
A lot of people
think that female dogs are going to make better pets for them. Most requests
for new puppies have people asking for a "precious little girl.” Just about
everyone believes that male dogs exhibit alpha behaviors like 'Marking' and/or
'Humping' and they also believe that females are simply more passive and
attentive and don’t participate in fighting over dominance.
Nothing could
be further from the truth!
In a group of
dogs, the females usually dominate the pack, determine pecking order, and who
competes to preserve and/or modify that order. The females are, as a result,
more independent, stubborn, and protective than their male counterparts. The
females are also a lot more intent upon implementing their dominance by taking
part in certain alpha behaviors such as humping.
Most dog fights
will usually break out between two females. Males, in contrast, are usually
more affectionate, enthusiastic, attentive, and more demanding of your
attention. Males are very fond of their owners. They also tend to be more
committed, reliable and less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of
other animals, and usually take much quicker to children. Most boys are easily
motivated by food, go figure, and praise and are so eager to satisfy that
teaching is simple. However, males can be more unfocused during training
because of their playful temperaments. No matter what his age, he is more
likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to engage in recreation
and games. Male Schnauzers are fun loving and playful until the day they pass
on. Most girls tend to be more snobbish or dignified as they age.
Males who have
been neutered rarely display secondary sexual actions such as “humping” or
'”marking” and lifting of its legs. As soon as the testosterone levels fall
after neutering, most of these actions, if they existed in the first place, will
cease. Some of these males will never even learn to lift their leg to urinate
and will pee with all legs on the ground, just like a female. Males who were
neutered by 5 months old usually will never raise their leg to urinate.
While females
will usually come to you for attention, when she's had enough, she will go
elsewhere. Boys, on the other hand, are constantly waiting for your attention
and remain nearby. Females are usually less sidetracked during training, as
they are more eager to get it over with and get back to their comfy little spot
on the couch. Also, a female will be less likely to wage a battle with you over
dominance; however she will be cunning and creative in getting her own way.
The Female also
has periods of being “In Heat” until she is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a
month long nightmare, not just for her, but for you and every male dog in the
vicinity! Seasonal heats will usually happen twice a year? Females, in
general, are much more prone to mood swings. One day she will be the most sweet
and affectionate dog in the world, while the next day she’ll be snobbish or
withdrawn or even cranky and irritable.
If you are not
breeding your dog, you are going to want to have her spayed since during this
time, she can put down a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere else
she goes. She will most likely also be particularly moody and temperamental
during this time. A typical walk outside during this period can become perilous
if male dogs are in the area, and she will leave a scent for wandering intact
males to track right to your yard, where they will hang out, and look for your
female for days. Research has shown that a female that is not bred during a
heat cycle maintains very high estrogen levels, which may very well be why
females are more moody than males. Males generally cost half the price to be
neutered as a female does to be spayed.
So, before you
decide on that age old dilemma of getting a male or a female, take all these
things into consideration. Talk to your breeder about what you are looking for
in a pet for your family. A reputable breeder will have no problems discussing
this with you and they know the puppies better than anyone. They can help you
decide which puppy’s personality and gender is best for you, your family and
exactly what you are looking for.
By: Katherine
Reed
Submitted: 12/28/2006
Revised:
.



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