Should I Get a Male or Female Dog

Few new dog owners consider whether to get a male or female dog before bringing home their new pet. Instead of weighing the pros and cons of each gender, many make emotional decisions based on often misguided information. Young men may adopt or purchase tough-looking male dogs to reflect their own tough traits, while women might be drawn to small female dogs, viewing them as ideal “purse dogs.” What if the decision were based on factual information, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each gender?

Female Dogs: The Pros

• Generally, female dogs are easier to train than males and are more likely to listen to all household members, not just the person they consider the head of the house.
• Most dog experts believe female dogs are more affectionate than their male counterparts, although many male dogs also enjoy belly rubs and snuggling with their owners.
• Female dogs tend to be more docile and less aggressive towards strangers and other dogs. This can be a major consideration for those living in urban areas, having children around, or seeking a dog with a specific breed predisposition to aggression.
• Female dogs are often better at forming friendships with other animals or small children in the house.
• Female dogs are easier to housetrain and can hold their bladders longer.
• Like humans, female dogs are usually smaller than males within the same breed.
• Female dogs do not tend to ‘mark’ their territory; they usually void their bladders entirely in one go.

Female Dogs: The Cons

• Female dogs can be more nervous and high-strung than males.
• The cost of spaying a female dog is generally higher than neutering a male.
• Female dog urine can ‘burn’ or kill grass, leading to a patchwork of yellow rings in your yard.

Male Dogs: The Pros

• Male dogs tend to be more protective of their belongings and families. This can be both a pro and a con, depending on circumstances. While a large dog can deter intruders, some male breeds may exhibit protective temperaments that could be challenging to manage daily.
• Male dogs are usually larger and more robust, with a higher endurance level than females, making them appealing as working dogs and canine athletes.
• Male dogs typically have more energy and enjoy playful activities more than females.
• Neutering a male dog is usually less expensive than spaying a female.

Male Dogs: The Cons

• Early training is necessary to prevent guarding behavior over food and objects.
• Male dogs lift their legs to urinate, marking their territory, which can damage bushes, flowers, and buildings.
• Male dogs can be harder to housetrain and are more prone to ‘accidents.’
• Males are larger and require more calories, meaning they eat more food.

The Two-Dog Family

While many pairs of the same gender can be the best of friends, this is often due to special circumstances, such as being littermates or raised together since puppyhood. If you already have a dog, consider adopting or purchasing the opposite gender for better compatibility. Most trainers agree that a male and a female combination is preferable.

Always Spay or Neuter Your Pets

Spaying and neutering not only help reduce the pet overpopulation crisis, but they also minimize many pros and cons associated with each gender. After these procedures, pets can focus more on their owners rather than their innate desire to reproduce. Neutered male dogs are often less aggressive and territorial, making them easier to train. Both spaying and neutering can be done as early as eight weeks old without side effects. The old wives’ tale suggesting that it’s better for a female to go through a heat cycle or have a litter is just that—an old wives’ tale. Getting your pet ‘fixed’ before six months old almost guarantees they will not suffer from mammary, prostate, or testicular cancer, respectively.

Should Which Should You Choose?

Before purchasing or adopting a dog, take time to consider which traits fit best with your lifestyle. Are you a hunter? A male dog may be a better choice due to their higher endurance. Want a dog that will be patient with your children? A female dog is often more tolerant of misbehavior, helping to teach children appropriate behavior. Remember, your decision is significant and will last the lifetime of your new four-legged family member. Make sure it’s a good one!