I have a male dog, almost 4 years old and he is so amazing, great temperament etc, I would like another one. What is best as a companion for him, dog or bitch? Advice with reasons please would be much appreciated.

This can very much be breed dependant but I would recommend keeping to single sex ie another male as it does make things easier on all(humans & dogs)

I would actually say the opposite!  It's very generally speaking though - some prefer the company of their own sex so really, it is down to the individual dog - which do you think he would be happier with?

As Lexy says it is very breed dependant though - many breeds are known for having same-sex issues, my beloved dobes being one of them.  Can we ask what your boy is?

Is he castrated or not? That can also affect the decision!

For the many years I have kept males, find life is so much more peaceful but if you are only thinking of two then it probably does not matter but expect the bitch to be the boss. If you keep your animals intact then you should stick to dogs or bitches mixing is a real pain.

I would have agreed with Nikita at one time but after having as many as 5 males and 2 bitches at the same time I would say males win hands down.  Love my females but they are soooo bossy and try to 'mother' the males when it comes to teaching manners, putting the dampner on excited play etc.  All the males want to do is play, they really couldn't care less about implementing 'rules'.

We have 3 males and 3 females. The ladies are in charge and much more vocal and the boys preferring an easy life just let the women get on with it. A bit like life really I suppose !!!

It is very breed dependant, as in many breeds males do not live amicably together as a rule.

Maybe I'm just lucky then because within the 5 males are 3 different breeds and the females are both different breeds too and there's never a cross word amongst any of them.

Are yours predominantly gundogs perhaps?

our dogs are 3 males - 2 Boxers and 1 Patt. The 3 females are 1 Patt, 1 C. Spaniel and 1 Beagle so really a mixed gang

The boxers are interesting as often they can be strange male iffy, but I know of quite a few that get on great with their housemate males.

My boy is a castrated Flatcoated Retriever

Choice is up to you.  so I would get onto a good breeders waiting list and as you can be flexible with sex then your more likely tom be lucky, and the breeder can help you choose the most suitable puppy.