Many other people here will offer good, experienced advice! Does your shelter allow you to have your dog meet the dog you want to adopt? That's always a good idea.

I introduced a terrier/lab female to another female, Shepard/Lab a number of years ago. They became great friends. The Terrier/Lab should be very playful and be a great joy for everyone.

You need to introduce them on common ground, like a park or even at the shelter if it's allowed. If they hit it off, it's a match.

Good luck!

SG

IMO, the sex thing isn't as much of an issue as some people think. If you are confident dog handler and neither dog is real dominant, they should get along famously.

In January, we rescued an 18 month old poodle to join our 1 year old schnoodle. They are both neutered males and are absolutely the BEST FRIENDS. I think the personality of the dogs is the best indicator, not necessarily the gender.

Thank you all for your input. We had for many years 3 female dogs who got along extremely well, then we lost one to cancer and 2 weeks after that's when the male stray dog entered our lives :-) and it was a breeze. I'm often told it's better to get a female when you have a male but I also think it's a question of character and having the dogs compatible. Thanks again!

Anicée

Try the dogs out together at the shelter, take them out for a walk together...you will find out immediately if they get along or not. PS - Kudos to you for looking into getting a rescue

I agree with all of the above, and commend you on your decision to adopt instead of buying a puppy.

I volunteer at a shelter, and ours, along with the majority of them, will take a dog back if things do not work out. Though it is sad to see them returned, we much prefer that they go to the right home.

Also, my dog is a male and he gets along well with both sexes. Follow the above advice and also read up on introducing a new dog to your home and other pets, the more you know, the better. You are the top dog in the pack, and you must set the ground rules! If things are not perfect in the beginning, don't give up...sometimes the dogs have to work things out, figure out where they stand with one another...but if neither is too dominant, then you probably won't have any major issues.

Good Luck, and thanks for adopting a shelter dog!!
Jen