Male vs Female Dogs
There is a difference between male and female dogs, although you might be surprised to find out that the rumored differences are not entirely true. The first and most obvious difference between male and female dogs is size. In almost all breeds and mixes (a few rare exceptions apply) the male dog is larger. Even if his height tends to be very close to the female’s height, he generally weighs more, which is more of the standard used for determining the size of the dog.
The cost of reproductive sterilization is also different for each gender. The male dog is easily castrated. He is placed under general anesthesia and his testicles are removed. The process takes less then thirty minutes for most vets. The female dog is also placed under general anesthesia, but she must be surgically opened, and her uterus must be removed. The average length of the procedure is about an hour. The cost difference will vary per vet, but will be much more significant for the female dog’s more invasive surgery. The male dog will recover much faster than the female dog.
The public’s perception of the female dog is one that is associated with gentleness, and handler responsiveness. This is just public perception, and is entirely untrue. While kindness and gentleness are traits of the individual dog, many landlords are more willing to tolerate a large female dog versus a large male dog, based solely on this perception. Public perception also wrongly believes that female dogs are easier to train, which tends to make them more popular than the male dogs, when it comes to selecting a dog for the first time.
Aggression is often cited as a difference. Aggression is not based in gender. It is based on several factors, including temperament, upbringing, training, and experiences. You cannot predict much about personality based solely on gender.
When it comes to breed, there are specific differences between the males and females; some breeds are known for a healthier gender. For instance, the female pug is considered a rather high risk dog for ovarian or mammary tumors. The male German Shepherd is considered at a greater risk for hip dysplasia.
These basic differences are usually not the basis for which one selects a dog gender. We usually have references in our mind as to whether we want a male or female. Dogs of any gender can get along with each other, just as dogs of the opposite gender can fight incessantly. The personality and the breed, or mix, of the dog has a lot more to do with creating differences, rather than merely gender.
Summary:
· Male dogs are typically larger than female dogs of the same breed or mix.
· Female dogs are more costly to reproductively sterilize.
· The public’s perception of the female dog is softer and gentler than the male dog.