22/06/2025
We receive many inquiries regarding puppies available for adoption. This time, we have a lovely, super-quality yellow litter available to good homes. However, this litter is all-boys-only.....
We had the privilege of living with several amazing male dogs in our home over several decades; in fact, our very first Labrador ever was a boy called Amadeus. He joined our family as a family pet when my oldest children were still toddlers and preschoolers. He was the most fantastic family dog for a family with young children. Although we lost him at a young age (poisoned by burglars), his fond memories and legacy still live on in our Kusa kennel, affixed to Amadeuze Labradors.
All our puppies undergo temperament assessment tests at the age of 7 weeks, which helps us match each individual puppy's temperament to their new family's dynamics. I find it peculiar that most puppy buyers are so resistant to considering adopting a male puppy. After discussing the matter with a professional animal behaviourist, Marina da Conceição (Coape Mhera Qualified) agreed to shed some light on this topic. I have included her response below and trust that it will be helpful to prospective new puppy owners in choosing their new puppy and family member.
Blue collar or pink collar?
So, you have decided that a dog will enrich your life, and you are ready for the good, the challenges, the cost, and the responsibility that come with any long-term commitment and relationship. The next question you ask yourself is, ‘Boy or girl? Which one is ‘better’?
The answer is simple – neither!
There are some general differences: males may be more playful and energetic, while females may be more independent and task-oriented. Males may be more social, and females may be more selective in their social interactions. Females might mature faster, and males might be more eager to work. Also, keep in mind that both spaying and neutering can significantly impact behaviour and health in both genders, as well as the environment in which the pup grows up. A good puppy school, ongoing training, and a committed owner, until the dog matures around two years old, almost guarantee a lovely, loving, and well-loved family dog.
In a nut shell: In reality, every dog is an individual and personality and temperament can vary hugely even within the same litter, never mind the same breed, and they are independent of gender.
Both male and female dogs can make the most wonderful pets and gender should really not be the deciding criteria unless the dynamics of a multi dog household have to be considered. Assess your lifestyle, activity level and living situation and be clear about what you want and expect from your new family member. Then focus on finding that perfect pup whose personality and temperament matches your lifestyle, personality and training preferences as close as possible. Communicate your circumstances and expectations clearly to the breeder and take their advice. They get to observe the pups developing personality and temperament from day one, in addition often have temperament testing done and naturally are looking for the best match to ensure both pup and new owner will be suited to each other.
Setting your heart on a specific pup or gender is tempting, but not the best way to go. The pup that has been carefully chosen to fit in with your life will be loved just as much, if not more, irrespective of whether it is a boy or girl or that pup whose colouring appealed to you.
Marina da Conceicao - DipCABT (NOCN) UK, ICAN Reg: 767
Cell: 0843127763
e-mail: [email protected]
