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Boy Pup or Girl Pup?

Many people believe that female dogs make better pets... female preference seems to be ingrained in 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 serious 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 2-3 pounds in the Dachshund. In the Dachshund a variety of sizes can be found regardless of sex. There are a lot of self claimed "Miniature Breeders" out there but be aware that it takes a well planned breeding program to keep a Miniature from generation to generation. 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. Intact females also lift legs and pee mark. Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare not just for the female, but you and every male dog in the neighborhood. Did we mention that the seasonal heats happen TWICE a year?

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. Also, intact females are prone to many infections and cancers and female problems, that neutered and spayed pets are not.

Research has also proven that a female NOT bred during a heat cycle stays in a flux of estrogen level which may give us the reason as to why females are more moody than males.

Males generally cost 1/2 the price to have neutered as a female does to be spayed and are usually priced less, as females are desired so often by breeders.

SOOOOOO... before you decide on that age old dilemma of male or female, give consideration to any other dogs that may be in or around your home, your financial situation as to having the dog altered and whether or not you have the space, time and money to raise a litter of puppies. Keep in mind, if you already have one dog, they'll always compete or fight less, and enjoy the company more, of a dog of the opposite sex.

Writer unknown.