My three youngest are Oliver 3 (almost 4) Brooklyn 2 1/2 and Benjamin is 1 1/2 I really like the year between them...it enabled me to enjoy every moment of each of their first year and then i began again with the next puppy...they are all very close! It worked for me!! Good luck on whatever you decide to do!
As far as girl or boy....why not give a boy a try!! Boys are such lovers!!!