Male vs. Female Dogs: A Guide to Dog Behavior

Male vs. Female Dogs: A Guide to Dog Behavior

Tips to help you decide what kind of dog to get.

In some ways, choosing between male and female dogs is a matter of personal preference. However, some characteristics are common in female dogs, and others are common in males. When choosing a puppy, evaluate these characteristics and determine which sex would fit best with your home situation. This is also important if you already have a female or male dog and are choosing an additional dog. This article serves as a guide to gender differences and lists a few characteristics of females, a few characteristics of males, and how to choose between male and female when considering a second or third dog.

The following characteristics often apply to female dogs:

1. Independent – Female dogs tend to want to be in control of the whole situation. They may come to their owner when seeking affection but often move away when they have had enough.
2. Stubborn – In many packs, a female dog is typically the alpha dog. Females crave more control of situations and are quick to respond to perceived challenges with fierceness.
3. Territorial – Females mark in the same way males do. A spayed female may continue to mark for her entire lifetime regardless of when she is spayed, while most males will cease marking behaviors shortly after they are neutered and their testosterone levels subside.
4. Reserved – Female dogs are generally less affectionate and friendly than males. This characteristic is noticeable in puppies and becomes more pronounced with age.
5. Changes in Mood or Behavior – It is also important to note that if you do not spay your female dog, she will come into heat at approximately one year of age and approximately every six months thereafter. During this time, there will be some bleeding as well as changes in mood or behavior. Keep this in mind when you adopt a puppy and decide whether or not to spay her.

The following characteristics often apply to male dogs:

1. Affectionate – Males are typically more affectionate than females. They tend to crave attention from their owners more than females and, as a result, display more affectionate behaviors.
2. Exuberant – A male is also more likely to be fun-loving and outgoing throughout his lifetime than a female. While a female tends to become more reserved as she ages, a male dog maintains a more puppy-like exuberance throughout his lifetime.
3. Food-Motivated – Males are often very motivated by food. This can make training extremely easy, as treats can be used to lure and reward desired behaviors.
4. Attentive – While females tend to be more independent, males tend to be more focused on their human companions. They want to always be close to humans and are very eager to please.
5. Aggressive Behaviors – It is also important to note that intact males may display aggressive behaviors toward other males or exhibit marking behaviors. Additionally, intact males should be kept away from females in heat unless a breeding is planned.

Owners who are adding another dog to their home should carefully consider the ramifications of adding a dog of either sex. This is important because the makeup of the existing pack may be more accepting of either a male or a female. The following are general tips for selecting the gender of a second dog:

1. If you already have a male or a female, a dog of the opposite sex is generally the best choice. Dogs of the same sex are more likely to fight than dogs of the opposite sex.
2. If you already have a male, he is likely to be more accepting of a female, and you are likely to have fewer dominance issues if you add a female to the pack. However, if you opt to add another male to the pack, they can peacefully coexist and may even become friends. It is important to closely monitor their interactions early on to ensure aggressive behaviors do not become common.
3. If you already have a female, she is likely to be more accepting of a male. Most males tend to be submissive. If he does not challenge your resident female, she is not likely to have a reason to fight with him. Adding a female to the pack, however, may result in complications. The worst combination is two females because they are more likely to fight than a male and a female or two males. However, many dog owners have two or more females that live together without problems. As long as there is an established alpha dog and the other females know their place in the pack, dominance struggles will not often occur, although they may still happen.

Selecting a male or female is largely a matter of personal preference. The above characteristics are generalizations, and it is certainly possible to purchase or adopt a female puppy who displays male characteristics or a male puppy who displays typical female characteristics. Additionally, females that are spayed and males that are neutered often do not have the gender-specific problems associated with their sex, such as coming into heat or marking.

So, if you are asking yourself, “What dog should I get?”, make sure to consider the dogs you already have and the gender that goes best with your lifestyle. When you find a dog, monitor his or her behavior carefully and consider how it will match up with your male or female at home. Good luck choosing a dog!