Getting second dog

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Dizzydancer

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Hi all
Looking to get another Labrador in the spring (have found a mating that's due to be mated early next year which meets our requirements) however not sure if we should get a girl or boy!
We already have a 4year old lab entire male and my parents have 2x Leonburgers girls (my dog(s) would go there 2 days a week while I work).

Any suggestions on which gender maybe best would be fabulous!
Thanks
 
in this scenario it's completely your personal choice...youve got a male ( and know their traits)so a female would be most compatible imo ,but you'd have to have a plan for when the girl has her season...I recently added a tiny female breed to my household....we let her have a season before she was spayed and it was one of the most stressful things my (intact)male went through.He lost three kilos in month,howled even in our company ,and I hardly saw my hub as he lived in one part of the house whilst I was in the other ,with a dog each.
I would imagine the female would go to your parents when she came in season...
if you did plan to spay ,labs should be completely mature before you do and ,any breeders recommend the dog has at least two seasons,so this upheaval would be something to consider.
If you chose a male I'd say to look carefully at the pups personality and choose one that will be compatible with your existing boy.
 
As Bellasophia said, I think it totally depends on the personality of your boy, the new pup, and if you have a plan on how to cope with seasons.

I have three entire males, with no issues keeping them together at all. They were well socialised when they were young and get on great with other dogs, they absolutely love being together more so than being apart.
 
Thanks both, my lab is pretty settled and has been with other entire males however in general does get on with girls better.
I think we will have a good think re:seasons altho my parents have already said they could have the girl or our boy while in season.
 
is it out of the question to neuter your male?? I do find it strange that people would rather spay the female than the male....if neither are being bred from why not neuter both?
 
It is unfortunately as he had a reaction to anaesthetic when he had to have xrays and joint taps while he was being investigated for immune mediated poly arthritis and it was touch and go. The vets reccommended he should not have any anaesthetic unless it was essential.
I understand the risks for females are much greater as the op is bigger and also the risks if not neutering a girl is much worse so would always spay if not breeding and would neuter the boy if it wasn't for the above
 
Dizzydancer said:
It is unfortunately as he had a reaction to anaesthetic when he had to have xrays and joint taps while he was being investigated for immune mediated poly arthritis and it was touch and go. The vets reccommended he should not have any anaesthetic unless it was essential.
I understand the risks for females are much greater as the op is bigger and also the risks if not neutering a girl is much worse so would always spay if not breeding and would neuter the boy if it wasn't for the above
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that is the most sensible response I have ever had to that question...I completely understand why you cant neuter him... I have 2 bitches (who are spayed) but find it very irresponsible when entire males leap on my bitches and the owner says oh he is only acting naturally!!!! i really cannot understand why there is such problem with neutering males yet we are expected the have the females spayed. sorry its one of my pet hates....
 
I agree with Bellasophia's post. Having read your other response that your dog gets on better with bitches then, if your parents are happy to have your bitch when she is in season, then I would probably get a bitch. Are your parents bitches also spayed?
 
splash girl- I completely agree my lab is very well behaved (he has been around bitches in heat and other than sniffing he doesn't have a clue what to do!!)
WorkingGSD- thanks, yes they would be happy to. The eldest is spayed and the youngest will be spayed in the next 3months as she has just had her second season so need to wait til the middle of cycle. (So By time we even get a pup she will be spayed). Can I ask why? Do bitches in heat react differently to dogs??
 
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