{"id":7153,"date":"2021-07-08T09:02:18","date_gmt":"2021-07-08T08:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=7153"},"modified":"2022-01-04T16:26:32","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T16:26:32","slug":"male-vs-female-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/male-vs-female-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Male vs Female Dogs: Does Your Dog&#8217;s Sex Matter?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever wondered what is better in regard to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male vs female dogs?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan on getting a dog, there are several aspects to consider, as it is a big responsibility. You want to be sure you\u2019ve made the right choice, and your dog\u2019s sex might be one of those aspects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may not be a crucial criterion, but there are still some differences that might turn out to be important to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='are-differences-between-male-and-female-dogs-even-that-big'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Differences Between Male and Female Dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even That Big?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes and no, depending on what traits you\u2019re focusing on. As with many other species, the category of sex has a particular impact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male vs female dog <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contrast doesn\u2019t involve anything too dramatic, but here are some potentially relevant factors if you are interested.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical characteristics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behavior and temperament<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health issues\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual maturity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sterilization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Response to male and female owners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breed-related differences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal preference<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id='boy-dog-and-girl-dog-physical-characteristics%c2%a0%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boy Dog and Girl Dog <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical Characteristics\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most apparent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differences between male and female dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have to do with anatomy. This starts as early as when a puppy is in the womb due to testosterone surge exposure \u2014 or the lack thereof. Naturally, this exposure results in a male puppy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exposure results in different reproductive organs. With this in mind, you might wonder if female dogs menstruate \u2014 the answer is yes, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/health\/do-dogs-have-periods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not in the same way women do<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it is true that you\u2019ll need to manage the matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Size is another physical feature reflecting the<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> female vs male dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> opposition. In general, male dogs are bigger, both in terms of mass and height.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does that mean for you? Well, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dog-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">basic dog care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for male dogs could be somewhat more demanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, this also has to do with a dog\u2019s breed, so you should consider both features if the pet\u2019s size is a relevant factor to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='male-vs-female-dog-behavior-and-temperament'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Dog Behavior<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Temperament<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although a dog\u2019s nature also depends on its breed, some research suggests there are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personality differences between male and female dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, in 2016, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hart &amp; Hart<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/311562383_Breed_and_gender_differences_in_dog_behavior\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">aggression towards family members and other dogs<\/a> is more common in males.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This might be particularly relevant if your family includes younger members. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introducing dogs to babies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dogs-and-babies\/\">can be easier and safer<\/a> if the pet in question has a gentler nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roaming tendencies between <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male vs female puppies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are worth mentioning, as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male dogs are usually known to roam more, typically driven by sexual exploration. A study by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">D\u00fcrr et al. from 2017<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/313816200_What_influences_the_home_range_size_of_free-roaming_domestic_dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">non-castrated males have the largest home range size<\/a>, but this can happen with female dogs, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A characteristic that is related to both aggression and roaming is biting tendencies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since male dogs are more prone to both, they also bite more frequently compared to female dogs. Nonetheless, no matter whether you have a boy dog or girl dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can feel the urge to bite if provoked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another feature that is slightly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0168159114001890\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">more typical of male dogs is separation anxiety<\/a>, according to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storengen et al. (2014)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Interestingly, the results of this study indicate that the tendency to exhibit separation anxiety is higher if there are more women in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All in all, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male dog vs female dog temperament <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">differences are relatively minimal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-puppies-vs-female-puppies-training'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male Puppies vs Female Puppies: Training<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hsu and Serpell (2003) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">define trainability as a <a href=\"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/doi\/abs\/10.2460\/javma.2003.223.1293\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dog&#8217;s willingness to attend to its owner<\/a> and obey simple commands. Every pet is unique when it comes to learning abilities. Still, it is generally believed that females are easier to train.