Quick question, I am looking to get a friend for my 18 month old female lab Murphy and have been looking into getting a rescue dog instead of a new puppy, Looking through various rescue sites a few of them say they will not home a bitch with another bitch.

I do not really want a male dog and wondered if any one could tell me why they sugguest you cannot home two female dogs togther ?

My parents have a mother and daugther combo of two labs and they have never had a problem.

Could you tell me if it is a age problem, housing a older female with another as otherwise I will probably go for another female puppy so she can grow up with Murphy.

Thanks

I have PM'd you :)

If two dogs fall out with each other, it's usually far more serious if it is two bitches than one of each sex or even two dogs -and the problem is a lot worse if they are close in age. Usually the outcome is that one has to be re-homed. I have had serious problems myself  and wouldn't like to contemplate keeping two bitches with an age difference of less than 4-5 years. As with everything though, all dogs are individuals and so it doesn't follow that what works in one case will work in another and vice versa. :)

My experience of bitches.  I had a puppy farmed bitch of 5.  Took on a bitch of 8 months.  The first week the older bitch was nasty to the youngster, then after that week they became best of friends. When the older one died, I bought another bitch puppy.   No problems.  Then 2 1/2 years later bought another bitch, again no problems.  At this moment in time I have 4 bitches and can honestly say hand on heart that I have never had so much as a lifted lip.  They all get on famously. Ages - 11 1/2, 9, 4 1/2 and 15 months. However I do believe that in some breeds you could not do this.  I have Golden Retrievers. I personally would expect that Labradors should get on, but it will also depend on the individuals.  I have also looked after other peoples bitches, for the day, over night etc and never had a problem.

However I do believe that in some breeds you could not do this.  I have Golden Retrievers. I personally would expect that Labradors should get on, but it will also depend on the individuals. 

It certainly does Alison, my worst bitch trouble maker ever  was a Golden and I'd had a previous Golden bitch much the same -different lines as well. I'll never forget Christmas Day 2004 which we spent at the vets having a Malinois stitched back together including on her legs and inside her mouth after she'd been beaten up by a Golden. (Saying a MALI had been beaten by a Golden is a bit like saying a man has been beaten up by a woman -can happen but rare. :) )

Likewise another big trouble maker I had was a Cavalier bitch, again not a breed ever renowned for such behaviour.

Oh if only it was possible to get pups from two male dogs I'd not need any bitches. :D ;) ;)

I have four bitches, one of around 4 years old (rescue) one of 2 1/2 years of age and the babies, both 5 months old.  The older two get on with each other and the 5 month olds, but the 5 month olds do have their moments when play fighting goes a bit too far!

I'm biased Marianne, I do love my bitches and I find the boys clumsy and oafish, sorry in advance for all those who love their boys!!!!!

Have to agree, have our boy staying with me, as his usual minder has all her girls in season at once, and it just isn't fair on him.

I love him dearly, but I prefer the girls, far cleverer than any of the boys I have had stay over the years (around 6).

Mind you my Jozi is just like a boy, big oaf :D

I know Barbara, my little girl can run rings round her litter brother and he hasn't got a clue what is going on. Bless!

I have had the same expereince, but Im do expect mine to get on and accept all comers.

I have had five bitches at a time (all from baby pups) with 2 to 4 year age gaps and occasional visitors too.

At present I have 3 plus am fostering an 18 month old rescue.  My now eldest and alpha girl grumbles a bit at having to put up with this incomer, but that is all, she just shows she is boss by ignoring her, and only growls if Cara takes liberties.  The other two (2 1/2 and 6 1/2) like her a lot and are sort of big sisterly.

Kizi on the quiet is unbending towards her too, and has stopped marching off as soon as she comes near her for company.

I've never brought in an older bitch, but in the past I've always had bitches and introduced another bitch puppy to the group; at one time I had four of varying ages from 14 down to a new pup, and there was never a cross word between any of them.

I think what ever sites Tim has been looking at are not any sites that are worth any credibility :)

I have put Tim in touch with people (my rescue) in his area and hopefully we may have a happy new rehoming if all works out after a home visit :)

Dog will fight dog for the right to breed. Bitch will fight bitch for the right to breeth.
One of you guys told me that.

Yes, if bitches fall out they fall out big time. But in my experience they're not really very likely to, especially if there's a reasonable age gap between them. :)

Hi

Why dont you want a male?  I use to be the same and always had bitches,but since getting my GSD boy I have never looked back. Him and my bitch get on brilliantly. They are different breeds and size but she is the boss. he is the softest wuss out. I only got him because the last two bitches I had together started to fight and nothing would stop them. When one died of naturall causes I couldnt face risking it again so got a boy instead. I have never regretted it. 

Dont rule out a male completely as some of them have the sweetest of natures

Wendy

We have 4 bitches and 3 dogs - our top 'dog' is a bitch and she quietly but firmly rules the roost. I've found the boys much harder work they are so much bouncier and need a lot more training to get to the same point as my girls. All my lot seem to get on well together but I do have to split my boys when they're being excercised - especially if balls or toys are involved - Max ( 9 months) and Louis (4 years) are fine together but Milor ( 2 years) thinks that all toys belong to him so he's walked with his mum Lola who can teach him a few manners LOL :D.

All my lot indulge in bouts of ear licking when they're feeling affectionate towards each other - does anyone else's do this - its' so funny to watch and seems to be mutually enjoyable .

Yvonne

my dogs lick each others ears my female does it more than my boy

My Harry's the main ear-licker in the family; sometimes he's so enthusiastic I think he'll reach through to the other side. :rolleyes: It must be deafening! His main 'victim' is his brother (who occasionally reciprocates), and sometimes his sister gets a drippy head, but their mum's ears are never licked. Neither of the girls lick the other dogs at all.

my dog licks the cats ears and i think thats why shes gone a bit bald on them. he will also lick any other dog that will let him.

Hi,

Thanks all for your posts, and the licking comments are very true Murphy even tries it on with me sometimes !
On the subject of a male dog, I always thought bitch with bitch due to the mating issues.
Murphy hasn't been spayed and I don't really want to spay her, I've never owned a male dog but presume if I got him neutured I wouldn't get any 'humping' issues ?

Sorry for the questions but I want to do my research before committing to another dog/bitch and going down the rescue dog route.
Tim

>Murphy hasn't been spayed and I don't really want to spay her, I've never owned a male dog but presume if I got him neutured I wouldn't get any 'humping' issues ?

A neutered dog would, admittedly, only fire blanks but that's not to say he won't happily hump his way through to a happy old age!