Which Makes A Better Pet Male Or Female?

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 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 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.

Boys do get bigger than girls, but only by an average of 1-2 inches and 3-5 pounds in the
Cocker. In the Toy Poodle a variety of sizes can be found regardless of sex. There area a lot
of self claimed 'Miniatures' in any breed out there, but those Breeders are not breeding to the
standard as it is written for each breed. 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. 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 month long nightmare-not just for the female, but you and
every male dog in the neighborhood. 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.