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 an average of 1-2 inches
and 3-5 pounds. In the Dachshund and the Chihuahua, a variety of
sizes can be found regardless of sex. There area a lot of self
claimed 'Miniatures' in any breed out there, but those Breeders are
not breeding to the standard as it is written for each breed. 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. 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.
Before deciding on male or female, give consideration to any other
dogs that may be in or around your home.
