The most common question people have when choosing a puppy is which gender makes a better pet.
Here is what one of my customers once wrote to me....
"I don’t know that we have a preference on
the sex. I really wanted a female when we got our last dog because I thought Females had
less issues but our Bruno has been a much nicer and loving dog than the female
Schnauzer we had before him so I may be a convert."
Rule of Thumb:
If you already own a dog, you should choose the opposite gender
Here is what one dog breeder wrote..."Regardless of the breed, most breeders
agree that they have no control over the dominating personality traits
exhibited by an alpha female. Dominance defines the dog's personality
and there is little a breeder or owner can to eliminate this trait. When
people are buying a a puppy from me I always ask what are the sexes of
the other dogs in the home?
An alpha personality generally
doesn't show until age 4 months or so and that is long after you have
purchased the pup. While they are wonderful loving dogs, they tend to
rule the roost! An alpha female is best either alone or with males."
Do females make better pets?
There are pros and cons to every gender of
dog....But reading the information that breeders share is valuable.
They have the most experience with a large number of males and females
.... Here is some information that I have read on several breeding
websites...
Male vs. Female, which should I choose?
FEMALES: In
the dog pack, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order,
and compete to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are, as a
result, more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male
counterparts. Females are much more intent upon exercising their
dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as 'humping'.
Humping? Yes, humping.....which in the dog world, is a dominance
behavior. Most fights will usually break out between 2 females because
of the dominance struggle. Keep this in mind if you already have a
female at home & are thinking of bringing another female into the
picture.
Females are usually less
distracted during training, and are more eager to get it over with, and
get back to her comfy spot on the couch. They are less likely to wage a
dominance battle with YOU, but she can be cunning and resourceful in
getting her own way.
They are much more prone to
mood swings. Upon their terms, she will come to you for attention when
they want it, when she's had enough, she will move away. One day she
may be sweet and affectionate-the next day reserved and withdrawn or
even grumpy. The female also has periods of being 'in heat' unless she
is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a nightmare-not just for the female,
but you and every male dog in the neighborhood. If you are not
breeding, you'd be best off to have her spayed, since during this time
she can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere she
goes. She will be particularly moody and emotional during this time. A
walk outside during this period can become hazardous if male dogs are
in the vicinity, and 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: Males
are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and more demanding
of attention. They are very attached to their humans and are always
waiting for your attention....and near at hand. They also tend to be
more steadfast, reliable, and less moody.
They are more outgoing, more
accepting of other pets, and bond quicker to children. Most males are
easily motivated by food and praise, and so eager to please that
training is much easier. However, males can be more easily distracted
during training, as males like to play so often.
No matter what age, males are
more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play
games. Neutered males can exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as
'humping', or 'marking' and lifting of legs. However, once the
testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors will
disappear. Males who are neutered early (by 6 months of age) usually
don't ever raise their leg to urinate. Before deciding on male or
female, give consideration to any other dogs that may be in or around
your home.
My own experience definitely concurs with the
above statements on Males and Females. So do take these things into
account when making your choice. Just like people, males and females
are both wonderful!!! The most important thing of all is to continue
the socialization that they have received at the breeders. Make every
effort to expose your dog to a variety of people, pets and experiences
and you will be rewarded for years to come.
