Boy Pup or Girl Pup?
Many people believe that female dogs make better
pets... female preference seems to be ingrained in people. Most calls for pet dogs have people wanting a "sweet
little 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
a female dog a "bitch" for nothing!
In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and 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 serious 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, males are 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 2-3 pounds in the Dachshund. In the Dachshund a variety
of sizes can be found regardless of sex. There are a lot of self claimed "Miniature Breeders" out there but
be aware that it takes a well planned breeding program to keep a Miniature from generation to generation. 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. A female
is 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. Intact females also lift
legs and pee mark. Seasonal heats can be a month-long nightmare 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. Also, intact females are prone to many infections and cancers and female problems,
that neutered and spayed pets are not.
Research has also proven that a female NOT bred during a heat cycle stays in a flux of
estrogen levels which may give us the reason why females are more moody than males.
Males generally cost half the price to be neutered as a female
does to be spayed and are usually priced less, as females are desired so often by breeders.
SOOOOOO... before you decide on that age old
dilemma of male or female, give consideration to any other dogs that may be in or around your home, your financial situation
as to having the dog altered and whether or not you have the space, time and money to raise a litter of puppies. Keep
in mind, if you already have one dog, they'll always compete or fight less, and enjoy the company more, of a dog of the opposite
sex.
Writer
unknown.
