Like you acknowledged, I think it's very personal. Every person/family grieves differently, and that effects when they get a new dog/if they will get a new dog. I have never been in your exact situation, as we have always had multiple dogs.I got my first dog as an adult 3 years ago, and luckily haven't been put into the position to have to consider this topic much. I've always said that if not for the other dogs, I probably would never get another dog after one passes. Having the other dogs is probably the only thing that helps me through that grieving process. Realistically, it would probably be a few years before I could get another dog. However, growing up, my parents always got a new puppy remarkably fast (like, days). When I was young I was fine with it, as I got older, I would have preferred to wait a while. That said, I know of other people who get a new dog as quickly as possible to help with the grieving process.
My girlfriend's mother lost her heart dog Elmer, a pitbull, in early 2017. They adopted a pitbull who looks very similar to Elmer in late 2017. Ever since, her mother has been frustrated and disappointed with the new dog for not behaving like Elmer did, not having his quirks, not being an old-reliable good dog, etc. It's sad, and luckily my girlfriend is there to love the dog, because her mother doesn't. I think for her, it was too soon and a bad idea to get a dog of the same breed, especially one who looks so similar to the dog who passed.
I think as long as you can make the disconnect that just because a dog resembles your old dog does not mean its personality will be anything like your old dog, getting one of the same breed or similar mix would be fine.
You may also consider fostering - that way you have a dog around, are helping out an animal in need, and when you are ready for a dog of your own again you can adopt.
My girlfriend's mother lost her heart dog Elmer, a pitbull, in early 2017. They adopted a pitbull who looks very similar to Elmer in late 2017. Ever since, her mother has been frustrated and disappointed with the new dog for not behaving like Elmer did, not having his quirks, not being an old-reliable good dog, etc. It's sad, and luckily my girlfriend is there to love the dog, because her mother doesn't. I think for her, it was too soon and a bad idea to get a dog of the same breed, especially one who looks so similar to the dog who passed.
I think as long as you can make the disconnect that just because a dog resembles your old dog does not mean its personality will be anything like your old dog, getting one of the same breed or similar mix would be fine.
You may also consider fostering - that way you have a dog around, are helping out an animal in need, and when you are ready for a dog of your own again you can adopt.
