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Which is best for my family...male or female?
Many people believe that female dogs make better pets. Most calls for pet dogs have people wanting a "sweet little
girl." They don't think females display alpha behaviors like 'marking' and/or 'humping'. They believe that they
are more docile and attentive and do not participate in fighting over dominance.
This could not be farther from the
truth!
In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and who competes 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'.
Most
fights will usually break out between 2 females. Males, on the other hand, are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive,
and more demanding of attention. They are very attached to their people. 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. Most boys are easily motivated
by food (go figure!!!) and praise and are so eager to please that training is easy. However, males can be more easily
distracted during training because of their playful nature. 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. 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.
some will never even learn to hike their leg to pee and will pee just like a girl!!! Boys who were neutered
early (by 5 months of age) usually don't ever raise their leg to urinate. And while the female will usually come to you for
attention, when she's had enough, she will move away. While boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. 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 much more prone
to mood swings. 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 month long nightmare not just for the
female, but you and every male dog in the neighborhood. Did we mention that the seasonal heats happen TWICE a year?
If
you are not breeding, it is best 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 levels which may give us the reason as to why females are more moody
than males.
Males generally cost 1/2 the price to have neutered as a female does to be spayed.
So, before
you decide on that age old dilemma of male or female, there are many things to think about.
talk
to your breeder about what you are looking for in a pet for your family. your breeder knows the puppies better than
anyone and can help you decide which pup's personality and gender is best for your family.
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