03/29/2025
My remaining boy puppies are likely to look like these relatives of theirs. I am also including an article on choosing a boy puppy or a girl puppy.
Male vs. Female Dogs: Guide to Dog Behavior
Tips to Help You Know What Kind of Dog to Get
By Mary Stasiewicz
In some ways, choosing between male and female dogs is a matter of
personal preference. However, there are some characteristics which are
common in females and other characteristics which are common in males.
It is important to evaluate these characteristics and determine which s*x
would fit in best with your home situation when you choose a puppy.
Additionally, choosing between male and female is important if you already
have another female or male and are choosing an additional dog. This
article will serve as a guide for genders and will list a few characteristics of
females, a few characteristics of males, and how to choose between male
and female when considering a second or third dog.
The following characteristics often apply to females:
1. Independent - Females tend to want to be in control of the entire
situation. They may come to their owner when they are seeking affection
but will often move away when they have had enough.
2. Stubborn - In many packs, a female is typically the Alpha dog. Females
crave more control of situations and are quick to respond to perceived
challenges with fierceness.
3. Territorial - Females mark in the same way males do. A spayed female
may continue to mark for her entire lifetime regardless of when she is
spayed while most males will cease marking behaviors shortly after they
are neutered and the testosterone levels subside.
4. Reserved - Females are generally less affectionate and friendly than
males. This characteristic is noticeable in puppies and becomes more
pronounced with age.
5. Changes in Mood or Behavior - It is also important to note that if you
do not spay your female, she will come into heat at approximately one year
of age and approximately every six months thereafter. During this time,
there will be some bleeding as well as a change in mood or behavior. Keep
this in mind when you adopt a puppy and make the decision of whether or
not to spay her.
The following characteristics often apply to male dogs:
1. Affectionate - Males are typically more affectionate than females. They
tend to crave
attention from their owners more than females and as a result, display
more affectionate behaviors.
2. Exuberant - A male is also more likely to be fun-loving and outgoing
throughout his lifetime than a female. While a female tends to become
more reserved as she ages, a male dog maintains a more puppy-like
exuberance throughout his lifetime.
3. Food-Motivated - Males are often very motivated by food. This food
motivation can make training extremely easy as treats can be used to lure
and reward to display desired behaviors.
4. Attentive - While females tend to be more independent, males tend to
be more focused on their human companions. They want to always be
close to the human and are very eager to please.
5. Aggressive Behaviors - It is also important to note that intact males
may display aggressive behaviors toward other males or exhibit marking
behaviors. Additionally, intact males should be kept away from females in
heat unless a breeding is planned.
Owners who are adding an additional dog to their home should carefully
consider the ramifications of adding a dog of either s*x. This is important
because the makeup of the existing pack may be more accepting to either
a male or a female. The following are general tips for selecting the gender
of a second dog:
1. If you already have a male or a female, a dog of the opposite s*x is
generally the best choice. Dogs of the same s*x are more likely to fight
than dogs of the opposite s*x.
2. If you already have a male, he is likely to be more accepting of a female
and you are likely to have fewer dominance issues if you add a female to
the pack. However, if you opt to add another male to the pack, they can
peacefully co-exist and may even become friends. It is important to closely
monitor their interactions early on to ensure aggressive behaviors do not
become common.
3. If you already have a female, she is likely to be more accepting of a
male. Most males tend to be submissive. If he does not challenge your
resident female, she is not likely to have a reason to fight with him. Adding
a female to the pack, however, may result in complications. The worst
combination is two females because they are more likely to fight than a
male and a female or two males. However, many dog owners have two or
more females that live together without problems. As long as there is an
established Alpha dog and the other females know their place in the pack,
there will not be dominance struggles often, although they may still occur.
Selecting a male or female is largely a matter of personal preference. The
above characteristics are generalizations, and it is certainly possible to
purchase or adopt a female puppy who displays male characteristics or a
male puppy who displays the typical female characteristics. Additionally,
females that are spayed and neutered often do not have the gender
specific problems associated with their s*x such as coming into heat or
marking.
So, if you're asking yourself, "What dog should I get?", make sure to
consider the dogs you already have and the gender that goes best with
your lifestyle. When you find a dog, monitor his or her behavior carefully
and consider how it will match up with your male or female at home. Good
luck choosing a dog!
