Ok, our 8 year old male "puppy" :-) is blind and has a genetic skin condition ( has been on antibiotics for the last few years to help try to control it as best we can) my lovely hubby cancelled the insurence policy ( he found a cheaper one on line bless him, but failed to sort it and forgot- 4 weeks later we found that the spot was more than just a spot:-( and so have ended up paying a bomb on on going medical help ever since- dont you just love bloody husbands??? anyway, my question is, having finally decided to take on an other dog, what do you think we should look for a pup or a slightly older rescue dog AND, male or female??
Have just filled in a home checker form for a rescue dog we have seen but im  still not sure, what do you all think?? 2 males ??? female/male ( will be spayed asap) puppy v older??? any advice will be great xxxx

Oh gosh, that is a real question and a half! :-)

What breed is your dog as you obviously need a breed to compliment him.

Sex of the dog just doesn't matter with a good age gap and a dog that gets on with others it truly doesn't matter.

The only thing that you don't want is a dog that is not going to hit it off with yours, that would be the most terrible thing for an 8 year old blind dog to be dominated over, totally unfair, sometimes it can be hit and miss with adult dogs, I would steer clear of any rescue dogs with behavioural problems you may well come across a really nice calm dog that will complement him well, but it is often difficult to judge.

It's difficult not knowing which breed he is at present, but part of me also thinks it would be nice for you to get a pup that can grow up with him, whereas they can grow into each other, get to know one another well, but IMO it would need to be a nice calm breed, all pups are boisterous and he would need plenty of escape time, but I'm thinking a Cav or something similar would be a nice complement if going for a pup, but then again until we know the breed you have it is difficult.

So can we have the breed please. :-) Or if a cross what type of cross?

Hi, thank you for reply, hes a cocker and we are looking at rescue cockers v pup from a very good breeder. Yes, my worry was how the other dog ( rescue) would be with him, he is a bit of a softy and when hes with other dogs tends to to get dominated a little. Im sure its because im really over protective with him and he picks up on it in some way. I think in my heart i think he would be better with a pup, but i really dont want to rule out helping another dog just yet. I was thinking female as i thought it would be easier, though i think my poor pooch will not be the dominant dog!! 
Its like having another baby again lol, want to enhance his ( and another dogs) life but dont want to get it totally wrong!! I think a puppy at this time is the best option, as we can help to correct behavior with training and such.... xx
p.s he lets the rabbits run rings round him bless:-) he ends up lying down with them cuddled into him, so much for any hunting instincts lol xx

I have always found that, whichever sex came into a house first, it is, eventually the bitch that dominates.  Would it be a better option to have a male pup, which, hopefully would be less bossy?  Having owned blind dogs myself (and one eyed dogs), it never ceases to amaze me how adaptable they are.  After all, he's relatively young.  Just my take on it - hopefully someone with more experience may be on soon.  My gut instinct says don't get a bossy bitch!