Second dog - breed thoughts?
Discussion
Some of you may remember that our dog (Lhasa Apso) was attacked last year (whilst on a short lead, in a public place, entirely unprovoked) and lost an eye. Offender hasn't yet been caught, but that's another matter.
Here's the thing, our dog has not an ounce of malice or aggression in him, yet seems to be the recipient of frequent, unprovoked aggression from other dogs. He's entire, which might be a factor, but of greater relevance is the total inability or unwillingness of other owners to control their dogs whilst off lead. Dexter is well-behaved and will recall on command, and is placed on a lead in the vicinity of other dogs.
The latest incident was only a couple of days ago whilst my wife was out with him on a country walk with our daughter and a couple of her friends and their daughters. Our 4 y.o. daughter continues to be traumatised by the original attack and this is now getting beyond a joke.
It was always our intention to get another larger dog once he was a little older and I want to get a breed which also discourages this type of behaviour by other dogs towards Dexter. I was brought up with Airedales and we have enough space to own and exercise one, and I know that one would fit the bill. we're also considering Standard Poodles.
It would be our intention to get another dog, and my assumption is that providing the second dog was brought in as a puppy, there would be no issues.
Welcome thoughts from others
Here's the thing, our dog has not an ounce of malice or aggression in him, yet seems to be the recipient of frequent, unprovoked aggression from other dogs. He's entire, which might be a factor, but of greater relevance is the total inability or unwillingness of other owners to control their dogs whilst off lead. Dexter is well-behaved and will recall on command, and is placed on a lead in the vicinity of other dogs.
The latest incident was only a couple of days ago whilst my wife was out with him on a country walk with our daughter and a couple of her friends and their daughters. Our 4 y.o. daughter continues to be traumatised by the original attack and this is now getting beyond a joke.
It was always our intention to get another larger dog once he was a little older and I want to get a breed which also discourages this type of behaviour by other dogs towards Dexter. I was brought up with Airedales and we have enough space to own and exercise one, and I know that one would fit the bill. we're also considering Standard Poodles.
It would be our intention to get another dog, and my assumption is that providing the second dog was brought in as a puppy, there would be no issues.
Welcome thoughts from others
Vet's opinion is that it's not as clear-cut as that 
It was one of the things we explored as an option.
Interestingly he also stressed that if we got another dog since the elder would be dominant, we should exercise the second separately for a while so that they wouldn't be recessive whilst out with Dexter.
All in all we're still undecided.
It was one of the things we explored as an option.
Interestingly he also stressed that if we got another dog since the elder would be dominant, we should exercise the second separately for a while so that they wouldn't be recessive whilst out with Dexter.
All in all we're still undecided.
OP wasn't at the appointment so for clarity has closely questioned the spouse of the aforementioned.
Said spouse has clarified that their Veterinarian stated that if there was an existing dog in the household there would be a greater propensity for this dog to be dominant so to avoid this the recommendation was for separate exercise until said order was established.
Members of the Jury, the question at hand is can the OP retain the services of said professional?
Apropos of neutering, advice was clear, as indeed was OPs own research, that it sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.
Any breed thoughts?
Said spouse has clarified that their Veterinarian stated that if there was an existing dog in the household there would be a greater propensity for this dog to be dominant so to avoid this the recommendation was for separate exercise until said order was established.
Members of the Jury, the question at hand is can the OP retain the services of said professional?
Apropos of neutering, advice was clear, as indeed was OPs own research, that it sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.
Any breed thoughts?
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