Adopting a Dog: Male or Female?

Adopting a dog is an important decision that will change your life and that of your family. There are many criteria you should consider to choose a dog that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Dogs come in a wide variety of breeds and sizes, temperaments, and energy needs. Another factor is gender. So, what should you choose: a male or a female dog?

Generally, a dog's gender has little influence on whether it will be a suitable companion. Whether a dog and its owner get along well depends mainly on other factors. Above all, you should choose a dog whose energy level, social behavior, grooming needs, and character match your lifestyle. The greatest impact on a dog's personality and social behavior comes from how it was raised and the experiences it has had in its life so far.  Therefore, the gender of the dog you adopt generally doesn't say much about whether it will fit well into your living circumstances. However, there are still some characteristic differences you should be aware of.

Physical Appearance and Anatomy

Let's start with the obvious: male and female dogs have different reproductive and genital systems. Female dogs usually urinate in a squatting position, while male dogs lift their leg to urinate higher and thus better mark their territory. While female dogs tend to relieve themselves in one or two large puddles of urine, male dogs tend to lift their leg every few meters to spray a few drops on everything in their path.

There are also more subtle differences: Male dogs are usually larger and heavier than female dogs – something to keep in mind if your dog's size is a factor. In terms of build, male dogs also tend to be broader and more muscular, while female dogs are typically slimmer and more slender. The coat can also differ. This is particularly noticeable in long-haired breeds, where male dogs often have a denser coat. Generally, therefore, it can be said that male dogs usually look more imposing than female dogs.

Sociability, Behavior, and Personality

As companions, both male and female dogs have Benefits and drawbacks.

The main difference in behavior between the two genders lies in their reproductive drive. Male dogs tend to be more territorial and aggressive towards other males, as they have a natural instinct to mark and defend their territory. This can sometimes lead to physical altercations where they want to express their dominance. Male dogs can therefore be more difficult to socialize with other dogs, which you should consider if you plan to walk your dog in places frequently visited by many other dogs. Furthermore, male dogs are more prone to running away to find a female dog to mate with.

Female dogs, on the other hand, are generally more straightforward and docile towards other dogs, as they do not have the same instinct to secure territory as male dogs. Socialization with other dogs is often somewhat easier, which can make them more suitable for environments with many dogs. However, female dogs can also have disputes, especially among themselves, and when fights occur, they are often more serious and bloodier than those between male dogs.

It is important to note that these gender-specific behavioral differences are by no means absolute and can vary greatly depending on the breed, genetics, temperament, and environment of the individual dog. Furthermore, upbringing, socialization, and training also play a significant role in a dog's behavior. In fact, a dog's character and personality can be as diverse as there are different dogs. Every animal has its own personality – regardless of its gender. And even if specific behaviors are attributed to certain breeds, it's important to know that dogs of the same breed can also show great individual differences in behavior.

Therefore, it is important to consider all the factors mentioned when assessing a dog's behavior and choosing one, rather than relying solely on gender. Because gender does not indicate how affectionate or independent a dog is. Some are more cuddly, others playful, and still others are more solitary.

Training

It is often claimed that female dogs mature mentally faster and are trained more quickly than male dogs. During puberty, young male dogs are often more difficult to manage. Female dogs, on the other hand, are often less focused and less obedient before and during their heat cycle. Otherwise, there is no significant difference between the learning ability of a male and a female dog.

Health

Regarding health, male dogs have a certain risk of developing prostate problems and testicular cancer. Female dogs have a relatively high risk of developing health problems such as uterine infections (pyometra) or mammary tumors. There is also an increased risk of complications after pregnancy or birth during reproduction. Furthermore, an intact female dog (i.e., a female dog that has not been spayed) comes into heat on average twice a year. Being in heat means that the female dog can be mated and become pregnant. During this period, which usually lasts three to four weeks, the female dog may have a pinkish-red discharge, and her body releases hormones and pheromones that attract male dogs, who can become very persistent towards her. The female dog can also be more distractible and harder to get to obey during this time. For owners, it can be a burden to avoid places where other dogs are present during the heat cycle and to always keep the female dog on a leash so that she doesn't run away and get unintentionally mated. However, the critical time when the female dog is ready to mate only extends over a few days.

Intact Dog versus Neutered/Spayed Dog

Many biological differences between male and female dogs are therefore related to their reproductive hormones. Consequently, behavioral differences become smaller if you have your dog neutered or spayed. This procedure can also drastically reduce or, in some cases, completely eliminate the risk of reproductive organ diseases (mammary tumors, testicular cancer, pyometra, etc.). However, the risk for other health problems, such as weight gain and associated issues after neutering/spaying, increases. In the past, most veterinarians recommended early neutering/spaying (before the dog reaches puberty). Newer data now show that it is better to wait with the procedure until the dog has reached physical maturity.

It is important to know that the differences obvious in intact animals are much blurrier and less significant in neutered/spayed animals, especially in those operated on very young, i.e., before puberty. We recommend making the decision for or against neutering/spaying individually and seeking advice from a veterinarian. Also, read our article "Neutering/Spaying – what are the pros and cons?"

How to Choose Your Dog?

In summary, there are significant differences between intact male and female dogs in terms of size, behavior, and health. However, these differences are not general and can vary depending on the individual personality of the dogs. Gender therefore plays only a secondary role in choosing a dog. Most importantly, when selecting a dog, consider the breed, personality, needs (physical exercise, companionship, mental stimulation, coat care, ...), and the breeding environment. We therefore strongly recommend that you get to know the dog before adoption and learn as much as possible about its environment and its life so far. Also, read our guide article "What to look for when buying a dog?". Carefully consider if and how it will fit into your lifestyle. The most important step is to carefully consider whether the personality, activity level, and psyche of your potential new pet match your needs and those of any other animals in your household. 

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