We already have a ESS she is almost 18 months now. Brilliant dog, mad as a hatter but so affectionate and very well behaved, very toy orintated, but only at walking, she does seem to love her toys more than other dogs!! The question I have is.... We have got the oppourtunity to have another ESS who is male and 6 years old, he is neutured etc, although Roxy isnt at the moment but is scheduled in Feb next year. Is this the right thing to do will Roxy mind another dog comong to live with us? Is a male better than a female, is the age going to be a problem? So many questions but I just want to do whats best for both dogs. My husband thinks it may be a bad idea as Roxy still a baby and we should get a puppy, so Roxy is the eldest. I dont know how it works and want some advice if possible from any of you who maybe have ESS. Thank you for any advice!!!
In my experience the easiest pairing with the likelyhood of less problems is usually a male/female they tend to take more cheek and liberties from each other usually, where as two same sexes especially if they are going to compete and neither will give in can be a serious problem. So in that respect it should be OK. Certain breeds especially can become same sex agressive, but as far aas I know spaniels dont seem to be from what I can make out from people who own them in number.
Getting an older one and a younger one can also be easier then having two young ones as well. As two young nutters can be a lot harder to train sometimes and get them to focus and bond with you as they can become just interested in playing with each other, so him being 6 and her 18mths isnt necessary a bad thing at all. Especially if he is a laid back confident dog with no behavioural issues and steady. I know someone with an older Cocker and they got a puppy sprocker (springer/cocker cross) both girls as it happens and thats worked well although the sprocker although better now was a nutter when a pup and younger.
Best thing to do is take them for a walk on neutral trriory first and let them interact there, if you can do it a couple of times before you bring him home even better, that will give you a basis to see how they are going to be.
Main thing is that they are complimenting personalities and that they like each other after all.
Only thing on the practical/financial side if you take him on, is that if you are going to insure him, your premiums will likely be a bit higher then a pup and come usually around 8 years some seem to make you pay a percentage of the vet bills as well as the excess when they reach a certain age.
