
| What makes a better pet, male or female??? Before the birth of litters are even born, the phone calls start and the e-mails pour in. Everyone wants a girl. My reply is the same reply you will usually get from most reputable breeders "I have a waiting list for girls and none available for a while." I feel really bad because there are some people out there looking for the best puppy around and turn it down because of the gender. How sad is that?!! If your not going to breed than why does it matter what sex it is? If you follow the advice from your breeder, you are going to have a great puppy whether it be a boy or girl. If you have your mind set on one sex only just remember probably most of what you have heard were isolated situations and either sex can be and is a wonderful pet to have. Don’t shut out the opposite sex because of preconceived notions… you might be missing the most wonderful pet you would have ever had. Male vs. Female The age old dilemma of which is better .... Many people believe that female dogs make better pets...female preference seems to be ingrained in most people. Most calls for pet dogs 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! In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and who 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 'bitch' in a negative way-and it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world. 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 (how true!!) 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. 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 age 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. 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. 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, also has periods of being 'in heat' unless she is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a three week long hassle 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? Males generally cost 1/2 the price to have neutered as a female does to be spayed. SPAY AND NEUTER AT 5-6 MONTHS OF AGE. NO EARLIER, NO LATER!!!! That right there will prevent sooo much! They will not mark their territory, no heats and no surprise puppies. Not to mention the health benefits of spaying and neutering. Boys do have a tendency to be a little more loving than females. If your excuse is you want a girl so she can wear sweaters and bows. That my friend is a poor excuse. Many of my buyers dress up their boys in cute outfits. They actually sit better when I'm doing their hair than my girls do. To a dog, it doesn't matter what kind of "Equipment" they have. If your willing to provide them with endless love they will let you dress them anyway you like. So, if you have spent a lot of time searching for a great breeder and decide against one of her puppies because all she has available are boys, I urge you to reconsider. Please also understand this does not mean that females are not good companions, they are wonderful too! I just personally would like to see people take another look at that cute male pup they were looking at and consider the fact that a male makes a wonderful pet! I have neutered males and they has never lifted his legs in my house! Of all the dogs, they are the sweetest, gentlest, most accommodating pets! |
