We currently have 2 papillons (both male) aged 7yrs and 18mths and have been asked by the breeder of the youngest if we would be interested in having his Mum.

She's 4 yrs old and has just been desexed after her 2nd litter.

She's a beautiful dog, really sweet and friendly and would be a pleasure to own but I'm not sure what to say.

How easy would it be to add her into the family? Are there any major issues we'd need to watch for?  How much more difficult is it getting an adult dog, rather than a puppy?

The breeder has very strong and solid reasons for rehoming her and I'm stunned that she asked us, as she's considers all her dogs members of her family and her eldest papillon is 15 and still lives with her.

Sounds like the breeder really trusts you.

Only have her if you 100% wanted another dog beforehand (before she asked you) that's my advice.

Sometimes it can be two's company, three's a crowd (depending on the dogs). Whatever you decide I hope it all works out well for all of you (especially what's best for the dog).

Personally, I've done both and I find it much easier getting an adult.  No adolescence, minimal housetraining if any, no mouthing, just a ready-made adult who already has their personality sorted out.  You already know she's a nice dog which is a big plus.

What you'll need to consider are the reasons for rehoming (anything that might impact on the other dogs), whether adding a female may upset the balance between your males, what impact it will have on you and your ability to manage all three dogs (exercise requirements etc), if you're able to maintain separation if it's necessary either at the beginning or later on, that sort of thing.

I don't for see problems between your boys if the bitch is spayed,  though I'd expect her to take charge.

I added an 18 month old bitch Mini Schnauzer to my other 3 dogs (2 spayed bitches, 2 entire male MS) and she was in charge from the second she walked in. She had already produced one litter for her owners, but they rehomed because she'd had a caesarean.

She peed once in the house on the first day, but has never done it again! She had two faults I hate - excessive barking and pulling on the lead. To re-train her out of these habits probably took longer than it does training a puppy though.

It depends on the dogs, I think if my old female was alive there would have been arguments, as she too was a bossy female

We definitely do want another papillon - we're actually on her list for a puppy next year, but if we do have this female we won't be getting the pup. That would be chaos!

Our oldest is neutered but the puppy isn't so we'd never considered a female as we have no plans at all to breed so adding a female was never something we'd thought of.

My heart says YES as she's such a lovely bitch, very well mannered with a lovely temperament but my head is spinning as it was such an out of the blue request.  We're definitely in the situation where we can home, feed and exercise another dog but we never thought it would be this beautiful girl.

Thanks for the replies - I'll wait till a more sociable hour then call the breeder for a good chat.

I wouldn't think it would be a problem at all, though as Brainless says the girl will probably be boss

Sounds like a great opportunity to me, much less hassle than a pup

Well, we're getting another papillon at the end of January :)

We spoke to the breeder and asked lots of questions and we're all confident she'll fit right in. Rather intimidatingly the breeder said we were the first people she thought of for her.  She's been in the breed for years and with everyone she knows she wants us to have her.

It feels like such a huge responsibility but one we're very excited about.

The only 'problem' is that all the papillons will have names starting with the same letter!!

She's being rehomed for a quieter life - she had a tough delivery with her last litter and needed an emergency c-section and spey. The breeder is heartbroken but she wants to do what's right for the bitch.  There are definitely no behavioural or temperament issues.

Our puppy is super friendly, loves everyone and everything but the older one is a bit for reserved. He prefers older dogs to puppies so getting this little bitch will be better for him than adding in a new puppy.

You should know that bringing a bitch into a 2-dog household may well upset a situation that is working right now, and for sure, she will be the boss (hopefully after you!!) but provided the reasons for the rehoming are true and she does just want to get her out into a 'fireside home' for the rest of her life, it may work okay.   If I were you - and don't be flattered because there may be more to this than meets the eye - I'd take her on a trial basis only and see how it goes, with the understanding that if it's too much disruption for you, she goes back?   Get it all in writing, so there are no misunderstandings later on.   She may prefer to co-own her with you initially however.  

I have to say we always kept all our oldies, so I'm naturally sad she is letting this girl go, regardless of whether she had a Section and was spayed.

You will have to amend your profile to "owned by 3 papillons" soon, lucky lucky you.

We're def taking her on as a trial - we don't want to upset any of the dogs any more than necessary.

The dynamics in her household have changed since she got speyed and she's not happy - she's only 4 and as they generally live long lives it's a long time for her to be miserable.

Fingers crossed everything works out, we've got a great dog trainer that we've used previously and we'll use her again when we bring little miss home to help with things.