Many people believe that female dogs make better pets and do not think that females display alpha behaviors such as marking and humping. They think they are more docile and attentive and that they do not participate in fighting over dominance. Many of these are misunderstood conceptions that people do not realize let alone understand.

If you think about it, in the wild in packs, females are the ones that usually rule the roost; determine the order, and who compete to maintain the order. The females are, as a result more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male counterparts. Females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in behaviors such as humping. If you think about it, there is a logical reason why they are called “Bitches”.

Fights usually happen between 2 females, males on the other hand, are usually affectionate, enthusiastic, attentive and more demanding of attention. They are very attached to their people and tend to be more steadfast, reliable and less moody than females. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. Most males are easily motivated by food and praise, and are eager to please, making training a bit easier. But, males can be more distracted during training, because they love to play. No matter what age, a male is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, and always wanting to play games and have fun. Females are usually less distracted during training, they are more eager to get it over with, and get back to her comfy spot on the couch.

Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age.

Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as humping and or marking of territory and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed before neutering) will disperse. Males that are neutered early, by 5 months of age, usually don’t ever lift their leg and instead squat like a female.

While the female will usually come to you for attention, when she has had enough, she will leave and go do something else. Males on the other hand are always waiting for your attention and are always near at hand waiting to please.

The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with YOU, but she van 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 She is much more prone to mood swings; one day she may be sweet and affectionate, the next day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy.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. If your female is not spayed, seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare, not just for you and your female, but for every male dog in the neighborhood, or even in the household. If you are not a breeder and are not breeding, it is best to have your female spayed, because during this time she can leave bloody discharge wherever she goes, and she will be particularly moody and emotional during this time. If you take her for a walk during this time, and male dogs are near by, she will leave a scent for the males to follow you to your yard where they will wait for your female. Having your female spayed, is also better for her health, and stops future problems before they start. Males generally cost 1/2 the price to have neutered as a female does to be spayed.
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.