I am new to the club and I'm so glad I found this site! 

We have an almost 3 year old female Cairn Terrier (Stella) and we have been thinking about getting another dog and are leaning toward getting a Westie. 

My question is for those of you with more than one dog, in your opinion,  are we better off getting a male as opposed to a female?   I had my heart set on a female, but after some things I've read, many people say introducing a female to a home where there's an already established female can be a nightmare. 

Anyone have their own experience with this that they could share?  Either with 2 females or a female and a male?   

Thanks! 

I can't really answer you question, because I had  a male and female together,  they worked will, my female was a little bossy, but my male  didn't really care.

They got along well.

I do know that some friends of mine had female cairn and female scottie, they got along fine.

hopefully some of the other members can answer your question better.

sandi and presley, buster and robin at the bridge

Love, Deb, Emmie, and Angel Kelsie

Great question! The Terrier Club was actually "founded" by Penny and Katy, our female Cairn and Westie.

After losing our very first Westie (Cindy) in 1994 at the age of 14, we fell in love with a Cairn puppy (Penny) and brought her home.

We knew about the similarities (and differences) between breeds since our neighbors had both a Cairn and Westie (both males). I'd always wanted a two dog household and by pure chance we came across a female Westie only two months later.

Of course I did my research and learned that yes, introducing a second female dog could be difficult. Our vet and a breeder both advised against it, but we took a chance and brought Katy home.

It was indeed a challenge for the first few weeks since Penny had already taken the Alpha position and we had to watch them very carefully and intervene several times (no blood was ever drawn). Katy learned to submit (most of the time) even though she ended up being quite a bit larger than Penny. They both got along famously for another 17 years and we treasure that time together with the both of them.

No doubt the fact that they were only two months apart in age and were introduced as very young puppies smoothed the transition. It also helped that my wife Evelyn was working from home and was able to keep a close eye on those two pups because, well, terriers will be terriers!

I first started with a Female westie. Then adopted a Male cairn 3 1/2 years later. The foster mom was wonderful and let us have a meet and greet at her home and offered for us to call if we needed help. Maddie and our male cairn  Willie were a perfect match together. 

Maddie was my alpha female and Willie loved his sister and got along well. Three years later I added a 5 year old female westie Emily. Emily was a alpha female in her breeders home. Maddie took top pack order then Willie and lastly Emily. Maddie would put Emily in her place if she tried to dominate Willie. It took some time for Willie to get along with Emily but they did become buddies. 

Fostering is a good way to  go with a rescue group or if you can find a good breeder in your area they may have a retired female or male that they may be letting go to adoption. Many times offering you helpful advice in training, setting up meet and greets and the option to bring back the pup if it doesn't work out with your dog. Best of luck in your search and hope you find a good little companion for your Stella.

Hugs Sandra & master Grady

My Angels Maddie Willie Emily at the RB