Which Is Best, A Boy Or A Girl?

Are you looking for a new puppy and can't decide if a boy or a girl is best for you and your situation? Look no further. This article will lay to rest some of the common myths and "myth-conceptions" of male and female puppies.

Most people feel that female dogs are going to make better pets for them than male dogs. Most requests for new puppies have come from people asking for a "precious little girl." Just about everyone believes that male dogs exhibit alpha behaviors like 'Marking' and/or 'Humping' and they also believe that females are simply more passive and attentive and don't participate in fighting over dominance.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

In a group of dogs, the females usually dominate the pack, determine pecking order, and who competes to preserve and/or modify that order. The females are, as a result, more independent, stubborn, and protective than their male counterparts. The females are also a lot more intent upon implementing their dominance by taking part in certain alpha behaviors such as humping.

Most dog fights will usually break out between two females. Males, in contrast, are usually more affectionate, enthusiastic, attentive, and more demanding of your attention. Males are very fond of their owners. They also tend to be more committed, reliable and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other animals, and usually take much quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by food, go figure, and praise and are so eager to satisfy that teaching is simple. However, males can be more unfocused during training because of their playful temperaments. No matter what his age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to engage in recreation and games. Male Schnauzers are fun loving and playful until the day they pass on. Most girls tend to be more snobbish or dignified as they age.

Males who have been neutered rarely display secondary sexual actions such as "humping" or '"marking" and lifting of its legs. As soon as the testosterone levels fall after neutering, most of these actions, if they existed in the first place, will cease. Some of these males will never even learn to lift their leg to urinate and will pee with all legs on the ground, just like a female. Males who were neutered by 5 months old usually will never raise their leg to urinate.

While females will usually come to you for attention, when she's had enough, she will go elsewhere. Boys, on the other hand, are constantly waiting for your attention and remain nearby. Females are usually less sidetracked during training, as they are more eager to get it over with and get back to their comfy little spot on the couch. Also, a female will be less likely to wage a battle with you over dominance; however she will be cunning and creative in getting her own way.

The Female also has periods of being "In Heat" until she is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare, not just for her, but for you and every male dog in the vicinity! Seasonal heats will usually happen twice a year? Females, in general, are much more prone to mood swings. One day she will be the most sweet and affectionate dog in the world, while the next day she'll be snobbish or withdrawn or even cranky and irritable.

If you are not breeding your dog, you are going to want to have her spayed since during this time, she can put down a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere else she goes. She will most likely also be particularly moody and temperamental during this time. A typical walk outside during this period can become perilous if male dogs are in the area, and she will leave a scent for wandering intact males to track right to your yard, where they will hang out, and look for your female for days. Research has shown that a female that is not bred during a heat cycle maintains very high estrogen levels, which may very well be why females are more moody than males. Males generally cost half the price to be neutered as a female does to be spayed.

So, before you decide on that age old dilemma of getting a male or a female, take all these things into consideration. Talk to your breeder about what you are looking for in a pet for your family. A reputable breeder will have no problems discussing this with you and they know the puppies better than anyone. They can help you decide which puppy's personality and gender is best for you, your family and exactly what you are looking for.