male or female dog?

I'm not in the market for another dog at this point but know I eventually will be. Curious as to how people view the M vs. F option? I have only owned 2 hunting dogs so far which were both males. Would be interesting to hear opinions from owners who have experienced both and what conclusions they have come up with? Hopefully our resident pros who have trained many can wade in here. I'm sure individual characteristics weigh heavy but curious if there is some general tendencies as far as trainability and temperament?

Female mature faster downside will be managing their heat cycle. Males need more time to mature however will generally give more in the field ie they are bigger/stronger. For the average hunter a female will usually suffice. Would of picked a male as really didn't want to deal with a dog in heat however dad insisted I get a female for their trainability. Honestly couldn't be happier with her so far.

I have always preferred female dogs and at least 1/2 of my sled dog kennel were female. My best lead dogs were females even though all dogs were trained to run lead. The more intelligent female lead dogs seemed to be a little more reserved and more focused on my commands. My two female hunting dogs are house pets and not spayed. The down side is when they come into heat and the mess that comes with it. Both my wife and I grew up with female dogs of various breeds and prefer female dogs over males. Some family members have males that are not neutered and get annoyed with them when they are around females in heat and cannot control them. Or when everything is hanging out. Female dogs you don't have to worry about that. Everyone has a preference based on different experiences. My 11 year old yellow lab female can outwork and run most male dogs hands down.

I have a female GSP and could not be happier, will get another female again for sure.

Honestly if I end up with a female next time I would spay her as I have no intentions of breeding dogs. Too many excellent breeders out there. I have seen females come into heat during hunting season and wouldn't want to deal with that.

I have found the females are more "lets get down to business" when it comes to the actual hunting. I've said Beagles, are like lions, the males are good for f#@%!ing and fighting. The females do all the hunting. ;)

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Originally Posted by swampsinger

I have found the females are more "lets down to business" when it comes to the actual hunting. I've said Beagles, are like lions, the males are good for f#@%!ing and fighting. The females do all the hunting. ;)

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interesting. I used to be into Beagling and must say the males were better suited to busting through snow in February.

[QUOTE=terrym;947207]I'm not in the market for another dog at this point but know I eventually will be. Curious as to how people view the M vs. F option? I have only owned 2 hunting dogs so far which were both males. Would be interesting to hear opinions from owners who have experienced both and what conclusions they have come up with? Hopefully our resident pros who have trained many can wade in here. I'm sure individual characteristics weigh heavy but curious if there is some general tendencies as far as trainability and temperament?[/QUOTE]

I've seen no difference as far as the bolded area is concerned.

Females: You have to decide what to do about heat cycles.

Males : More prone to marking which can be a problem in the house.

(Have had beagles, GSPs , setters and JRTs.)

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Originally Posted by terrym

Honestly if I end up with a female next time I would spay her as I have no intentions of breeding dogs. Too many excellent breeders out there. I have seen females come into heat during hunting season and wouldn't want to deal with that.

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I just went through a whole pile of my pedigrees of my sled dogs and their descendants . The leads dogs are all noted in the pedigrees and the majority were females. This may not be the same for your breed of choice.

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Originally Posted by terrym

interesting. I used to be into Beagling and must say the males were better suited to busting through snow in February.

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Maybe in certain snow conditions, but all things being equal a big strong female is just a good as a big strong male. In other snow conditions, like thin crust, or corn snow, it can be very hard on the "fishing tackle" if you know what I mean. :scream:

The only problem I noticed with picking a female is my back yard is pretty spotty.
Females don't lift a leg to pee.
My male pees up and down the fence only killing the edges of the yard whereas the female makes my yard look like Swiss cheese.


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Originally Posted by swampsinger

Maybe in certain snow conditions, but all things being equal a big strong female is just a good as a big strong male. In other snow conditions, like thin crust, or corn snow, it can be very hard on the "fishing tackle" if you know what I mean. :scream:

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LOL That's a new one. "The fishing tackle ?" :)

Good point Steve. Forgot that one.

As far as the 2-legged variety is concerned I definitely favor FEMALES ; however , dogs are a different matter . I've always owned males of the following breeds : Blue-Tick , American Water-Spaniel , Labrador , German Wirehaired Pointer and Schnauzer . Since female dogs were never part of my "stable" I can't really comment regarding their "Negatives or Positives" . --- Males SEEM to be more aggressive (gung-ho) and stronger while females are generally of a more "subdued" temperament and henceforth easier to train . In order to be respected by a male dog the owner has to be the ALPHA-individual . A female (dog) is apparently more "forgiving" . --- Regardless: I love all of them ! --- Lol .

