Male vs. Female
The age old dilema of which is better
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
behaviours 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.
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.
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 three week long hassle 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 1/2 the price to have neutered as a female does to be spayed.
