Choosing Between Male and Female Dogs: Key Differences to Consider

When selecting a puppy, it's essential to understand the typical differences between male and female dogs:

Behavior and Temperament
Males are generally more curious, energetic, bold, and straightforward. Females, on the other hand, tend to be more gentle, accommodating, and sometimes a bit more cunning. However, females have estrus (heat) twice a year, which can present challenges for owners. Males, meanwhile, are often attentive to females in heat year-round. Desexing (spaying/neutering) can help minimize these issues related to sexual behavior, making the differences between genders less pronounced.

Desexing Considerations
Neutering males is typically a simpler and less costly procedure since the reproductive organs are external. For females, however, spaying involves abdominal surgery, which carries a bit more risk. A small percentage of females experience urinary incontinence following an ovariohysterectomy due to a sudden hormonal change and their body's response. Fortunately, this condition is usually well-managed with synthetic hormones.

We recommend spaying females after their first heat. While this slightly lowers the level of protection against mammary tumors, it significantly reduces the risk of urinary problems. Additionally, desexing both males and females at a very young age (under 6 months) can potentially cause issues with the musculoskeletal system. The absence of appropriate hormones can delay the closure of growth plates, impacting joint health. Therefore, we advise desexing our puppies no earlier than 9–12 months.

Exercise and Care Needs
Males typically require longer walks than females due to their natural tendency to mark their territory. Females can empty their bladders quickly, whereas males may need around 30 minutes to complete their walk. Generally, the choice of gender won’t make much difference to the owner unless breeding is a consideration.

Show Participation and Grooming
When planning to show your dog, keep in mind that males tend to maintain their coat year-round, while females often lose their coat during heat cycles and after giving birth.

The “Cross Rule”
Many breeders observe what’s called the "Cross Rule": females often favor male owners, and males often bond more with female owners. In our experience, this observation holds true. However, the choice is ultimately yours!