Male or Female

@SheliaLee (2736)
United States
February 15, 2008 10:10am CST
I am interested in everyone's opinion, if you were in the process of choosing a dog for a pet would you pick a male or a female? I have heard that females are usually gentler but I don't know for sure. Our dog that we had had for 11 years died about two months ago. It was heartbreaking for all of us. After we have done some traveling this summer we are going to try to get another dog and I'm just curious to get your opinion on this. We aren't sure yet what kind of dog but I'm trying to decide if we should get a male or female. I appreciate all your input!!Have a Blessed day!!SheliaLee
6 people like this
13 responses
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
15 Feb 08
I have a female chihuahua. She is puppy pad broke. Which comes in handy since I'm am gone more than I am at home. I just think if it is going to be an inside dog, I would go with a female. Male dogs like to hike their leg! Just my opinion.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 08
I have had many dogs in my life. Currently, we have 3. 2 females and one male. Gentleness aside (females can be just as tempermental as males), males mark their territory, it is in their brains. We have had our male dog for 6 years, he is fully potty trained and has been fixed since we rescued him 6 years ago. That being said, he has started in the past few months marking INSIDE the house, something that he has never done before. The vet says that medically there is nothing wrong with him. It has become such a stressful situation. Granted, everyone is different and my dogs are inside dogs, so if a dog is to be a predominately outdoor dog, then this problem wouldn't bother them as much. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@SheliaLee (2736)
• United States
16 Feb 08
I really appreciate your response, that is good information. Our dog will be an outdoor dog. My husband lets our cat stay in but we also have several other small animals in the house (gerbil and hermit crabs LOL) so he isn't going to let the dog be inside Ha! Ha! Thanks for sharing with me! SheliaLee
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
19 Feb 08
I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I love dogs also. I have owned both male and female dogs. I loved them both the same but it is so much easier to take care of a male dog. The female goes through her monthly cycle and that can be very burdensome to have to deal with and you always have to worry if she will get pregnant unless you take her and get her fixed.
• Philippines
17 Feb 08
I would pick a male dog so that he won't multiply.If he gets another dog pregnant,he won't play a role in raising the puppies anyway.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 08
Why not just get the dog fixed, whether it be male or female. Then no one would have to worry able raising puppies?
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 08
edit: should say about, not able
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
18 Feb 08
for a dog I am not sure that the gender would make muc hnever mind for me, hough t e last male dog we hadwas really a dumb dumb - loveable but so untrainable at least by us - never even learned his name.... for a cat i much prefer a female, because the males will spray even if neutered.
@punlonnjack (1308)
• United States
15 Feb 08
i perfer female dog and cats they are more gentle. i cant remember the last male animal ive had.of course you have to get them fixed but i usually let them have one set of litter before they get fixed.this also makes them more of an loving animal.
1 person likes this
@SheliaLee (2736)
• United States
16 Feb 08
That sounds really good!! I appreciate your response. Have a great day!! SheliaLee
@catjane (1036)
• United States
16 Feb 08
I always get females for pets. I just prefer the female temperment, especially in cats. They are alot smarter too.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
16 Feb 08
If you're healthy people and can get around well I guess it doesn't matter. I somehow think from my experiences females make a better pet although I've had excellent luck either way. If for whatever reason you plan to paper train if you have a hard time getting outside in the winter time to let the pooch out then by all means go female. My biggest advice is this get the dog as a baby, you may have to train it but it's the only way to go.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 08
I currently have both a male and a female dog (both are fixed). My male is a lot more docile than my female, but will stick up for himself when the need arises. But they are both sweet just the same. I think it depends on your preference. If you don't care either way, then either should work.
@nanayangel (7879)
• Philippines
16 Feb 08
Hi there SheliaLee! Personally, I also think that female dogs are gentler. And aside from that, I would choose them for the possibility of breeding in the future. It is also a nice source of income. Now what I have to worry about would be getting too attached to the puppies and wouldn't want to sell them after. I always do that.
@chris1314 (784)
15 Feb 08
I think that it depends on a lot of factors, breed etc. I have recently bought a new dog, and she is a female, i think that in this certain breed the females are not as loud and energetic as males =] lol Chris
@goldwin65 (935)
• Malaysia
16 Feb 08
If I were you I will go for male dog because female dog is a bit messy to handle especially during her period. All dogs are gentle if do you know how to take care of them.
• United States
17 Feb 08
I have had many dogs of both persuasions and have found, for the most part, that females are actually as much or more protective of their families than males. As far as gentler...I'm not sure. Definitely more protective of people, whereas I think males are more protective territorially. But that's just me.