Hi
IMO it is better to wait until Kea is at least a year old, and preferably until she's about 18 months before getting a second puppy. Kea would benefit greatly from just a little longer as your only dog, and it gives you the chance to 'cement' her training before having to divide your attention between two puppies. A lot of the time, when people add a second pup, they find the behaviour (including potty training) of the first tends to regress a little. And the younger the elder dog is, the worse the regression. And, of course, your sweet 7 month old puppy is just about to hit adolescence - a period notorious for pups driving their owners nuts with their behaviour. If you wait just that bit longer, instead of having to deal with two puppies, you'll have an older dog able to help you educate the new baby
As for gender - opposite sexes generally work out the best. Two females
can work, but it's the combination most likely to have difficulties (usually starting after both dogs are adults) and also the most serious - and it really can be serious - fights. Doesn't mean opposite sexes always get along great, but it is the least risky combination.
Good luck with whatever you decide
