Which gender of dog is best suited as a family pet? Which gender of dog is more prone to succeeding in canine sports and competitions? Is there a difference in aggressiveness between male and female dogs?
This particular subject within the realm of pet dogs has the potential to elicit passionate viewpoints, and in this piece, we examine the latest research on which gender of dog might be the superior choice for one’s personal situation.
Male or Female Dog: Does It Even Matter?
“Is the gender of your dog significant? The answer is subjective. In cases such as adding a new dog to your household while you already have pets, the gender of the new dog can hold relevance.”
It is advisable to select a dog of the opposite gender from your current one, provided that both dogs have undergone spay/neuter procedures. Dogs tend to have an innate reluctance to display aggression towards the opposite gender, which remains consistent irrespective of whether they belong to the same breed or not.
According to research, there is a common belief that all girl dogs are “sweet” and all boy dogs are “aggressive,” however, this notion is incorrect and can be hazardous. Studies indicate that female dogs tend to be more territorial, aggressive in fights, and more prone to initiating conflicts, particularly when their dominance is challenged, especially by another female dog.
A female dog that is pregnant or is nursing a litter of puppies may exhibit aggression and unpredictability if she perceives her pups are in danger. Additionally, unfixed female dogs can display what is known as “phantom aggression,” a medical condition that can be triggered by hormones, even if they are not in heat or pregnant. The gender of your new pet dog is not as important as these potential behavioral issues.
- the temperament of each parent dog
- how well your new puppy has been pre-socialized within the litter
- your own use of positive training and reinforcement
- your efforts to choose a dog breed that is a good match for your interests and lifestyle.
Is a Male or Female Dog Friendlier?
There is a common assumption that female dogs have a more amicable disposition, but recent studies imply that factors beyond gender may play a more significant role in forecasting temperament. The analysis of over 67,000 dogs revealed that characteristics such as head shape, body weight, and size may be more relevant indicators of behavioral and temperament traits.
Dogs of smaller breeds exhibited higher levels of aggression whereas taller breeds were more affectionate and cooperative. Heavyweight dogs displayed bolder behavior, including curiosity and attentiveness while lighter breeds were more cautious and prone to showing fear. Brachycephalic breeds were more involved with their owners during play but showed more fear in unfamiliar situations. Dogs with longer muzzles were less involved in owner-dog playtime but were also more composed in unfamiliar environments.
Another research study conducted a survey of 15,000 individuals who own dogs to discover the leading causes for aggressive behavior in canines. To the surprise of many, the findings revealed that owners possess a significant amount of control over whether or not a dog exhibits aggressive tendencies, regardless of the dog’s sex.
Do Female Dogs Behave Better Than Males?
It is recommended to select a male dog if you intend to enter your new puppy in dog shows according to studies. Throughout history, male dogs have achieved victory in the Westminster dog show almost twice as frequently as female dogs. There could be several factors affecting this outcome.
One rule in place is that dogs participating in the competition cannot be spayed or neutered. Thus, female dogs may be taken out of the rotation sooner in order to prioritize breeding. Additionally, some owners argue that female dogs may experience mood changes and physical effects during their heat cycles, which may occur multiple times a year. These changes can lead to coat shedding and alterations in temperament, which may negatively impact their performance in the show.
In the end, a growing number of dog owners opt for male dogs for the reason that they don’t have to deal with cumbersome breeding programs or estrus cycles.
Is Male or Female Dog Training Easier?
It’s been observed that certain dog breeds are more manageable and adaptable to training and housebreaking compared to others. Male toy dogs, such as tiny breeds, can encounter challenges when it comes to housebreaking training due to their small bladder, according to veterinarians.
Terrier types have a reputation for struggling to exist harmoniously with other Terriers of the same gender, and occasionally with Terriers of the opposite gender. If you already own a Terrier and intend to add another one to your household, exercise additional caution.
Having two dogs of the same gender can hinder their training and ability to perform their tasks effectively, especially in K-9, service work or competitions, if those are part of your plans for your new puppy. Similar to human intelligence, there are diverse levels of canine intelligence.
A research study assessed 79 dog breeds according to their ability to learn new commands and obedience towards their trainers. The study suggests that the trainability of a dog depends more on their breed than their gender. To choose a dog that is easily trainable, it is essential to study their temperament and select a breed with high scores in trainability intelligence and “people-pleasing” trait.
