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The age-old dilemma: Male vs. Female, is a female a better pet or
not?
It is sad that
there are some people out there looking for the best puppy they can find for a
pet, and turn one down because of its gender. If your
not going to breed, than why does it matter what sex it is?
If you have your
mind set on one sex only just remember, probably most of what you have heard
were isolated situations and either sex can be and is a wonderful pet to have. Don’t shut out the opposite sex because of preconceived
notions that you may have, you might be missing the most wonderful pet you
would have ever had.
Many people
believe that female dogs make better pets...female preference seems to be
ingrained in most people. Most calls for pet dogs have people looking for a
'sweet girl'. They have been ingrained to believe that females do not display
alpha behaviors like 'marking' and/or 'humping'. They believe that females are
more docile and attentive and do not participate in fighting over dominance.
Well I hate to tell
you BUT, this is just not true!
Pro and Cons
In a K9 (dog pack),
the females are almost always the alpha dog or boss,
they determine the 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 for most
fights will usually break out between two or more females. On
the other hand males, are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and
more demanding of attention. They are very attached
to their master. They also tend to be more steadfast, and not as moody an there for more
reliable than females. That is why you see most working dogs like police dogs,
army dogs and the like are males.
Males 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 much. 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.
Neutered males
rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as 'marking' and lifting of legs
and 'humping'.
.
While the female
will usually come to you for attention, when she has had enough, she will leave.
While boys are always waiting for your attention.
Females are much more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and
affectionate-the next day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy, also has
periods of being 'in heat' unless she is spayed.
Females have
seasonal heats that can last three weeks long, and not just a hassle for the
female, but to you too, as they do drop blood on anything they get on, and
every male dog in the neighborhood will be at your door step, and fights will
break out at night, that is when males will fight the most. Oh by the way, that
seasonal heat happens twice a year. Did you know males generally cost about 1/2
the price to have neutered as a female to be spayed.
.
If you want a girl
so you can dress her up in sweaters and bows and such.
Well many people dress up their boys in cute outfits too. They actually sit better when we are brushing
their hair, than most of our girls do. To a dog, it doesn't
matter what kind of "Equipment" they have. If your willing to provide
them with endless love they will let you dress them anyway you like.
So, if you have spent a lot of time searching
for a great breeder and decide against one of her puppies because all she has
available are boys, you may want to reconsider.
Please understand this
does not mean that females are not good companions, they make wonderful pets too!
I just would like to see people take another look at
that cute male puppy and consider the fact that a male makes a wonderful pet!
In our opinion there are no distinct differences that would make one
a better pet over the other, so do not let gender play a roll in your next
puppy.