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reason for differences between <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male vs female dogs <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in terms of training could stem from the fact that males usually are larger and more independent. In contrast, females are perceived as calmer and more attached to their owners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it seems that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-usa-dogshow-gender-idUSKBN1FT1FB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male dogs win show competitions more often<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so this belief should be taken with a grain of salt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no definitive conclusion when it comes to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">female vs male dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> training, so it might be better to consider the breed and environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In any case, what everyone agrees on is that training should start as early as possible. This contributes to a stronger bond between a dog and its owner. This can also be achieved through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dog-grooming\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grooming your pet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and playing with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='health-issues-of-male-dogs-vs-female-dogs%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health Issues of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male Dogs vs Female Dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the biggest <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boy vs girl dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differences in terms of health issues come from having different reproductive organs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jessica May, a veterinarian at FirstVet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insider.com\/should-i-get-a-female-or-male-dog-2019-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">males can develop testicular cancer<\/a>, while females can get mammary tumors or uterus infections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As for allergic diseases, it appears that a dog\u2019s sex does not play a role. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Favrot et al.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> inspected one of the most common such diseases, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20187911\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">canine atopic dermatitis<\/a>. Still, there were no <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">female dog vs male dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> discoveries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of allergies, you may be surprised to learn that human allergy to dogs seems to only involve male dogs. Allergist Lakiea Wright told CNN that over 30% of people allergic to dogs are actually reacting to a specific protein produced in a dog&#8217;s prostate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, when it comes to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male versus female dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> infertility issues, there are no studies focusing on sex differences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only thing certain is that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/dog-owners\/reproductive-disorders-of-dogs\/infertility-in-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">both male and female dogs can suffer from infertility for various reasons.<\/span><\/a> Some of these reasons include, but are not limited to, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improper timing of breeding, loss of sexual desire, to name a few.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='male-dog-vs-female-dog-sexual-maturity'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male Dog vs Female Dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sexual Maturity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Much like previously mentioned points, sexual maturity depends on a dog\u2019s breed. You\u2019ve probably heard of the term \u201cgoing into heat,\u201d which denotes a female dog\u2019s physical capability and willingness to mate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the sexual maturity of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">female dogs vs male dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can vary, you should probably consult a vet to get a more specific answer. That being said, there are some general tendencies based on simple observations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Namely, male dogs usually become sexually mature from five months of age on average. They are sexually active throughout the year. Female dogs typically go into heat twice a year and can be fertile for up to two or three weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='male-vs-female-dogs-sterilization'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Dogs: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sterilization<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog owners often decide to sterilize their pets to prevent accidental breeding and some of the diseases mentioned above. The terms neutering and spaying are used to denote this procedure for male and female dogs, respectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small-breed dogs are neutered at six months of age or spayed before the first heat at five to six months. Large-breed dogs should be neutered between nine and 15 months of age or spayed sometime between five to 15 months, depending on your vet\u2019s advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boy dog vs girl dog sterilization timing and is it important? Absolutely! Sterilizing a dog too late could lead to obesity and other issues, such as phobias, aggression, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doing it too early, though, could cause excessive bone growth, which means increased height and joint issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/neutered-dog\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spaying is more complicated than neutering<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the female sterilization procedure is typically more expensive. It may also depend on your dog\u2019s size and some external factors, such as the place where you\u2019re doing it (bigger cities tend to be more expensive).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources on the Internet suggest different price ranges regarding <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">female vs male dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sterilization. In general, spaying requires $65 to $600, while neutering prices go from $45 to $300.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='response-to-male-vs-female-owners'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Response to Male vs Female Owners<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one can claim for sure that a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boy or girl puppy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prefers male or female owners. This could largely depend on a dog\u2019s early life experiences. For instance, if a puppy has an abusive male owner, it could develop a fear of all men (and the same goes for female owners).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dogs tend to look for leadership traits in their owner, so a larger figure and a deeper voice might make men more appealing. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, women can be perceived as figures of authority, as well, so the owner\u2019s gender has little to do with a male dog vs a female dog as a pet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='breed-related-differences-between-male-and-female-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breed-Related <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Differences Between Male and Female Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout this text, it has been emphasized that dogs\u2019 characteristics depend on their breed to the same extent as they do on their sex, if not more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, let\u2019s look at some of<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/most-popular-dog-breeds\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the most common breeds in the US<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the most pronounced differences based on the<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> male vs female dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> category.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-vs-female-labradors'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Labradors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Labradors are known to have a loving and affectionate nature. This appears to be particularly true for males, while females are likely to be more independent. The latter are also typically smaller and easier to train, as usually is the case with female dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-vs-female-german-shepherds'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female German Shepherds<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs female German Shepherd dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differences are also not that numerous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Males tend to be more aggressive and possessive, especially when it comes to food and toys. Females appear to be less possessive but can sometimes be too dependent on owners and even become jealous.