Boy Dog or Girl Dog, Which Should You Get?

Have you ever thought about if you should get a boy dog or girl dog? I'll bet at least once in your dog owning life you've considered this question. After all, it is a very common question to ponder.

And this is something that you really need to consider - especially if you're thinking of getting a new German Shepherd puppy or dog. In fact, you've probably already thought about which would be best to get for you - a girl or a boy. And there are definitely pros and cons to each gender so let's take a few minutes to discuss some of those right now.

You know, it's really easy to speculate and generalize about which gender is better to get - a boy dog or a girl dog, but that is no way to make your decision. Why? Because there is so much more to a dog than just their gender. Just the same as with a human being or any other animal for that matter.

But in far too many cases people still base their decision of which German Shepherd they are going to get on gender alone. In fact, some people who own dogs claim that male dogs are usually more destructive, or even aggressive, than their female counterparts. And I have had many people tell me that female dogs can be a lot easier to train and are also much more affectionate than their male counterparts.

But either gender, boy dog or girl dog, might be highly temperamental or super sweet. But I do not agree with these sweeping generalizations - depending on the actual dog in many cases these stereotypes simply are not true. Basically it boils down to a choice based on a potential owners likes, dislikes and probably prior knowledge too.

Sometime here-say plays into the decision as well of which German Shepherd to get, a boy dog or girl dog. But let's talk about a few of the things you should be aware of before you bring home either a boy dog or girl dog. Because gender can make a difference

So, concerning a boy dog or girl dog, let's talk about the girl dogs first, shall we? Many people believe that female dogs are less aggressive and easier to train than male dogs. First of all, if you're thinking of picking a female German Shepherd for a new pet this means that you must take into consideration your decision to spay her when she is old enough.

And if you don't, what will happen? Well, for one thing you will have to deal with the whole issue of the dog when she is in heat - and depending on breed that will probably happen at least two times a year. Still not sure you want to get your new female dog spayed?

Well here are the consequences if you don't - for one, failure to provide her with adequate "doggie birth control" means that you will constantly be dealing with trying to find new homes for many, many litters of cute little puppies. Plus, the whole hygiene issue of your female while she is in heat, even if she doesn't get bred.

Next, there are a whole lot of health problems that can be almost entirely alleviated by having your dog spayed while young. And I don't know if you have thought about this or not but female German Shepherds do not go through the process of menopause. "So what", you might ask? This means that, unlike human females, dogs can potentially have puppies their whole lives - as long as they can have a heat cycle.

And if you choose not to get your female spayed for some reason then get ready to spend several weeks each and every year trying to keep your female dog away from all the wandering Romeo's who have picked up her heat scent from several blocks away and are constantly hanging around your house.

So now let's take a moment to talk a little about boy dogs. Adult male German Shepherd can be territorial and may insist on "marking their territory", whether it’s somewhere around your home, your car or other possessions while out in the yard. They tend to leave their "doggie calling card" by urinating on their “territory.”

This has many purposes for both a boy dog or girl dog. For one, they are advertising to other dogs that they were here, plus, this is a sign to other dogs passing through that this is his, but also, dogs in general are very scent oriented, and they may possibly do this so they can find this spot again while out and about.

Also, be very aware that if you already have another boy dog in your home that there may be a battle or two, especially in the beginning of their relationship, for who is the ruler of the household. This is particularly true if both are un-neutered and also if both of them think that they want to be the alpha male or the leader.

And size is not really an issue either - even a smaller male dog will sometimes challenge a much larger male - especially if he was there first. You can try to train a dog not to guard his territory, but in doing so you’re asking him to go against his instincts. In many cases dogs of the opposite gender seem to get along much better than do two dogs of the exact same gender.

But this is not always the case - again it depends on the actual dogs involved in the home. In many instances breeders tend to favor male dogs overall. Why? Perhaps because they are perceived to be an easier pet to manage. Sometimes concerning a boy dog or girl dog two or more males or two or more females can get along great with each other, but sometimes not. I don't think the problems arise so much from gender issues as from just the individual dog personalities.

For the most part female dogs are not considered as aggressive and vicious toward each other as are the male dogs, but then again, some female dogs simply don’t want to share their space with another other dog - no matter the gender. And I have heard many people say that female dogs are so much easier to house train than are male dogs. Again, I don't think you can so easily generalize this although that can also depend on the breed of the dog as well as the ability of any dog trainer in charge of the house training process.

Maybe your decision of a new German Shepherd is based on the recollection of a hero dog you saw in a movie and that is your memory of the perfect dog. Or maybe you remember all about the big old large male GSD your dad once had that could run for days and played with you tirelessly as a child. And if those memories are what what guides you in your decision of whether to get a boy dog or girl dog, then go with your thoughts and feelings because, in your case, that will be the correct decision and the best way to go.

Overall the decision about dog gender, boy dog or girl dog, is basically a subjective one. Just remember that gender isn’t the only predictor (or even a very good predictor truthfully) of how a dog will or won't behave. I'll bet that if you were actually truthful with yourself about which gender you really want, boy dog or girl dog, that chances are high that your past memories of a childhood dog or perhaps a friend’s or family members is what is really influencing your decision right now.

Please, either way, do your research carefully when considering bringing home a new puppy or dog. And if you do this you will find that certain dog breeds that are known to be calm, sweet, happy and tolerant, tend to be just that way no matter whether or not they are female or male dogs. Dog breeds that tend to be feisty, yippie, nippy or just plain hard to deal with are just that way - no matter whether or not they are a boy dog or girl dog.

So, take your time, do your research and really think it through and I'm sure you will find the perfect dog or puppy for you and one that will make you a fine companion for years to come. If you ask people their own thoughts on which to get, a boy dog or girl dog, you'll hear many of the same generalizations that I've already discussed above. Either way, whether you get a German Shepherd or not, good luck with your decision and I am sure you will find the perfect companion for you.

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"A man's soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog." -- Charles Doran