I have an opportunity to adopt an 8-yr old male dane who recently lost his owner. I haven't put in the application yet. I wanted to get some feedback, pros and cons, before I do anything. I know I have read that the male-female combo is more ideal but I am wondering if the age would be a factor too. Based on the description, he is good with other dogs and kids. Also, I will be going on vacation next month. Magnum will be going to camp for the few days that I am gone so they wouldn't be in the house together w/o me. I know this may be a factor also which is why I am giving you guys all the info so I can get some honest opinions. If you could also include adding info on adding second dog to your home and anything else you think I should be consider, that would be great. I am just trying to avoid making the biggest mistake of my life for everyone involved. Thanks.

Thanks for thinking of adopting a senior dog!.
I,truly,believe you wont regret it as male & female combination,is the best way,to go!.
Most of all,if both dogs are good,with other dogs!.
Can't wait to see,some pictures!.

I should have clarified that my current dane is male also. Would that change things?

It depends on both dogs,on how social,they are and on how good,they are,with other males!.
All of Titus'best buds are males!.

Adrianne, how does Magnum normally react to other male dogs? How old is Magnum and is he intact? How often does he normally socialize with other dogs (male or female)? Any problems he's ever had to other males being nasty to him or him nasty to them? Is the 8 year old male neutered and if so, when was he neutered?

I would assume the foster home would expect you to introduce the dogs and make sure they will get along anyways before you'd consider the adoption. I think it's wonderful you are considering a senior dog.

Magnum's 2 and he seems to get along with other dogs, male and female. I haven't seen any aggression with either one. We go the dog park a couple days a week when it's nice and he also goes to daycamp 1 or 2 days a week. The rest is spent walking with me at different parks. Magnum is neutered and according to the discription for the other dane, he is neutered and UTD on shots. I do have a friend who has a 4 YO male Harl that Magnum sees regular, either for play dates or walks and they get along very well.

I'd introduce them and take it from there

Well it sounds like both dogs don't have known dog aggression issues so like Dana said, arrange an introduction in a controlled environment and go from there. Just make sure your big boy has had a good lot of exercise that day so he's nice and relaxed with his energy levels for the introduction (and make sure the foster has done the same appropriate exercise with the older boy first too).

I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks for the advice.