If you are having trouble deciding if you want a male or a female, here is some information that
might help you in your decision.
Most people believe that female dogs make better pets...female preference seems to be
ingrained in these people. Most calls I receive are for a “sweet girl”. They don't think females
display alpha behaviors like '”marking” or “humping”. They believe that they are more docile
and attentive and do not participate in fighting over dominance.
This is absolutely NOT TRUE!
In a pack of dogs, females are more aggressive, determine pecking order, and they 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 “female” in a negative way; it refers directly to the
behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world. Most fights will usually break out
between two females. The only time that you would have problems with males fighting is if they
are both intact (testosterone levels are high), if they are neutered you should have no
problems.
Males, on the other hand are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and more
demanding of attention. They are very attached to their owners. They also tend to be more
steadfast, reliable, and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and
take quicker to children (males are less likely to be snappy toward children). Most males are
easily motivated by food and praise, 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. Boys are fun
loving until the day they die. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age.
Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as “humping”, or “marking” and
lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors
(if they ever existed) will disappear. Boys who were neutered early (by 5 months of age) usually
don't ever raise their leg to urinate.
While the female will usually come to you for attention, when she's had enough, she will move
away. Females are usually 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 also much more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate-the
next day reserved, withdrawn or even grumpy.
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 you and every male
dog in the neighborhood. Did I mention that the seasonal heats happen TWICE a year?
If you are not breeding, it is better 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.
Research has also proven that a female NOT bred during a heat cycle stays in a flux of
estrogen level which may give us the reason as to why females are more moody than males.
It generally costs half as much to have a male neutered as it does to have a female spayed.
SO…. before you decide on that age old dilemma of male or female, give consideration to any
other dogs that may be in or around your home, your financial situation as to having the dog
spayed/neutered, and whether or not you have the space, time, money, and experience to
raise a litter of puppies.