Hi everyone we currently have a 6 and a half year old Lab called Jessie and we are looking to pick up a 2nd lab puppy at the end of Feb. We have always thought that another female Lab would be the preferable route rather than a boy, however, a couple of people have mentioned to me that a boy puppy would be better! Jessie is very easy going, chilled out in the house and active when out and gets on well with puppies (she has a couple of days a week at a dog carer where she interacts with puppies as they grow). I'm guessing she would get on with either a boy or a girl, but I was just wondering whether there was general guidance either way as to whether a boy or a girl would be better? Many thanks Paolo
Is she spayed? If so, personally I would get a boy Bitches usually get on fine, but if they don't they can be really nasty.
thanks for the replies, Jessie is spayed. In answer to your question @AusNat , I had never really considered that there would be any dominance issues with 2 girls, we were going for a girl just based on our good experience with Jessie! With regards to a male, my only thought at the time was that even though Jessie is spayed, the male would still be attracted to Jessie (as he gets older) and there would be plenty of attempted humping (pardon my ignorance if this is wrong!). I would get the male neutered but I am not sure this would completely eradicate the male's genetic instincts to mate. Jessie is quite a submissive bitch, so even if we did get another one, I can't really see Jessie trying to dominate the other bitch!
I think it is hard to generalise and I think personalities play a bigger part. I have had various combinations over the years with harmony. 2 intact males and 3 spayed females with various overlaps. I had 2 spayed bitches who got on fine, intact dogs and spayed bitches with no problems and 2 intact dogs who totally adored each other and were the closest bond of all. I have never had an intact dog hump a spayed bitch. I do think it’s a bit pot luck. Good luck with your choice.
I agree that it’s more about personalities. I adore my boy - he’s extremely outgoing with both dogs and people but has rapidly developed great social intelligence to allow him to adapt his approach & play style to the other dog and their signals. He’s super low anxiety, loves adventures and play, but will settle in for nap time when he’s tired or I’m busy. Humping may happen no matter what (females will sometimes hump too) but can be discouraged, and it’s really only a problem when you have company over to be embarrassed in front of. I’d say to focus on the individual dog. If you’re going through a breeder, focus on finding the best breeder you can and then matching with the best fit puppy, regardless of sex. Then brush up on what true puppy socialization is and make it a priority. If you’re looking at rescues, just look for the best fit.
