Many people believe that female dogs make better pets...female preference seems to be ingrained in these

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 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 l

oving 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 3-5 pounds in the Cocker. In the Toy

Poodle a variety of sizes can be found regardless of sex. There area a lot of self claimed 'Miniatures' in any breed

out there, but those Breeders are not breeding to the standard as it is written for each breed. 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.

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.

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. 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.