Preference: male or female dog?

Domestika · Jul 17, 2008

I am getting a GSD puppy next month and I have told the breeder that I would prefer a female. I thought it would be a nice change from all the male animals I've had. I didn't think there'd be much of a difference between the genders (as it will, of course, be fixed).

However! The more I'm reading and researching, the more I see that people claim males and females tend to have different personality traits! I don't know what to believe. Are female dogs really "moodier" (hello, anthropomorphizing animals much?), more aloof and manipulative? And males more loving, friendly and obedient?

Now I'm thinking that I've made the wrong decision.

Any long-time dog owners see a real difference between the genders?

zoe08 · Jul 17, 2008

I have a female beagle who is quite independent and not really all cuddly/lovey. A a male husky who is very cuddly. But then now I also have a female mutt who is all lovey and we have a male husky mix, who really isn't much of either.

I do think in a lot of cases males may be more cuddly, but you can get females who will be also. Check into GSDs and see if there is a known difference in that breed. I'm not sure if it is by breed or not. The female corgi I found a while back was also very cuddly.

I personally prefer females, but I prefer not to deal with leg hiking. Our husky has to hike is leg on EVERYthing.

Maxy24 · Jul 17, 2008

I have noticed males to be more laid back, cuddly dogs. But no I don't see females are disliking attention or "manipulative" and I would never say males are more obedient. Seriously through volunteering with a rescue, I have not seen a common difference. I've seen tons of very happy-go-lucky females, many aloof females and same with the males.

Paige · Jul 17, 2008

My boys are way more cuddly than Miley is but that's probably because they try to melt into you. Miley is a cuddler. Bandit is my most moody dog. Spanky and Miley are happy-go-lucky easy going dogs. I haven't noticed the gender split. My Sheltie wasn't a cuddler and she was a female so that holds true some what in my personal experience.

Laurelin · Jul 17, 2008

I like all of ours, but I really tend to prefer the females. Just from my experience, they tend to be the more independent thinkers.

Kayota · Jul 17, 2008

Padfoot is definitely more of a lover than any of the female dogs I've owned, so I'd go with a male.

PixieSticksandTricks · Jul 17, 2008

I have a female Cocker Spaniel who is a major lover of cuddles and is my shadow. I really think it also depends on the breed too.

Beanie · Jul 17, 2008

I think it depends on the breed. Corgi folks will tell you there's a difference between male and female corgis, but there's not really a difference in shelties IMO (nor in my experience, and I've also never had a sheltie person tell me there's a big difference in gender.)
Plus, the difference itself varies between the breeds too. In some breeds, you'd probably have folks recommend a male; in others, they'd say go for a female...

I agree with zoe, look into GSDs in particular and see what folks say about personality differences between sexes. =>

borzoimom · Jul 17, 2008

Domestika said:

Well.. having had shepherds for over 20 years, I can tell you the females are more uh creative.. They tend to think more outside the box so to speak. Both sexes are very smart but females tend to think " uh lets do it this way" type thing. As far as aloof etc- no- not a single difference. Manipulative- welllllll the females might try to say uhhhhhh arent I cute or lets do this way than a male. But really- sex in a shepherd does not matter if raised right... Just remember the breed loves to have a job and a schedule..

RedyreRottweilers · Jul 17, 2008

I have had numerous dogs of both sexes over the years. The differences I have noted in being easy to train or cuddly have not had any correlation with sex.

I do find if you are to keep a bitch intact, you will have the training interruptions, and have to work around her seasons.

Otherwise, the reason I prefer bitches is that they tend to pee in one place, altho ALL of mine left their leg to mark.

release the hounds · Jul 17, 2008

I agree with Borzio

Amstaffer · Jul 17, 2008

My experience is that the males I have had mature slower mentally and don't take life as seriously as females. I have found the females I have had can be very sweet and cuddly...just when they want to, unlike the males who are cuddly 24/7. I have also found that females have more health problems (mostly UT infections and female organ problems ranging from cancer to false pregnancies.)

I also have found females to be more sensitive to their surroundings.

With that in mind I have only owned 3 male dogs and 2 females as an adult and when I was a kid my family had 3 females.

Just wanted to add...this is based on female dogs vs male dogs in general as I have never owned a GSD.

borzoimom · Jul 17, 2008

as my mother use to say " males are sweeter but females are smarter..." and they were not shepherds but I agree... Females seem more aware of themselves at a earlier age than males. The females run the pack and the males let them..

ihartgonzo · Jul 17, 2008

I prefer males, definitely! I'm not exactly sure why... it could be a coincidence that all of my favorite dogs have been boys. But, I just generally feel that males are more eager to please and attached, in my experience. : ) I tend to like velcro dogs.

I'm sure it varies between breeds. In German Shepherds, females are supposed to be distinctly feminine... but honestly, I think all GSD's are biddable and eager to please.

CharlieDog · Jul 17, 2008

Hmm, in the GSD's I've know, I actually prefer the females half the time, because the males want to be up your butt, while the females can go do their own thing for awhile.

And the peeing in one place was definitely a plus.

Pam111 · Jul 17, 2008

I've not noticed a difference between the genders. I've had about an even amount of both, and they've all been great

bubbatd · Jul 17, 2008

Having owned 5 Males and 5 females over the years , I'm sorry to say that none of my females would have been " heart dogs " . I loved them all dearly and equally , but the boys were always closer with me . Much more willing to please and easier to train .

xpaeanx · Jul 17, 2008

The difference I've noticed between males and females is that males tend to be more "coach potato" but females tend to be more "adventurous" How ever cuddly? My male dog is very "where is my owner?" all the time and follows me everywhere, but he doens't do "cuddle." My female hangs out with me when she wants, but she's a cuddle bug! I like dogs that are more into their owners. so my votes goes for male because I like my dog "up my butt".. lol...

release the hounds · Jul 17, 2008

xpaeanx said:

That would be a death sentence for my dogs:yikes:

CharlieDog · Jul 17, 2008

LMAO! OMG, you are SO not right RTH!

Wowzers.

Preference: male or female dog?

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