

MikeB