Differences between Male and Female Puppies

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The Differences between Male and Female Puppies

You may have felt that choosing a breed was the biggest decision you had to make before getting a dog. But now that you have made that choice, you are now faced with a more basic decision: do you want a male dog, or a female?

There is an old saying that has circulated for a long time among dog breeders, trainers and professionals:

“If you want a good dog, get a male. If you want a great dog, get a female and cross your fingers.”

Everyone you ask will have their own opinion… for example some will say…

“Males are softer.”

“Females are softer.”

“Males are more independent.”

“Females are more independent.”

“Males are easier to train than females.”

“Females are easier to train than males.”

“Females are sweeter”

“Males are more aggressive”

You get my point..

Doodle at the dog park

Males tend to be a little bigger that the girls, both in overall size and in substance, but only about 1 to 2 inches in height and 5-15 lbs. heavier. Also, it’s not always true, there are also sometimes smaller males and larger females.

Subtle Differences in Personality:

As long as I can remember, I was told that a female dog is the way to go. Folks often say that the girls are “sweeter” than boys, they do not have any bad habits and they just make better family pets. While I was growing up we always had female pets, and often even paid more for them.  It was not until we were given our first male that I realized the price difference was TOTALLY WRONG.

From personal experience and from speaking with families that have purchased puppies from us, I can honestly say most people are happy with either gender as pets. They become a part of your soul when you allow them to be a part of your family. It’s easy to love them all!

Now let’s look at the differences…

First, you should note that many of the dogs’ personality traits are influenced by their male and female hormones. By spaying and neutering, you will lessen this influence and the differences become far less pronounced.

When you neuter your male puppy before he reaches maturity (around 2 years old) he will not develop those “bad” traits that give the male dog a bad rap. For instance, he will not feel the need to hike his leg, hump or mark his territory. In fact most all males when neutered as puppies will squat just like their opposites. He also will not feel the need to chase females in heat while he is out for his daily walk.

A male dog can be neutered any time after eight weeks of age. A few years ago, most veterinarians advised waiting until puberty hit at about six months, and some still make that recommendation. Talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your dog.

Most dogs are sexually mature by the age of five or six months (the blink of an eye).

A female puppy when spayed will lose a lot of her “bad” traits too. Once you spay her she will not have a heat cycle every 6 months and the mess that comes with it. A female in heat can also be very moody & needy not to mention a heat cycle lasts 21 days not 7 like in humans. It far better to spay her before she reaches puberty which happens between 6 months and 1 yrs old.

Now as far as attitudes go both are very loving and always ready to please, just as a Labradoodle should be. The females tends to be a bit more demanding, and besides wanting to please you, they expect you to please them in return. They often have their own agendas, and will let you know what they want. My girls will push my hand up with their noses to get me to pet them and sometimes rather forcefully!

The boys seem to be content to lie by your feet and simply enjoy your company.

Three Females - this is the first meet up between the chocolate dogs and the white standard Poodle

Three Females – this is the first meet up between the chocolate dogs and the white standard Poodle.. Girls can be intimidating too..

Teddy babysitting puppies..

Teddy a Male Aussiedoodle babysitting some puppies..Boys can be nothing short of sweet just like girls..

Male and Female Aussiedoodles

Male and Female Aussiedoodle littermates

The Final Decision

There really is not that much difference between a fixed male and a female dog. If you want a championship caliber dog that you can take to agility and other sports, history suggests a male dog might be the better choice.. And of course, if you already have a dog you should probably look for a second dog of the opposite sex of your current dog.

But truthfully, the choice should be based on the sense of connection you feel with an individual dog or puppy more than anything else. Pick the puppy because you like their temperament over all other things including sex, color, coat type and size.

The fact is, most dogs of either sex that are properly socialized as puppies— desexed before puberty hits and  are given proper training and care— can grow up to be wonderful, obedient, attentive, life-enhancing companions!

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