I have a 4 year-old male shih-tzu and want to get another one. Is it better to get another male or female?

Question

I am very happy with my dog, and would like to get another male but I'm worried about competition. Anybody know specifics about the breed and whether opposite-sex pairing is best?

Answer 1

With fixed dogs it really doesn't matter. It tends to go more by the dogs personality. Try to introduce the dogs beforehand before you commit tp buying one.

Answer 2

Typically, we recommend the opposite sex. It's going to seriously reduce dominance issues in your dogs. Even if you have never had problems before, you'd be surprised when you bring a new addition home.

Dogs were domesticated from wolves. In the wild, in wolf packs, the pack is run by a dominant male and dominant female (the breeding pair). Many people will tell you that there is just one "alpha" dog. This is not true. In nature there is a breeding pair that rules the pack. Therefore, naturally, your male dog is going to have less issues with co-dominance if the new dog is a female. If it is a male - regardless of how nice either dog is - one of them is simply going to have to be dominant. There will, at some point, be a knock down drag out fight. That's not to say that you cannot have two dogs of the same sex, but the adjustment is going to be much, much smoother if you have opposite sexes.

My mother runs a shih tzu rescue in Ohio and she swears that opposite sexes take to each other much quicker than same sex dogs. Not that they won't, but you are going to have alot more stress and seperating if you get a male for your tzu.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 3

First question: Is your current male neutered? If no, then you definately don't want to go with a female - puppies. If yes, than whatever pairing will be fine. Males, especially neutered males are very docile and loving creatures. Two neutered males will get along splendidly together, absolutely awesome. A neutered male and a female will also get along, just be aware that the female will be the more agressive of the two. Two neutered males will not have any "competition" problems.

Answer 4

We have two year old neutered male shih tzu, and five days ago got a 13 week old girl shih tzu. They have taken to each other beautifully. she sleeps a lot, so my boy gets play time with her in small doses and when the girl is sleeping we play with him. When she is awake, they play, and she is the aggressor at times. It has worked out great. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I have had shih tuz's and they are kind of a one person dog ,there sweet but all small dog's want to be the center of your world, so I think it depends on your dog's age and temperament, if he will stand for another dog it would be best to get a female he will get on better with a girl than having a boy in his house.good luck.

Answer 6

It is recommended to get the opposite sex of what you currently have to reduce tensions of dominance. But, you know your dog's personality the best so if you know he doesn't like girls or gets along with males easier than get what you think would fit his personality. You should take your older dog with you when getting your new dog eitherway.

Just remember to consider getting the new dog spayed/neutered as soon as possible. To spay the girl will reduce chance of unwanted litter and cancer in neutering the boy you reduce the chance of marking, dominance, fighting, wandering, and cancer.

Answer 7

female,

Male female always works best

Answer 8

I've got 2 males (Both fixed...) and they're the best of buddies.

Answer 9

ID GET A MALE OR FIXED FEMALE OR A FEMALE IF U WANTED PUPPIES.