Time and commitment are crucial when choosing your dog. It’s important to decide whether you want a female or a male, as the difference in temperament between the sexes is significant. Males generally require more effort during the first few years to achieve the same results as with a female, and they are usually more independent. The risk that they will develop aggression toward other dogs is also considerably higher.
¶Females
Females usually come into heat 2–3 times a year (for about three weeks at a time). This involves some extra work, such as not being able to let her out freely whenever you like. An accidental mating can happen very quickly if you’re unlucky.
Some females experience false pregnancy after their heat, which can be a difficult period for both the dog and the owner. However, females are generally easier to manage and more compliant than males – they are usually gentler than male dogs.
¶Males
A common argument for choosing a male is that you avoid the heat cycles, which can sometimes cause problems for some females in the form of premenstrual discomfort and possible false pregnancies, during which the female may be hormonally and mentally off balance.
Sometimes a male dog may feel the need to climb the social ladder, which can lead to dominance issues and cause friction with both other males and people.
Some males become very frustrated when females in the neighborhood are in heat and then show undesirable behaviors, such as trying to escape, refusing food, and howling. And not all females come into heat at the same time.
Some say that females are in heat 2–3 times a year, but males are “in heat” constantly – and there’s some truth to that. In some breeds, the differences between the sexes are quite pronounced, but this is not the case for all.
Keep in mind that every dog is an individual, so it’s hard to say whether a female or a male is generally preferable. It’s a good idea to seek out breeders’ experience and advice before you decide.