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-vs-female-golden-retrievers'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Golden Retrievers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intelligent and affectionate, golden retrievers make great pets. In terms of physical traits, males are heavier and taller, with slightly longer fur.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personality differences are not very noticeable, but males might be more territorial and willful than females.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-vs-female-bulldogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Bulldogs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they are typically sweet and friendly, bulldogs are also courageous and independent. Some people say males seem more aggressive, while females are more territorial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difference between female and male dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of this breed in terms of trainability.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-vs-female-poodles'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Poodles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for a caring and loyal pet, poodles are the way to go. Males tend to be more loving and easier to train because they want to please their owners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Females can be more stubborn and less into pleasing people, making it potentially more challenging to train them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-vs-female-beagles'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Beagles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from the observations that they are both amiable and intelligent, there is not much info on the Internet regarding the<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> difference between boy and girl dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of this breed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some folks say that male beagles are more lively, while others claim that females are more energetic.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-vs-female-rottweilers'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male vs Female Rottweilers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good-natured and obedient, Rottweilers are excellent watchdogs and usually recommended to people who have already owned dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Males and females are equally intelligent, but female rottweilers seem to be more trainable because male ones are more playful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='personal-preference'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal Preference<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having read all the information above, you probably have a general idea whether you\u2019d prefer a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male or female dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. At the end of the day, you\u2019ll be the one taking care of your doggo, so if there is any gut feeling, you should definitely listen to it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another thing you can do is base this decision on previous experience. Have you ever had a dog? If you have had dogs of both sexes, which one did you get along with better? Did you notice any <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">female dog vs male dog pros and cons<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you\u2019ve never owned a puppy, you have interacted with them for sure, so think about those experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='male-or-female-dog-pros-and-cons'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male or Female Dog Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At this point, it is evident that the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difference between male and female puppies <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is nothing life-changing. Still, it could be significant in some respects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s reflect on everything we\u2019ve learned so far and see the pros and cons of having a pet dog of each sex.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='male-puppy-pros-and-cons'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male Puppy Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Males appear to be more protective and affectionate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are very energetic and love to play, which is particularly convenient if you have children.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Female vs male dogs sterilization costs differ, and neutering a male dog is much cheaper.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to females, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male dog behavior<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> entails aggression toward family members and other dogs more often.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are also more likely to roam when they sense a female in heat, resulting in injuries or accidental breeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id='female-puppy-pros-and-cons'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Female Puppy Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Female dogs are easier to groom, as their body frame is typically smaller.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boy puppy vs girl puppy <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">training, females seem to learn faster.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Females are also great with children and people in general, likely due to their maternal instinct.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Female dogs menstruate a couple of times a year, which requires diapers or similar products (if you have an indoor dog).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If kept outside, females must be enclosed since they could attract male dogs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In sum, the question of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male vs female dogs for pets <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is not very complicated. Both have many great traits and some potentially tricky ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faq'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id='how-to-differentiate-male-and-female-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to differentiate male and female dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most obvious method is to check their genitals. However, it might be a bit trickier to determine the sex of newborn puppies, as it takes about eight weeks for those organs to be fully formed and visible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, as previously explained, male dogs usually are taller and heavier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='do-male-or-female-dogs-live-longer'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do male or female dogs live longer?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The correlation between a puppy\u2019s sex and their life expectancy hasn\u2019t been explored too much. Recently, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/biomedgerontology\/article\/73\/2\/150\/3788690\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hoffman et al.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that sterilization status actually has more impact on a dog\u2019s lifespan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, male dogs live longer among intact dogs, but females live longer among sterilized dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='are-female-dogs-smarter-than-males'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are female dogs smarter than males?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although some studies suggest that female dogs are more vigilant and focused, this matter also depends on a dog\u2019s breed and age. Some researchers say it is likely that future studies will show equal intelligence levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='i-have-a-female-dog-should%c2%a0i-get-a-male-or-female'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I have a female dog. Should<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0I get a male or female<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has been noticed that same-sex dogs tend to exhibit competitive behavior. The situation seems less pronounced with female dogs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, the general advice is to add a puppy of the opposite sex. That way, you also get to experience the best of both worlds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='should-i-get-a-male-or-female-dog'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I get a male or female dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer really depends on all the factors presented above. The best thing you can do is think carefully about them \u2014 or not think about them at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs do not seem to prefer male or female owners, but consulting with your family members is a must if you don&#8217;t live alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your goal is to make your pet\u2019s life, no matter whether it\u2019s a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boy or girl puppy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='conclusion'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like us humans, all dogs are unique.