Many people believe that female dogs make
better pets...female preference seems to be
ingrained in these 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 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 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
Boys do get bigger than girls, but
only by a few inches and pounds. The
difference between sizes and sexes
is minimal, if bred correctly, and
for improving the breed according to
the standard.
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.
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,
you'd be 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 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 level which may
give us the reason as to
why females are more
moody than males.Males
generally cost less to
have neutered as a
female does to be
spayed. SOOOOOO
...before you decide on
that age old dilemma of
male or female, give
consideration to any
other dogs that may be
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