[Ringo1]

In our case - gender definitely did matter. Ringo is an aggressive, dominant Westie. We figured out during agility training that he really only liked small female dogs. He tended to pick fights with other males AND he didn't like dogs too much bigger than him.

So - size and gender were really more important to us than breed. But Lucy fit the bill - small and female!

I really don't think that I could have brought another male into Ringo's house and make it work.

If your dog is very laid back - and likes most all other dogs - gender might not matter so much.

For novice dog owners - both my breeder and my vet recommended the male/female combo.