I’ve had so many readers ask me over the years what I think is the best gender combination for 3 dogs. Having lived with multiple dogs for more than 30 years, following is what I think based on my experience.
These are pics of the most recent combination of my 3 dogs—two males and a female, all different breeds, and each spaced about 3 years apart in age.
What You Need to Know About Dog Gender Combinations
Because I started with a dominant female. I went with two males. They loved to play and they loved each other. But it took work to get there.
To start, this post is going to assume that you already have two dogs and are thinking of adding a third. (If you are starting with a different combination, I’ve already answered many of your individual questions about whether you should add a second and/or third dog, and if you do, what is the best gender combination in this post. Read through the comments and you can probably find your specific situation.)
What to Consider
While gender combination is a very important consideration when adding a third dog, it’s equally important to take into account your current dogs’ breeds, personalities, ages, sizes, training, and whether they’re already tightly bonded to each other. Whether they’re neutered/spayed or intact should also be factored in. And, last but not least, whether either of your dogs have any aggressive tendencies.
The Bond
If your dogs are already tightly bonded and doing well, then I’d ask you to think long and hard about why you’re feeling the need for a third dog. If you’re determined, just know that strongly bonded dogs will take more time to accept a third dog. You should plan on initially introducing them on neutral territory and then keeping a careful eye on them while they are adapting to each other in the home.
Aggression
If either of your dogs has any aggressive tendencies, I would consider passing on a third dog all together. Pack behavior intensifies with each dog that’s added. Aggression has a way of spilling over and coming out sideways in all kinds of unexpected ways. Don’t add fuel to the fire. It’s not worth it—said from deep, sad experience before I knew better.
Age
In a perfect world, it’s better to have dogs of different ages (so you have time to bond with and train each one, as well as to fully understand their personalities). That said, it’s important to consider the overall dynamics. For example, if you have an old dog, an energetic puppy or young dog could be too much. You don’t want your old dog feeling badgered, even if it’s for attention and play. On the other hand, an older dog can be a good role model and help with training of a younger dog. Dogs close in age can make good playmates, but they may also be more likely to compete for status within the family. A good general rule of thumb is to stagger the dogs a few years apart.
Breed & Size
Having the same or different breeds isn’t as much a factor as the individual personalities. Size and weight difference matters. It’s a good idea to have no more than a 40% weight difference between dogs so the smaller dog doesn’t get plowed into and accidentally injured.
Proper Introductions Matter
It’s never a good idea to just throw dogs together and assume/hope it will just work out. Dogs, like people, have strong preferences. So, when choosing a new dog, it’s important have the dogs meet on neutral territory before you make a final decision. While they may not play right away, do they pay any attention to each other? Are there any signs of stress or aggression? Pay close attention to how they respond to each other. If you can, it’s even better to have a positive dog trainer with you to help you observe. But also pay attention to your instincts. If your gut is telling you it isn’t a good match – no matter how much you love the dog you’re considering, for everyone’s sake – keep looking.
What is the Best Gender Combination for 3 Dogs—Final Answer
Unless you have dogs with same sex or sibling aggression (in which case, again, don’t add a third dog) or intact animals and your dogs are well-adjusted and generally like other dogs, the best gender combination for a group of three dogs is one male and two females, or two males and one female–not from the same litter or the same age. You want to try to stay away from all three being the same sex to reduce the potential for trouble. Opposite-sex dogs generally get along well and are less likely to fight or trigger dominance issues.
But, I can’t say this enough, the most important factor in determining the compatibility of a group of dogs is their individual personalities and temperaments, rather than their gender. For instance, if your dog is outgoing, it may do best with a friendly but less demanding dog, If your dog is shy, you might think of staying away from hyperactive bulldozer types, etc.
Just know that no matter what sex your new dog is there will be an adjustment period where it will be important that you don’t leave them alone unsupervised until the new pack order has been established.
Hi! We have 2 Australian Shepard/Redbone Coonhound/American Pitbull mixed brother and sister from the same litter that will be 3 soon. We want to add a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy to our family. Should we add a female or male?
Hi Cynthia. Since you want to a add different breed that would also be a different age, gender would not be as critical here. But I’d still be inclined to go with another male. Good luck!
