Hi, I have a male terrier, and we want to get another dog, as much for him as for us. Is it best to get a bitch or a dog? He gets on fine with both sexes when we're out on walks, but I know it would probably be different around the house.

At the moment, we're undecided on what to get. Its either going to be a Dalmation, Doberman, GSD or Boxer.

Im torn between GSD and Dalmation (my friend is going to be breeding hers) and OH is Doberman or Boxer.

So, any hard and fast rule about dogs and dogs, or a dog and bitch? :D

Thanks!

I have dogs together and have no problems beyond the odd squabble over a chewy, but have had a couple of bitches the had to be kept apart. Never had a problem with having a dog and bitch except they have to be parted when the bitch is in season. So I guess it is a question of if you want to keep the dogs intact or not.

I have always had dogs and bitches together, at the moment we have only bitches, the old boy died last year but they still all get on.  Personally I would go for a female gsd. It really depends on whether your terrier is really laid back with other dogs of both sexes. In the house it can be a little different on his own  territory. But, again I would go with a female. Good Luck whatever you decide. :)

Also to of the breeds you mention do not generally get on with other males (dobes and boxers) so that will affect your choice.

Surely they would get on with another male from Puppy age, wouldnt they?

I really want a Male dog, no offence to anyone with purley females, I just (personally) think that males are more outgoing and boistrous, which is what I like. Also, I find them easier to train.

Gonzo, you asked the question, people can only give you their opinion. I have males together but they are the same breed. The only thing I can say from experience is, when it comes to an all out fight dogs can't hold a candle to bitches, who will fight longer, harder and more often, they also never forget but dogs will be back playing together within a hour. But again I am talking of evenly matched dogs not a small and large where if a problem does kick off the end result could be very serious even fatal.

I have mixed breed males( Cavaliers & now sadly only one BC)& no problems I have a GSD bitch but she is spayed & has been for over 8 years.

When I did have bitches I've had a couple that would kill each other if they met after falling out over nothing :(

Not with some breeds, once both males are mature some will not tolerate another male.  I know quite a lot of dobes, and one household I know just had one male of that breed, but also a Jack Russell male, granted the Russell would start the fights, but the male dobe would not put up with it. 

Christine Kerioak has on a number of occasions said you cannot keep male dobes together, and from my experience most terriers are not the kind that watn to be dominated and will fight their corner for supremacy regardless of the size of the other dog.  Now you would be very unlikley to have a problem with them, if you got a male GSD or Retriever, but the Boxer or Dobe certainly would normally want to take top male spot on maturity.

Did own a male GSD that was very tolerant of all breeds of any sex or even none. He did not come to me till he was 7 so I suppose he was out of the "set them up, I'll knock them down stage" but he was a dream of a dog to own and totally trustworthy with everyone & everything except my husband. Can't say if the same applies to a male GSD in it's prime but would thing a feisty JRT would be too much for any self respecting male to tolerate, and think, having considered, a bitch may be best bet for this home. The bitch will become top 'dog' and that will be the end of the argument.