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Originally Posted by swampsinger

In other snow conditions, like thin crust, or corn snow, it can be very hard on the "fishing tackle" if you know what I mean. :scream:

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Well , females aren't immune to certain injuries either . A Buddy of mine owned a beautiful Lab- which was built like Dolly Parton (after several litters) . "She" often cut her "dairy-organs" when retrieving from partially frozen water . The icy-cold water didn't seem to bother her but it was "heart-wrenching" to see her bleeding .

I was with swampsinger, My dad and I had both males and female hunters (rabbit\pheasant) and females always out hunted the males. But when I went to pick out a lab the only one that stood out to me was this little yellow male. I'm so glad he picked me as he has turned out to be the best dog I have ever had, big, strong and the desire to hunt is strong in this one. Only issue I can see is he still squats to pee.

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Originally Posted by terrym

I'm not in the market for another dog at this point but know I eventually will be. Curious as to how people view the M vs. F option? I have only owned 2 hunting dogs so far which were both males. Would be interesting to hear opinions from owners who have experienced both and what conclusions they have come up with? Hopefully our resident pros who have trained many can wade in here. I'm sure individual characteristics weigh heavy but curious if there is some general tendencies as far as trainability and temperament?

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slow day in the office? :) my females hunt when in heat, no issues.

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Originally Posted by vom Dufenshmirtz

slow day in the office? :) my females hunt when in heat, no issues.

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The problem isn't with the females, it's the idiotic males around them.

Having had both males and females, we have found a definite difference in ours between the genders ... Other than the obvious dealing with heat cycles and females. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed training, trialing and hunting the males over the years, I have found that our females have tended to be more willing to please and work as a "partner" rather than more of an "independent" operator. ;-).

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Originally Posted by Dakota Creek

Having had both males and females, we have found a definite difference in ours between the genders ... Other than the obvious dealing with heat cycles and females. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed training, trialing and hunting the males over the years, I have found that our females have tended to be more willing to please and work as a "partner" rather than more of an "independent" operator. ;-).

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My buddy has had 6-7 Chesapeakes, usually has 2 in the house and his better ones have been females.

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Originally Posted by terrym

My buddy has had 6-7 Chesapeakes, usually has 2 in the house and his better ones have been females.

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Currently two and two here in the house. The females are definitely partners when working with you when it comes to the field. As to the males ... The old man does not "push the envelope" anymore .... Just retired and enjoying life! The younger male .... Well he is still learning his position in the pack and trying my patience some days and definitely fits his call name of Havoc! LOL!

I have both. 3 intact females, 1 intact male and 1 neutered male. Just came through 28 days of hell and will probably have another come in shortly. The intact male loses his mind and is pitiful to watch and listen too during the height of the heat cycle. I have had much better luck training and working with the females than males. The males do seem to be more independent and want to work for themselves but if you ask most field trailers they will say male because they don't lose the trial time to the cycles.

Certainly seems to be a trend building here in favor of females. Keep the opinions coming I bet somebody out there is shopping pups.

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Originally Posted by Gunner 38

Well , females aren't immune to certain injuries either . A Buddy of mine owned a beautiful Lab- which was built like Dolly Parton (after several litters) . "She" often cut her "dairy-organs" when retrieving from partially frozen water . The icy-cold water didn't seem to bother her but it was "heart-wrenching" to see her bleeding .

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Why wouldn't he have bought and used a neoprene vest on her under those conditions ?
It would have protected her from the ice and also kept her warmer. We use them on our labs. as soon as the water gets too cold , and especially when there is any ice to contend with , you would be surprised how warm your dog feels when you place your hand under the vest , even though the dog is wet.

One thing I hate to see is a dog that is bleeding unnecessarily , and lying beside you or sitting and shivering.

I find it unusual that some will spend hundreds of dollars on themselves to buy the latest gear to keep themselves warm and dry and comfortable , but will not even give the slightest thought about the comfort of their hunting companion that has to do all the dirty work for them. :angry:

9+

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Originally Posted by jaycee

why wouldn't he have bought and used a neoprene vest on her under those conditions ?
It would have protected her from the ice and also kept her warmer. We use them on our labs. As soon as the water gets too cold , and especially when there is any ice to contend with , you would be surprised how warm your dog feels when you place your hand under the vest , even though the dog is wet.

One thing i hate to see is a dog that is bleeding unnecessarily , and lying beside you or sitting and shivering.

I find it unusual that some will spend hundreds of dollars on themselves to buy the latest gear to keep themselves warm and dry and comfortable , but will not even give the slightest thought about the comfort of their hunting companion that has to do all the dirty work for them. :angry:

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Exactly ! --- I totally agree .

I currently have 1 male and 1 female. The male of course is my hunting dog. Over my lifetime I have had many more females than males - my parents would not own males when I was younger. I however much prefer males. I just like their personality better. As far as hunting I don't think that is a gender driven thing.

