Male or Female

Many people believe that female dogs make better pets. Female preference seems to be ingrained in people.

Most calls for pets have people wanting a "sweet 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.

Well Folks, this is not true and they don't call them a "bitch" for nothing !

In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order and who competes to maintain

that order. The females are, as a result, more independent, stubborn and territorial than their male counterpart.

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 "bitch" in a negative way and it refers to the

behaviors exhibited by the females of the world.

Most fights break out between two females. Males, on the other hand, are usually more affectionate, exuberant,

attentive, 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 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. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age. Witness the human equivalent of the

twinkling eyed Grandpa still playing catch at 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 the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear.

While females 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

dominance battle with you, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her 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 One day she may be sweet and affectionate, the next day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy.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

twice a year. If you are not breeding, you'd 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 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 for days. Males generally cost half the

price to have neutered as a female to be spayed.

Sooooo......before you decide on the age old dilemma of male or female, give consideration to any other dogs that

maybe in or around your home, your financial situation as to having the dog altered and whether or not you have

the space, time and money to raise a litter of puppies.

Just think of it this way, The Female Loves You and The Male Is In Love With You.