Before we lost Kintra, we had planned to get another gsp pup as we had always hoped to have two dogs eventually.  We are due to collect Keely in just over 2 weeks and was wondering what you're thoughts are about adding another dog.  We were thinking of getting another bitch when Keely is at least 6 months old as we are under the impression that a smaller age gap (both being really young and around the same age) would maybe mean the dogs are more "doggy" and maybe a little less inclined to develop a good bond with us.  I'm assuming that having two bitches shouldnt really be a problem?  Would appreciate your thoughts on this

Double post.

Due to a health problem, i'm studying at home and trying to start a business which although sounds like a busy time, actually allows me to be fully flexible and can work around training and sleeping.  I appreciate that maybe it would be better to add another dog to the family once Keely has matured a little and am glad take on any advice about this.  I have looked into the age gap thing but have only found information which is aimed at all breeds.  Having lived with dogs for nearly 36 years (apart from a 3 year break) i am in absolutely no doubt that gsps are very different from many others and really appreciate getting advice from people who know the breed so well.  I always felt that Kintra was unlike any other dog at two years old (crazier ) and i do believe that they are slower than other breeds to mature (which i love) but still so intelligent at the same time.  Will definately think more about waiting a bit longer.  Thanks.

Maybe it was just Kintra.  I've lived with many working dogs including german sheperds, a labrador, and a german wirehaired pointer and just felt that Kintra retained her "puppyness" for a lot longer than any of them.   I did do some research and many sources did seem to acknowledge that they do mature both phycially and mentally at a different rate. Similarly, when i worked at a boarding kennels, most of the young dogs werent as exuberant as she was - maybe i was just lucky with her

Maybe that's what's so amazing about them, they just never slow down or lose enthusiasm for life

I've mostly had two for the last 25 years.  First, littermate sisters.  Good:  getting the puppy stuff over once and for all.  Bad:  they squabbled their entire lives, although this was mostly because one of them was a prime bossy b****.  After she died (of course she survived her saintly sister), I got a 9 month female, and 6 months later an 11 month male.   Chelsea (the female) dominated him from the get-go but he knew his place and they got along fine.  Last year I got middle-aged Humphrey (Chelsea is now 11) and again, he defers to her.  (See a pattern in M/F relationships?) 

I love having two as their interactions make life with them multiple times more fun, and it also makes being a "working mom" relatively guilt-free.  In my small experience male and female (neutered for choice) might be the most harmonious matchup.  And yeah, they keep that silly streak forever!

 Bitches rule in the shorthair world.  

I think two are wonderful.  I would wait until the first is trained and bonded to you.  You will know when she is old enough for you to devote the majority of your attention to the new pup.  The first one will have developed confidence and security.  Then go for it and get a new pup!

I vote for the female and male pairing if you plan to neuter either one.  I also have noted females rule in the dog world most of the time.

I am curious, why is this?

We got a second dog too this year, a female, and she tends to rule over the male as well.