Male vs. Female

I am asked constantly what the difference is between owning a male versus a female dog.

Here is my answer.

In most breeds, it is the female who determine the pecking order, also known as pack order.

 The females are the ones who compete to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are, as a result more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male counterparts. The females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as "humping". There is a reason people utilize the technical dog term of "bitch" in a negative connotation - and it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world.

I have and love both male and females.  I should also tell you that the only fights I have ever had to break up were between females.

I personally have males as favorites. They are much more laid back. I like that in a dog. Males are usually more affectionate, loyal, attentive, and more demanding of attention while never feeling like they are getting enough. (Because the females push them out and demand that they receive love first.) They are very attached to their people. They are also more dependable, reliable and less moody. They are more outing, more accepting of other pets and definitively take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by praise and food, and so eager to please that training is easy. However, males can be more easily distracted during training, as males like to play so often. And no matter what age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Boys are fun loving until the day they die.

Male puppies will not hike their leg if you have them neutered at an early age. Females tend to become more reserved or dignified as they age. Witness the human equivalent of the twinkling eyed Grandpa still playing catch at age 70 while Grandma quietly observes from the porch. Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as "humping" or marking and lifting of legs. Once their testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear.

Boys who are neutered early (by 5 months) usually don't ever raise their legs to urinate. Dogs will do whatever they need to do to gain your acceptance and praise. Females usually are less distracted during training, as she is more eager to get it over with and get back to her comfy spot on the couch. The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with YOU, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. She is more prone to mood swings. The female also has periods of being "in heat" unless she is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare - not just for the female, but for you and every male dog in the neighborhood. Since you are not breeding, it's best to have her spayed. If you don't, she will leave e a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere she goes. She will be particularly moody during this time. A lot of personality changes and mood swings. A walk outside during this period can be hazardous if male dogs are in the vicinity. She will leave a "scent" for wandering intact males to follow right to your yard, where they will hang out and "wait" for days. Males are cunning and will find a way to get to her, they are sneaky and have ways to get into your yard/house that you never knew existed.

OPEN THE DOOR AND IN THE BOYS COME. Before deciding on a male or female, give consideration to any other dogs that may be in or around your home.

 Generally, the breeds that I raise get along well with other dogs, no matter what sex.