Male vs. Female

What Gender is best for you? In some ways, choosing between male and female dogs is a matter of personal preference. However, there are some characteristics which are common in females and other characteristics which are common in males. It is important to evaluate these characteristics and determine which gender would fit in best with your home situation when you choose a puppy. Additionally, choosing between male and female is important if you already have another female or male and are choosing an additional dog.

​The following characteristics often apply to FEMALES:
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Females – make wonderful pets if raised properly. As long as you don’t let them become an alpha female, which means, THE BOSS, they are great. Some tend to be moody just like us women, and at times, are overly protective of their owner or obsessed with their territory. Training and discipline are very important not to over spoil her as a puppy.
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1. Independent – Females tend to want to be in control of the entire situation. They may come to their owner when they are seeking affection but will often move away when they have had enough.
2. Stubborn – In many packs, a female is typically the Alpha dog. Females crave more control of situations and are quick to respond to perceived challenges with fierceness.
3. Territorial – Females mark in the same way males do. A spayed female may continue to mark for her entire lifetime regardless of when she is spayed while most males will cease marking behaviors shortly after they are neutered and the testosterone levels subside.
4. Reserved – Females are generally less affectionate and friendly than males. This characteristic is noticeable in puppies and becomes more pronounced with age.
5. Changes in Mood or Behavior – It is also important to note that if you do not spay your female, you will have a very moody dog that may not be the sweet, lovable, great temperament that you first saw when she was a puppy. Getting your female spayed is a must!
6. Other Considerations – Do you have many people in your household? Or other pets where the female must fight for the pack order or their alpha position? Do you have a lot of commotion or very busy household? Are your children young? Are many kids in and out of your home? While females can become adaptable, females tend to do better in a calmer, less busy environment with older children in the home. If your family is just you and your spouse, a female may be a nice choice.

The following characteristics often apply to MALES:

Males – make wonderful pets, maybe even more mild tempered and easy going than girls. Males have a bad reputation over the years for marking their territory and hiking their legs and peeing in the house to claim their territory. This is from owners failing to neuter them before 6-7 months of age. If you have him neutered early enough, he will almost always squat to pee and will not go into puberty and become the stud man. When males become mature, they will change from your adorable sweet lap baby to a “horndog” lol. They will become a stud monster as we call them. They will hump pillows and even your leg or hand and mark and pee on sides of furniture and totally change personalities. They will also try to run away if they smell a female in heat even a half a mile away! To avoid this, have them neutered as recommended by your vet and you will still have the adorable little boy dog you bought.

1. ​Affectionate - Males are typically more affectionate than female. They tend to crave attention from their owners more than females and as a result, display more affectionate behaviors.
2. Exuberant – A male is also more likely to be fun-loving and outgoing throughout his lifetime than a female . While a female tends to become more reserved as she ages, a male dog maintains a more puppy-like exuberance throughout his lifetime.​
   
3. ​Food-Motivated – Males are often very motivated by food. This food motivation can make training extremely easy as treats can be used to lure and reward to display desired behaviors.
4. Attentive – While females tend to be more independent, males tend to be more focused on their human companions. They want to always be close to the human and are very eager to please.
5. Aggressive Behaviors – It is also important to note that intact males may display aggressive behaviors toward other males or exhibit marking behaviors. Getting your male fixed is a must!

Considering adding another dog? Owners who are adding an additional dog to their home should carefully consider the ramifications of adding a dog of either gender. This is important because the makeup of the existing pack may be more accepting to either a male or a female. The following are general tips for selecting the gender of a second dog:
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1. If you already have a male or a female, a dog of the opposite gender is generally the best choice. Dogs of the same gender are more likely to fight than dogs of the opposite gender.
2. If you already have a male, he is likely to be more accepting of a female and you are likely to have fewer dominance issues if you add a female to the pack. However, if you opt to add another male to the pack, they can peacefully co-exist and may even become friends. It is important to closely monitor their interactions early on to ensure aggressive behaviors do not become common.
3. If you already have a female, she is likely to be more accepting of a male. Most males tend to be submissive. If he does not challenge your resident female, she is not likely to have a reason to fight with him. Adding a female to the pack, however, may result in complications.
4. The worst combination is two females because they are more likely to fight than a male and a female or two males. However, many dog owners have two or more females that live together without problems. As long as there is an established Alpha dog and the other females know their place in the pack, there will not be dominance struggles often, although they may still occur, but to a lesser degree. When considering adding another female if you already have a female, consider your current females personality. Is she very territorial already? Is she moody? Is she laid back and have a very easy temperament? Some females are very easy going, laid back and have no territorial issues, but often females do show some of the above mentioned characteristics.

Selecting a male or female is largely a matter of personal preference. The above characteristics are generalizations, and it is certainly possible to purchase a female puppy who displays male characteristics or a male puppy who displays the typical female characteristics. Additionally, females that are spayed and neutered often do not have the gender-specific problems associated with their gender such as coming into heat or marking.

*Remember, getting your puppy spayed/neutered is a must for that amazing temperaments that our puppies and dogs are so well known for.
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