By Karen A. Soukiasian
When the time comes to adopt a dog you need to decide whether a male or female dog is right for you.
That X or Y chromosome does make a difference in certain behaviors and medical issues; but, that’s not all that determines the temperament or behavior differences between a male or female dog. Their genetics, living environment, breed, and whether they are intact or altered play an enormous part in determining how a dog behaves.
Pink or blue, which is the right puppy or dog for you?
Many practiced dog owners believe female dogs tend to be smaller, calmer, less affectionate, more independent, more prone to mood swings, less biddable (willing to please you), less dominant, less territorial, more focused, not as vocal, tend not to roam as much, mature faster, housebreak easier, and train faster than males. Those may be true in some, but not all cases. Many of those determining factors could have to do with her breed, genetics, and her living environment, as well as if she is intact or spayed.
The negatives they mention include, unaltered females will bleed twice a year, draw unaltered males knocking at the door, be more prone to mammary and uterine cancer, and spaying is more expensive than neutering. Those are all true!
Some firmly believe males are larger, have fewer mood swings, are more affectionate, more biddable, more dependent, bolder, more assertive or aggressive, more playful, less focused, harder to housebreak, harder to train, more territorial, slower to mature, may challenge you when matured, are more vocal, and usually tend to roam away from home more. Some of those factors could have to do with his breed, genetics, his living environment, and if he is intact or neutered.
The negatives they cite include, when left unaltered they may be harder to control, relentlessly mark territory, including furniture, tend to have more altercations or fights, are constantly on the hunt to be fruitful and multiply, more males tend to get hit by cars, and are more likely to suffer from testicular cancer. On the plus side, neutering is less expensive than spaying! These are all true!
It is suggested, if you are adding another dog to your pack; try to get one of the opposite sex. When under the same roof, there tend to be fewer serious opposite sex conflicts, than same-sex conflicts. Plus, you’ll get to see, experience and perhaps appreciate the traits and behaviors of the other sex.
Bottom line: Deciding whether to add a male or female dog is a personal decision. The important thing to remember is, you are assuming all the joys, fun, and responsibilities that go along with that pink or blue decision.
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