I have an 8 yr old Shepherd/Cattle mix “God dog” that I must host in my home for six week blocks, twice a year. She was very bonded with our (now deceased) Catahoula and considered my house her second home. Our new (2021) very bonded pair, one now 4 yr old Cattle and one now 5/6 yr old Shepard/Huskie mix, have been completely unwilling to welcome her inside the boundaries of our home or car. Meeting elsewhere for hikes and play is no problem, but we have to keep them completely isolated on separate floors and separate entrances to the home. Any suggestions?
Hi Barbara,
Integrating a visiting dog into a household with existing pets can be challenging, especially when the resident dogs are showing territorial behavior. Here are several strategies you can use to help your dogs coexist more peacefully.
The first thing I’d do is a slow reintroduction with each of your dogs separately with the visiting dog. Trying to do all 3 together will definitely kick in pack behavior with your two. Since they get along well outside the home, use neutral territory to reintroduce them, again separately, to each other slowly. Start with short, supervised interactions in a neutral area, gradually increasing the time they spend together. This helps to reduce territorial behavior by fostering positive associations outside the home.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward all the dogs with treats, praise, or play whenever they display calm or friendly behavior towards each other to create positive experiences when they are in proximity.
Before bringing the visiting dog into your home, swap bedding or toys between the dogs to get them accustomed to each other’s scent. Scent is a powerful factor in how dogs perceive each other, and familiarizing them with each other’s scent can reduce hostility.
Gradually introduce the visiting dog into your home under controlled conditions. Again, with each of your dogs separately. (The other one should be out of the home somewhere else, ideally–so there’s no barking, etc to set each other off. Start with short durations and increase them gradually. Use gates or crates to manage the space between the dogs, ensuring they can see and smell each other without direct contact initially.
Work on basic obedience commands with all the dogs, such as sit, stay, and come. This training reinforces your role as the pack leader and can help manage their behavior when they’re together.
Make sure each dog receives individual attention and affection from you. This helps to reduce jealousy and competition for your attention.
Ensure all dogs get plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. A tired dog is generally more relaxed and less likely to display aggressive or territorial behavior.
Always supervise and monitor their interactions and be ready to intervene if tensions rise. I’d keep an eye on them probably forever–only half kidding–or until they obviously happily can coexist together. Use a calm, assertive voice to redirect their attention and separate them if necessary.
And last but not least, consult a Professional: If the dogs continue to show aggressive or unwelcoming behavior towards each other, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can offer personalized advice and training strategies specific to your dogs’ needs.
Remember on this one, slow and steady wins the race. Make sure you are chunking down into small enough tiny bite-size pieces each step of the reintroductions, separately, and then starting back at zero again when you’re ready to reintroduce all 3.
Good luck!
Karen
Oof messed up…sorry!
Please disregard first comment. Corrected below:
Hi there,
We currently have an almost 2 yo male Rhodesian Ridgeback (92 lbs) who really needs a playmate. He’s a typical ridge: high energy, playful, but super sweet.
We also have an almost 13 yo female chihuahua/Jack Russell, (12-14 lbs. shy & nervous, but loved to play w/the ridge when he was a small puppy). She will ignore or snarl at him when he wants to play now.
We lost our almost 14 yo male lab end of January.
We’re all grieving his loss, so not rushing into anything.
We know we’ll eventually need to add a 3rd dog for our ridge.
With an outgoing, young male & older, reserved female, we are thinking a young dog, maybe out of the puppy stage, but we don’t know if a pup would be better to learn correct behaviors. We’re waving on female vs male…seeing both sides, but maybe leaning toward female.
1. Anyone have a gender recommendation?
2. Age recommendation?
Hi Melissa,
Not surprised to hear 13 yo female chihuahua/Jack Russell doesn’t want to play with your Rhodesian Ridgeback. That’s another thing to keep in mind when adding dogs–size compatibility.
And, if you get another dog while your female is still alive, I’m going to actually recommend a male medium size dog. Don’t really think puppy or young dog matters so much. The reason for male is that if you get a female, your Ridgeback could get protective of her as “his” mate. If your female is no longer with you when you add your next dog, then gender doesn’t really matter.
Thank you for the insight!!!
Sorry if post came back again…I closed out and came back, not realizing the new comment I’d started typing was still there. Embarrassed.
Duke (the ridgeback) has had a significantly decreased appetite & is lying around more lately. He sometimes won’t get out of bed until we call in the morning.
