hi everyone, wondered if you could be of help with something that is a bit of a heart or head rulling. we have a young german shepherd dog whom is extreamily friendly and playful. we are going to get him a companion and due to a move overseas we know of a couple who have a young ( female) labrabor who will be up for rehoming when they leave. just wondered if they would make a good match

A good companion - probably - and good match (as in breeding) a definite, emphatic NO!!!  It may just be the way I am reading your post - if you want a friend/playmate for your dog, yes, you could have one - but do have the bitch spayed, or you will have problems keeping them apart twice a year when she comes into season.

If you ar comtemplating breeding from them - please please please - just DONT DO IT.

Please don't take offence if I have misread your post - but after the posting about akita needing mate/great dane staffy crosses - I'm probably paranoid this morning.

Margot

hi margot deffinetly got no intentions of breeding should of mentioned in post that my boy has been castrated it would most deffinatley be just a playmate for him and a dog that will also enjoy family life with us. we where thinking of getting another gsd but to be honest i love my lad so much i dont think anyother gsd would ever match up to him so when heard about the lab bitch, who i know is a nice dog might be in need of a home thought it maybe a nice idea. also forfot to mention that there would be almost exactley one year between them.

Glad you cleared that point up ;) - I admit I was a trifle worried !!!!

Why don't you let them meet on neutral territory?   I wouldn't imagine that there would be any problems - they are both dogs that love exercise and you should be able to exercise them both together, and they should become the best of pals!  I would still advise that you have the lab neutered, otherwise you'll still have problems with the local romeos!

The only problem that I can see with the year age difference is that in all probability you will lose them both in a short space of time - but that's a long way ahead in the future!   Lucky little lab lady, to find a home and a friend at the same time!

Margot

As long as both dogs have been properly socialized, it typically doesn't matter what breeds you pair up.  (Typically).

2 of mine are 2 months apart in age, the next follows by a year, then a year, then a year, then a year and a half.  :)  I enjoy having them close in age as their attitudes are quite similar.