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to consider all the pros and cons. The chances are that no matter which sex you opt for, you\u2019ll have a great pet if you put enough time and love into this new relationship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though the opposition of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male vs female dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can affect certain aspects of their behavior and health, none of the differences are mind-blowing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='sources'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allshepherd.com\/male-vs-female-german-shepherd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AllShepherd<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/health\/do-dogs-have-periods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Kennel Club<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/health\/sexual-maturity-in-puppies-what-to-expect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Kennel Club<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources\/pet-owners\/petcare\/spaying-and-neutering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AVMA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/avmajournals.avma.org\/doi\/abs\/10.2460\/javma.2003.223.1293\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AVMA Journals<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/core\/journals\/epidemiology-and-infection\/article\/what-influences-the-home-range-size-of-freeroaming-domestic-dogs\/D8CBEFF70EB9525EAEA960DAB0A51215\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cambridge Core<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/2020\/01\/07\/health\/male-dog-allergy-wellness\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crbeagles.com\/misc\/male_female.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CR Beagles<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/difference.guru\/difference-between-male-and-female-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difference.Guru<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dogsbestlife.com\/adoption\/is-a-male-or-female-dog-right-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog\u2019s Best Life<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insider.com\/should-i-get-a-female-or-male-dog-2019-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insider<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.larkmead.co.uk\/sites\/larkmead.co.uk\/files\/uploads\/files\/neutering%20your%20dog_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Larkmead Veterinary Group<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/13890-female-male-dogs-brain-differences.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live Science<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingyourlab.com\/difference-between-male-and-female-labs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loving Your Lab<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/dog-owners\/reproductive-disorders-of-dogs\/infertility-in-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MSD Veterinary Manual<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.my-golden.com\/male-vs-female-golden-retrievers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My Golden Retriever<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.omlet.co.uk\/guide\/dogs\/choosing_the_right_dog_for_you\/male_or_female_dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omlet<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petplace.com\/article\/dogs\/general\/how-much-does-dog-spaying-or-dog-neutering-cost\/#section4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PetPlace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/male-vs-female-poodles-what-are-the-differences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poodle Report<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20187911\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/311562383_Breed_and_gender_differences_in_dog_behavior\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ResearchGate<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-usa-dogshow-gender-idUSKBN1FT1FB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reuters<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rottweilerlife.com\/male-vs-female-rottweiler-the-facts-before-you-before-you-bring-one-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rottweiler Life<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0168159114001890\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ScienceDirect<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0168159198002020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ScienceDirect<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swifto.com\/blog\/do-dogs-prefer-certain-gender\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swifto<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thebulldogblog.com\/male-vs-female-bulldogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bulldog Blog<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/biomedgerontology\/article\/73\/2\/150\/3788690?login=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Journals of Gerontolog<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How to differentiate male and female dogs?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The most obvious method is to check their genitals. However, it might be a bit trickier to determine the sex of newborn puppies, as it takes about eight weeks for those organs to be fully formed and visible.\\n\\nAlso, as previously explained, male dogs usually are taller and heavier. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do male or female dogs live longer?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The correlation between a puppy\u2019s sex and their life expectancy hasn\u2019t been explored too much. Recently, Hoffman et al. found that sterilization status actually has more impact on a dog\u2019s lifespan. \\n\\nAdditionally, male dogs live longer among intact dogs, but females live longer among sterilized dogs.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are female dogs smarter than males?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Although some studies suggest that girl dogs are more vigilant and focused, this matter also depends on a dog\u2019s breed and age. Some researchers say it is likely that future studies will show equal intelligence levels.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"I have a female dog. Should I get a male or female?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It has been noticed that same-sex dogs tend to exhibit competitive behavior. The situation seems less pronounced with female dogs. Still, the general advice is to add a puppy of the opposite sex. That way, you also get to experience the best of both worlds.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Should I get a male or female dog?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The answer really depends on all the factors presented above. The best thing you can do is think carefully about them \u2014 or not think about them at all. \\n\\nDogs do not seem to prefer male or female owners, but consulting with your family members is a must if you don't live alone. \\n\\nYour goal is to make your pet\u2019s life, no matter whether it\u2019s a boy or girl puppy, as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Put head to head, male vs female dogs depends greatly on the breed and the specific owner preferences. However, there are some differences.  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/male-vs-female-dogs\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Male vs Female Dogs: Does Your Dog&#8217;s Sex Matter?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":7156,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7153"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7153\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7156"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}