I already own a wire haired fox terrier, her name is jessie and she is our 5th fox
terrier. I am considering getting another dog hopefully a Welsh Terrier, but
could do with some advise about wether to get a bitch or a dog,I have had
conflicting advise. Can any one out there give me their advise PLEASE.

Hi Jessie,
Hate to say it, but you're going to probably get conflicting advice here too. :rolleyes: There are no absolutes in this matter. I've heard from "experts" that the dogs most likely to not get along are two females. (two of the same breed or two from the same litter are supposedly most likely to have permanent problems).

I prefer females, especially with smaller dogs. (I don't have to worry about a wet hand when I pick up the bitch outside after peeing & asthetics on rubbing tummy games---that's just me, though). I've also had them spayed or they were before I received them.

The last 6 dogs I've had have all been females, two even from the same litter.... no problems. I even had three females at the same time --10 year old Yorkie who disliked anything other than people, 4 year old doxie/westi mix, & a Cocker/Chihuahua puppy. The three managed quite well for 3 years in the same household until the Yorkie died. I still have the other two & they are inseparable.

It comes down to what you feel you can handle, what you want, & the personality of the dog that you have. Does she like puppies? Is she willing to follow your directions on who belongs to the household. Do you want a male or a female?

There will be those who will say that a male is assured of being accepted by your female without any trouble. There are also those here who just prefer males, like I prefer females. It's pretty much individual taste. And unfortunately or fortunately, it's up to you to decide in the end.
Hope I haven't confused you further :D Good luck
toodles

Hi Jessie, yes you will probably be advised that two bitches can be trouble, I have two entire bitches asleep here under my desk who have been buddies since two weeks after the second one arrived (the first two weeks were spent assesing each other ) he key lies in getting two of different temperments - the more different they are the less likely in my experience for there to be serious conflict (which is why the same breed/same litter story comes out). What is your dog like with other dogs off lead? If she's generally sociable, then properly introduced another bitch should be fine, but likewise a 'male' dog........

If there is a decent age gap that helps, as the younger will look to the elder as being of higher rank, and then no problems. You get problems when the hierachy isn't clear.

the only time I had minor squabbles was when I had a puppy back at 7 months, and also owned its sibling, thre was definately some rivalry between the two. I also found that the Dam of an older returnedee can be quite hard until she has established herself as being above the adolescent, whereas the Grandmother and above didn't seem to need to do this, but they were given respect straight away!

If you enjoy bitches go ahead and get another bitch puppy, and make sure you are their leader!