Male vs Female Dog Health
Similar to human males and females, male and female dogs share certain health concerns while others are gender-specific. Studies reveal that breed, parents, diet, and lifestyle are the key factors influencing a dog’s long-term health rather than their gender. Opting for a reliable breeder that conducts pre-screenings on parent dogs to identify any known genetic health problems is undoubtedly the most effective approach to select a healthy pup, regardless of gender.
Are Male or Female Dogs Better Pets?
It is perfectly acceptable to have a personal preference for a male or female dog. There are many amazing dogs, both male and female, who are in need of a loving home. However, when examining this matter strictly through the lens of research and data, certain factors arise that indicate the most suitable pets. These factors include:
- a dog’s breed
- size
- early socialization
- parents
- training experiences
- owner bond that determines which dogs are likely to make the best pets.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Kayla Fratt, owner of Journey Dog Training and a certified dog behavior consultant, advocates for the basic goal of ensuring every dog feels at ease within its skin and lifestyle with its human companion.
All dogs, regardless of whether they just arrived at your home as a puppy from a breeder or have been with you for years, can gain from ongoing training at any point in their lives.
Wondering how to start the process? If you have recently looked up “dog trainers near me” on the internet, you may have felt daunted by the numerous choices, certifications, and jargon. Indeed, there is an abundance of data available. To begin, we sought advice from some specialists. This is what they recommend:
Identify your training goals
Dog training can be divided into two main categories. For instance, if you want your dog to learn basic manners like sitting, staying, and lying down, you should seek the services of a dog trainer. On the other hand, if your dog has any behavioral problem, such as anxiety, fearfulness, or aggressiveness, a dog behavioral consultant like Brianna Dick of Pack Leader Help would be more appropriate.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
To receive training for both behavioral and skill-related issues, it is recommended to begin with behavior training which tends to be more challenging. A dog behavior expert possesses ample knowledge and experience to educate your dog on how to sit, however, a dog trainer is less proficient in aiding your dog with separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
Fratt’s point is that not all dogs will love going to the dog park, just as not all humans will enjoy attending raves.
An applied ethologist, a family dog mediator and the proprietor of The Dog Door Behavior Center is Kim Brophey, who composed a book named “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior.” To clarify dog behavior, Brophey uses a methodology known as L.E.G.S (learning, environment, genetics, self). Consider the instance where your dog is barking at your visitors.
Brophey suggests that the dog breed may have been specifically chosen for centuries to protect against intruders entering through the front door. Because a German shepherd’s innate instinct to guard its area cannot be trained out of it, adjusting one’s expectations may be necessary.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
There are various methods available for training, including group classes, individualized training, board and train, day training, and self-led training, which are the most popular. Although group classes are less personalized, they are more affordable. According to Fratt, board and train facilities are more expensive and involve higher risks.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
Your decision will be based on both your financial resources and the objectives you aim to achieve through the training process. If your dog displays aggressive behavior towards another dog in your household, it is unlikely to benefit from training that occurs outside of your residence.
Bear in mind that you will need to participate in your dog’s training, but it doesn’t need to consume a substantial amount of time in your day. Fratt revealed that she devotes only five minutes daily to training her dog. Additionally, much of the assignments assigned by trainers can be enjoyable and seamlessly integrated into your day-to-day routine.
Our experts recommend online resources that are either free or affordable for dog training to avoid spending a large amount of money.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
Understand the methodologies.
There are no regulations in place for the dog training industry, allowing anyone with a website, Instagram page, or physical store to advertise as a dog trainer. As a result, there is no established set of guidelines dictating which training methods to employ, and various trainers hold conflicting views. However, most trainers can be broadly divided into two categories.
Fratt belongs to the group of trainers who use positive reinforcement techniques. This approach involves rewarding your dog with a treat or something pleasant whenever they demonstrate good behavior, encouraging them to repeat it. It can also involve using positive experiences to help your dog overcome their fear of something they find scary.
Brianna Dick is an example of a balanced trainer. Balanced trainers rely on positive reinforcement techniques but are open to using corrective measures such as e-collars in their training.
According to Dick, E-collar training requires the use of a collar that is worn by the dog and controlled through a remote. This collar administers a correction to the dog’s neck in the form of a sound, shock, or citronella spray. The use of E-collars, particularly those that produce a shock, remains controversial among dog trainers.
Dick warns against trainers who rely solely on e-collars for all dogs, describing it as a one-size-fits-all approach that is unlikely to produce satisfactory results. Rather, she suggests seeking out a trainer who takes the time to understand your specific circumstances, including your relationship with your dog and your lifestyle.
Find a good trainer.
Professional associations have compiled lists of positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers in your area, making it a great place to begin your search.
