Choosing male or female

So what gender is best for you?

As a breeder, I am asked quite often “what makes a better dog, male or female?”

First, Keep an open mind when selecting your puppy, don’t close the door on a puppy because of preconceived notions of its gender, because you may be missing out on the best companion that you could have ever had. Keep in mind every dog, male or female has it’s own personality & is unique in every way.

Below are a few questions to ask yourself before making a decision.

1. Are you more comfortable with one sex over the other? Or used to one sex over another?

2. Which have you owned before, males or females?

3. Did you have your other pets spayed or neutered?

4. If you currently have dog, does he/she get along with dogs of the opposite sex or does he/she get along with dogs of he same sex?

5. Do you have your mind 100% set on one or the other?

6. Is it just a personal preference? Then go with your gut.. Sometimes a gal likes a new “gal” to hang out with and guys a “buddy” to hang out with.

As a breeder, I feel that both males and females make wonderful pets and companions. I think the key is some of the following:
1. Start behavioral training at a young age, before those bad habits begin.

2. SOCIALIZE!!! Having the puppy around other dogs and children as well as adults is a must, (after vaccines are completed of course). Take the puppy with you to the local bank drive thru, to your friend or family, socializing will make a world of difference in your pet. I also recommend stopping by your vets office without an appt. so the puppy will become familiar with the office and learn that its not the “bad place”.

3. Put them on schedule and STICK TO IT. Scheduling is important in raising a well behaved dog that will be with you for the next 10-15 years.

4. SPEND PLENTY OF TIME WITH YOUR PET!!!

A few things to share:

1. Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as 'humping', or 'marking' and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels change after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear. Boys who were neutered early, usually, will never raise their leg to urinate. Most still squat like a female.
2. Males are USUALLY more affectionate,(than an unsprayed female), but demanding attention. They are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more reliable, and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets.
3. If you are not breeding, you’d most likely benefit having a female spayed since during a heat cycle, 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 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 can be very moody, A spayed female will not have the bloody discharge or dramatic mood swings/changes. So have her spayed early.

As far as physical differences go we all know the male/female anatomy is different. Usually males will be a little larger and have larger heads than the females but for the most part you will find it hard telling the difference of size between the two without looking closely.Spayed females and neutered males both make excellent pets/companions. Unless you want 2 puppies to raise together, and most families do, you need to decide what is best for you: a male or female.