We recently lost our old Labrador X at 14 years old, which has left our 6 month old Irish setter bitch pup without a pal. We would like to have another irish setter as a companion, but aren't sure whether to have another pup, or go for an older bitch?

Personally, I'd look to offer a home to an older dog, rather than a bitch.......

thanks Digger, If we did go for a dog, would it have to be castrated? Please pardon my ignorance on the subject, but we've only ever had spayed bitches from rescue homes before this!!

If you take a dog from a rescue it will probably have been castrated by the rescue. If it is not, or you get one elsewhere, it would be wise to have it castrated. Your bitch will be coming into season anytime soon, and trying to keep an entire male and a willing bitch apart is a nightmare. Even if your bitch is spayed castration will mean that the dog will not be tempted to roam to find local bitches, marking will be less intense, and he will tend to be less feisty with other males.

If you want another pup then wait untill your current girl is at least 18 months.

Or contact Irish Setter rescue.  I can't see a problem with a bitch, setter bitches normally get on very well.  But if you go for a dog it might be advisable to get one or both of them spayed/castrated just for safety unless you are willing to keep them apart during season time.

Thanks for the information. I hope I didn't come across as a total pillock!