Many people believe that female dogs make better pets. Most calls for pet dogs have people wanting a "sweet little girl." They don't think females display alpha behaviors.   They believe that they are more docile and attentive and do not participate in fighting over dominance.

This could not be farther from the truth!

In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and who competes 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 and controlling the household.

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 (go figure!!!) and praise and are so eager to please that training is easy. However, males can be more easily distracted during training because of their playful nature. no matter what age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Boys are fun loving until the day they die. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age.

Neutered males sometimes exhibit territorial instinctive behavior such as 'humping', or 'marking' and lifting of leg but it is usually at a more reduced occurrence if at all.

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 One day she may be sweet and affectionate-the next day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy.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, it is best 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 levels 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.

So, before you decide on that age old dilemma of male or female, there are many things to think about as a female isn't always what you think your want.  A female might be the perfect dog for your household but then again maybe you are passing up a wonderful male that would fit in just as well or BETTER.