IF Ginger had a friend..

[Sirrahsim]

*IF* we were to get another dog sometime in the future it would be a rescue... *IF* we were to do that, would it make a difference to the harmony in the home if we got a male or female? Would it make a difference if it was a smaller breed that Ginger would tower over in a year's time? *IF* we got an older adult dog, would we have more potential problems than if we got a young dog of around 2 or 3?

A whole lot of ifs but I am just curious

[Jessika]

Females tend to be more dominant than males, so households with all males and one female, or all males tend to get along better than having multiple females. HOWEVER, some may beg to differ. I am in a household with four females and one male. Ones a chi and she pretty much keeps to herself but is VERY, VERY food aggressive. The second youngest is a female ACD who is VERY aggressive towards other dogs but overly submissive to people. Then there are Charlie and Jamie, who are pretty mellow and don't cause any conflict whatsoever. At the top of the chain is dear old Hannah, she's like the wise old lady who looks over the flock and keeps things under control.

So in experiences with my situation, the lower end females tend to be more aggressive with the other dogs. This could also be because Angel (the ACD) was never properly socialized, and Chiquita (the chi) is pretty much a lap dog with no training other than being housebroken. The three trained dogs get along beautifully though.

[Kfamr]

It all depends on the specific dog. You will learn over time (if you bring Ginger to dog parks/around other dogs) what she gets along with best.

I have 2 males, 2 females - weights ranging from 45-70 pounds ages 1, 3, 5, and 10.

[chocolatepuppy]

I agree with Kay, it depends on the dog. I've had two females, Lacey and RB Mandy, now Lacey and Layla. Basically, they got/get along fine. Then there came Jake, our little boy. That brings me to size. Lacey's about 80 lbs,Layla 70lbs. Jake is about 20lbs and I don't think he'll get a lot bigger. They all play together fine. Sorry, can't help you out with adopting a dog/older dog versus puppy, mine were all puppies.

[AdoreMyDogs]

I have always heard that generally you should get the opposite gender. It does depend on the dog of course, but generally speaking, it's best to get a male next since you have a female. It all boils down to the natural hierarchy and social structure of a dog.

I need to get out to see Ginger soon. Maybe this weekend?

[Sirrahsim]

I'm about to PM you Leslie