Male or Female Dog (Pros and Cons)

When you first think about adding a canine buddy to your family, one of the first things (if not THE first thing!) you’ll have to think about is whether you’re going to add a female or a male pooch.

In addition to the type of dog or breed that is more suited for your household and lifestyle, the selection of gender is paramount, depending on what you want to have your dog for. You know the massively popular book, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”? Well, it applies to our pooches as well! 

Each gender comes with its own set of pros and cons, and while temperament is of course, based on the individual dog, male and female dogs have distinct genetic predispositions that make them unique.

The temperament of each dog is not only dependent on its bloodline and lineage but also heavily controlled by its gender as males and females have significantly different personalities. Just like us hoo-mans! 

In this blog post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of male and female dogs, who they will suit, and hopefully help you decide on which one is more suited for you and your lifestyle. 

Male Dogs – The Good (Pros)

While both sexes have their own unique qualities, male dogs have some distinct advantages that make them great canine companions. 

1. Personality Traits 

Male dogs tend to be more confident and braver than their female counterparts. This makes them more likely to explore their environment and take on new challenges with enthusiasm. Male dogs also tend to be more independent, which can come in handy if you need your pup to stay alone while you run errands or go on vacation. 

With proper training and socialization, male dogs can be loyal and loving family members that are not afraid of anything life throws at them. 

They also can have a stronger guarding instinct. Their protective streak might surpass a female dog’s instinct to nurture and care for its pack. It’s believed that males are genetically predisposed towards protective instinct, as they have historically taken on a guard-dog role. 

Female dogs, however, often rely less on instinctive protective behavior and more on learning during puppyhood. Therefore, if a male dog hasn’t received proper socialization training he may instinctively attempt to defend his home territory or family with no regard for his safety. 

2. Size Matters 

Male dogs are generally larger than female dogs when fully grown, making them better guardians of your home or property, or at least act as a sort of deterrent for unwanted visitors. 

That said, size isn’t always the best indication of how good a protector your dog will be. It’s important to remember that guard potential varies from breed to breed and even from individual dog to individual dog. 

3. Health Benefits 

Male dogs often have fewer health problems overall than females do because they don’t experience the hormonal fluctuations associated with the heat cycle that female dogs do. This means fewer trips to the vet for unplanned procedures such as spaying or dealing with false pregnancies—all things that can add up over time in terms of cost as well as stress. 

Additionally, since male dogs don’t require regular grooming like female pups do during their seasons, they may be easier (and less expensive) to care for overall in terms of maintenance costs like professional grooming sessions.  

Male Dogs – The Bad (Cons)

The biggest disadvantage to owning a male dog is that they tend to mark their territory with urine more often than females do. This means that you’ll need to spend more time cleaning up after your pup and ensuring he is trained properly so he won’t leave “surprises” around the house. 

Furthermore, intact males can experience hormonal changes that make them aggressive toward other animals, so it is always best to neuter them at an early age to avoid any potential problems down the road. 

Lastly, male dogs tend to be more territorial, competitive, and protective than female dogs which mean that they require more exercise and discipline. This can often make them difficult to manage, as unfortunately, they are prone to roaming, howling, bolting, and barking out of frustration or boredom. 

In addition, even if you neuter your dog, you might have to deal with the ongoing problem of dealing with sexual hormones that may make not only the dog but those around it somewhat less peaceful. 

If a female dog is nearby, trying to escape, barking, digging, and howling are just annoying behaviors of male dogs, especially if not neutered. 

Female Dogs – The Good (Cons)  

Female dogs have many advantages over their male counterparts, making them great additions to any family. 

1. Female Dogs Are Easier To Train 

In general, female dogs tend to be easier to train than male dogs due to their calmer nature. Female dogs often take direction better and are more responsive to positive reinforcement. This makes teaching commands and tricks much simpler.

On the other hand, male dogs may require more effort and patience when it comes to training. 

2. Female Dogs Are Affectionate Companions 

Female dogs make wonderful companions due to their loyal and affectionate nature. Female dogs tend to bond with their owners quickly and will form strong relationships with them over time. They love nothing more than spending time with you and being part of the family!

Additionally, they rarely bark or howl excessively if they’re given enough attention and stimulation throughout the day. 

3. Female Dogs Get Along Well With Other Pets 

Unlike some male dogs who can be territorial or aggressive towards other animals, female dogs are much better at getting along with other pets in the household. This makes them an ideal choice for families who already own pets or would like multiple animals in their homes. In most cases, female dog introductions go off without a hitch! 

Female Dogs – The Bad (Cons)

Many of the disadvantages to owning a female dog can be very simply dealt with purely by spaying your dog, which has countless benefits including lengthening your dog’s lifespan, ensuring optimal health, and reducing the risk of behavioral problems. 

1. Less Intimidating 

Female dogs tend to be smaller than male dogs and are often perceived as being gentler and easier to train due to their smaller size. If you want your dog to act as a burglar deterrent, a female dog might be more receptive to having strangers near your home or gate.

They might be more curious than their male counterparts, whose protective instinct might cause them to bark and sound the alarm. In addition, their smaller stature can also be less intimidating to unwanted visitors. 

2. Need To Spay

Female dogs require spaying, or surgical sterilization when they reach sexual maturity to prevent unwanted pregnancies and other medical issues related to reproduction. Spaying is an expensive procedure that requires anesthesia and has certain risks associated with it so it’s important to factor the cost into your budget if you plan on getting a female dog. 

In addition, females may go through phases where their hormones are out of balance resulting in changes in behavior such as aggression or anxiety due to hormonal fluctuations during heat cycles. 

Owners of female dogs need to be aware of these potential changes so they can provide additional support during these times. 

3. Separation Anxiety

Female dogs might bond more closely with their pack, and this can make them more prone to separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a condition where a dog becomes overly anxious when they’re separated from its owners or other family members. 

This kind of behavior isn’t uncommon, and many adult dogs suffer from some form of separation anxiety. 

Symptoms include barking, howling, pacing, panting, urinating and defecating indoors, and destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. It’s important to note that these behaviors aren’t done out of spite; instead, they’re a result of discomfort caused by the stress of being left alone. 

Several factors could contribute to why female dogs are more likely to show signs of separation anxiety than male dogs. First off, female dogs tend to bond more closely with their owners than male dogs do—and when that bond is severed through separation, it can cause them immense distress. 

In addition, spayed females may be more prone to separation anxiety due to hormonal imbalances caused by the removal of their reproductive organs. 

Final Thoughts 

There are no glaring differences between male and female dogs in terms of personality or behavior. Both males and females can make wonderful pets.

Some people may have preferences for one sex over the other, but ultimately, the most important factor in choosing a dog is finding an individual animal that is a good match for your personality, lifestyle, and living situation. Good luck, and have fun in your search! 

It is also important to consider the breed of the dog, as different breeds have different characteristics and needs. Be sure to do some research and spend time with dogs of both genders before making a decision!