We know he’s grieving, and it’s a process, but we’re a little concerned about his wellbeing…don’t want to let it go on too long.
We’re hoping the right size pack member will help Maddie, too.
We don’t want to rush or wait too long.
Hi Melissa, yes there is no question that dogs mourn the passing of their dog family. The way I’ve gone about finding all of my dogs is that I quietly look until they find me. :) I hope the same happens for you and Duke before too long.
Thank you. :)
Every dog we’ve had has been because of a specific circumstance….things aligned, and it was meant to be.
Sounds as though you understand. :)
Hi there, I’ve seen very good tips here and wanted to ask your opinion on this. We currently have a bullmatian male who is very goofy and playful and loves attention, we also have a Doberman pinscher who is more shy and reserved , more needy in the sense that he’s always wanting to sit by you or be on you if you’re not already petting him etc.. both males. Both pretty healthy temperaments and attitudes towards each other. The bullmation tends to be the more assertive one. we are considering adding a third dog, a German Rottweiler, do you recommend against having a third male, considering it being an entirely different breed as well?
The new dog would come as a puppy while the other two males will be near the 2yr old mark.
Hi Nahum,
Having three male dogs can definitely be challenging when it comes to dynamics and getting along. However, since your current two dogs have relatively healthy relationships and temperaments, adding a Rottweiler puppy could potentially work.
A few things I would consider:
If managed properly from the start, three male dogs can co-exist nicely. But it will take more leadership, training and management than just two dogs. Make sure you have the bandwidth for a third before getting a Rottweiler pup – they require a lot of dedicated hard work to become well-trained, obedient members of the household.
BUT… would adding a female german rottweiler puppy instead of a male be a safer addition?
Yes, adding a female Rottweiler puppy instead of another male could potentially be an easier introduction. Here’s why:
However, you will still want to take precautions by:
With training, proper socialization, and management, I think a female Rottweiler pup would blend well with your existing dogs and be less likely to cause tension than bringing home another male. If you take your time with introductions and are patient – three can work!
Hi, thank you so much for this information. I have a 14 month old, female pitbull, who has been spayed and an intact 20 month old male. The opportunity to adopt a 5 year female Cane Corso whos parents were show winners that has a great personality and demeanor has come about and Im considering it. What are your thoughts?
Hi Mark, you don’t mention temperament of either of your 2 current dogs. Since both Pitbulls and Cane Corsos are no joke, and 2 females are always more of a concern than 2 males, is there a way you can introduce them on neutral ground to see how they do first? Since the Cane Corso is so much older than your girl, that’s a help. Usually same-sex issues arise when they are closer in age. Again, not knowing the personalities of your dogs, my best suggestion is to introduce them to see how they do. Even then, if all goes well, you won’t know for sure for a few months. That’s how long it takes for a new dog’s personality to become fully apparent in its new home.
Hello please could someone help, we have a male pit mix 6 almost 7 months old and a female pressa canerio 1yr 8 months. We are going tomorrow to view a cane corso as me and my partner have always wanted one. In doing research(probably a bit late) we have found that female cane corso could display aggression towards other females and our priority is of course our current dog. However I have seen a lot about it being about the dogs temperament and our girl gets on with all dogs of all genders but maybe slightly prefers females, she is a big friendly giant she isn’t aggressive or assertive or dominant at all she is just a lover same as our boy and we don’t want to risk shaking up our family unit throwing in a completely different dynamic. Again our dogs are completely loving and I don’t believe they would fight even if it was forced upon them which gives me hope. The cane corso puppy is 4 months old so I assume that it wouldn’t display any care for dominance for at least 6-8 months and by the time she might display that they would already know here positions in the “pack” and wouldn’t need to have any problem. Again my dog would instantly back down so I don’t believe they would still need to have any type of problem. But I really don’t want my dog to not feel like she is my priority as she is literally my best friend, why I think I want another female. I’m just worried that it doesn’t go well but I still really want the pup. From what the current owners have said the pup is socialized and lives in a home with 5 or 6 adult dogs and all there sibling and have good temperaments. As I said I’ve seen a lot of people say just it’s all on temperament so I hope that is true but would love some outside opinions and advice. Thank you
Hi Shannon, see reply below to your first comment.
Hello could someone please help, I am considering getting a 4 month old female cane corso tomorrow and I’ve heard they display aggression towards same gender and I have an amazing pressa canerio female 1yr8 months. She has a lovely temperament and is quite timid and not assertive or dominant at all and likes all gender dogs from what we have gathered whilst socializing. She is generally kind to all dogs and very accepting. We also have a boy pit mix who is 6 months and the kindest dog too. We love the cane corso but don’t want to throw another dog in the mix if she won’t fit into the family unit we currently have. I have done a lot of research and a lot of people say it depends on the temperaments and my dogs have amazing temperaments so I feel like it will be fine especially as she is a puppy and won’t show any dominant traits for a while and by the time she gets to have these types of emotions they will already be bonded and be friendly. Of course our priority is to our current dogs but we have always wanted a cane corso and planned on getting 4 dogs 2 boys and 2 girls without realizing the complications before hand. Please help, thanks.
Hi Shannon, I hear what you’re saying, but having lived through same-sex rivalry, you wouldn’t believe how ferociously awful it is. I would never take the chance again. Your call, and it sounds like you’ve done your research. But since you’re asking me, I would say don’t take a chance on blowing up your current happy family. Maybe if you had a coupla fluffy dog breeds and were considering another fluffy breed… but your dog breeds are no joke.
We have a 8 year old laid back Cane Corso (female) a3 year old Silver Lab (male). Looking to add another lab…..think male would work best. Your thoughts?
Yup, I’d go with a male.
We have two male cavalier King Charles, one is a Velcro dog and follows my every move. The other is independent and hangs alone. We want to add a golden retriever but can’t decide male or female.
I have dogsat 2 other male dogs in my home for a week at a time and everything went well ( but they know them from walking together)
Hi Jeannette, in your case with Cavaliers the gender combination isn’t as critical as it is with some other breeds. You could safely go with either, but my vote would be for a female next, if I’m being uber safe.
I have one rescue, male, and he’s a corgi jack russel mix and we also have enorher dog male toy poodle who’s still a puppy however I have been considering adding a Australian shepherd puppy but my two male dogs behave perfectly should I add another?
Hi Hannah,
You don’t mention the motivation for wanting to add a third dog/puppy, so without being privy to your thought process, I’m probably missing some key information that might sway me more one way or the other. But strictly going from the info you’ve provided, my vote is always if you have two happy dogs together, keep it that way. I would also be concerned about the size disparity between a toy poodle and an Aussie. You don’t mention if you’ve had Aussies before. If you haven’t, then I would be even more inclined to encourage you to keep your happy dog family as is. More is not always better… :)
This is great information. I have three female dogs and adding a third. Trying to decide between a male or female.
Hi D- If you already have 2 females, it would be a really good idea to go with a male. That would be my recommendation.
I have two Blue heelers one male and one female my female is the alpha what do you recommend ass a third? male or female?
Because you have an alpha female, you absolutely don’t want another female. Go with a male to keep everybody happy.
Hi there,
We’re considering getting a 3rd pup because our almost 2 yr old male ridgeback needs a playmate. He’s your typical ridge: high energy, playful, strong-willed, and super sweet…think Baby Huey.
We also have an almost 13 yr old female chihuahua/Jack Russell mix rescue (Maddie) we’ve had since she was 1. She is shy & nervous, but she’s not afraid to stand her ground.
She absolutely loved to play w/our ridge when he was a puppy, but she doesn’t want to pay with him now that he’s huge. I get it. She is happy to curl up with him to sleep, but that’s about it.
We just lost our lab rescue end of Jan. He was almost 14, and we got him at 9 wks from the pound.
Since we’re all grieving his loss, we’re not rushing into anything, but we know Duke (ridge) needs a buddy.
We’re thinking a younger rescue, maybe under 1 yr, something mid-sized, (maybe a hound or boxer mix…not sure), so maybe Maddie will have more fun, too.
We’re not positive on age…concerned if we don’t do a puppy, we can’t train the way we’d want.
I walked all 3 at once; they’re all very good on a leash.
Since we have a male & female, any suggestions regarding gender?
Suggestions regarding breed?
Thanks in advance for any help/advice.
Thank you for the insights Karen! We have two male Labradoodles and are considering adding a third dog. Our two boys get along well and play well together. The older one is definitely the alpha of the pack. Based on your advice we clearly should be going for a female to compliment the boys.
Hi Curt. Yes, I think a female is your best bet to keep a happy family.