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Originally Posted by ebenezer

I have both. 3 intact females, 1 intact male and 1 neutered male. Just came through 28 days of hell and will probably have another come in shortly. The intact male loses his mind and is pitiful to watch and listen too during the height of the heat cycle. I have had much better luck training and working with the females than males. The males do seem to be more independent and want to work for themselves but if you ask most field trailers they will say male because they don't lose the trial time to the cycles.

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Over the past 50 years in the large pack Beagle Trials, entries have favored the females. Approximately 2/3 of total entries. The caveat being that the males and females are run in different classes. Females are regularly trialed while in season, affects on performance seems to vary individually, and many have won Trials while in season.
However, I do think the numbers favoring the females could have influencing factors other than performance.

I've had 2 males, and 3 females. I recently acquired a male that came from my b itch's lines - long story.
I have always been lucky in that all my dogs were great - some in spite of me. That said, 2 of the 3 females have been nothing short of amazing as relentless competitors, savvy co-operative personal gun dogs, endearing companions, and have enriched my life with THE most incredible memories!
This last male found me, so-to-speak (through his previous owner) and happens to be a sole surviving pup out of a breeding of my own Emma's "sister".
I really wasn't too sure about him then. He is all mine now and how lucky am I?!?!?
A good female is better than a lousy male and vice versa.
While b itches have their heat cycles, males all-too-often feel the urge to mark when they should be working or can be overtly amorous towardsladies (canine or human) at certain times of the month. It can be both annoying and embarrassing. I personally would rather deal with the female's heat cycle but a frequently marking male drives me absolutely crazy and would not be happy living here.
Thank goodness this guy isn't like that. He is intact and very much driven to find birds. He reminds me of the finest field trial setter I personally ever saw, "Ziggi's Grouse Magic". Actually, this guy looks and acts like a clone of ZGM! I feel blessed, yet again!

Having female dogs to hunt with while they are in their heat cycle can be easily cured by seeing your vet .
A pill that stops the odour during their cycle is available and it works , we have used them when we had our own stud dog and he would be completely unaware that one of his ladies was in heat, otherwise the howling from him at times would make the neighbors wonder what was going on.
I hunted many times with our females while they were in heat and never had any problems with other male dogs when we gave our ladies "the pill" can't remember what it was called but the ones we used were black in colour.

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Originally Posted by jaycee

Having female dogs to hunt with while they are in their heat cycle can be easily cured by seeing your vet .
A pill that stops the odour during their cycle is available and it works , we have used them when we had our own stud dog and he would be completely unaware that one of his ladies was in heat, otherwise the howling from him at times would make the neighbors wonder what was going on.
I hunted many times with our females while they were in heat and never had any problems with other male dogs when we gave our ladies "the pill" can't remember what it was called but the ones we used were black in colour.

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interesting. That would be a game changer.

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Originally Posted by Dakota Creek

Currently two and two here in the house. The females are definitely partners when working with you when it comes to the field. As to the males ... The old man does not "push the envelope" anymore .... Just retired and enjoying life! The younger male .... Well he is still learning his position in the pack and trying my patience some days and definitely fits his call name of Havoc! LOL!

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Would you say you can train a female to a higher level of performance easier than a male? Probably tough to answer as dogs are individuals but I mean generally?

Nothing like a good *itch line out of a good breeding program . My focus has always been the *itch line when purchasing a pup or adult female/male to pass on the genetics to her offspring. If you have a mediocre *itch that you are using in a breeding program her offspring will also produce a high percentage of mediocre pups. Of course the stud also plays a huge role and compliments the gene pool. Know the pedigree your pup is coming out of and the *itch accomplishments.

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Originally Posted by terrym

Would you say you can train a female to a higher level of performance easier than a male? Probably tough to answer as dogs are individuals but I mean generally?

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I believe the short answer would be they would get to the same end point just the female will get there sooner.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

I believe the short answer would be they would get to the same end point just the female will get there sooner.

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Agree .... plus your blood pressure can also be a bit lower as well! LOL!

No ...if you have a mediocre dog out of a poor breeding program then the male or female won't get you their. Out of a good breeding program i have found the females more consistent. My own experience.

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

No ...if you have a mediocre dog out of a poor breeding program then the male or female won't get you their. Out of a good breeding program i have found the females more consistent. My own experience.

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Putting the breeding aside think the question is if looking at a litter of pups which would you pick? Question is how soon do you need a huntable dog? Was the main reason picking my current dog. Caught short needed a huntable dog for this pass fall. Choice was simple female pup. More than pleased by 1 year of age at the end of the season she was able to point late season public grounds grouse.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/...pszhuisqtz.jpg
Male would need 2 years to become as proficient at least in my experience.

One reason i've heard NOT to have two intact females in the same household is while intact males may break off each other in a fight, females will usually fight to the end. Is this true?

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Originally Posted by spinster

One reason i've heard NOT to have two intact females in the same household is while intact males may break off each other in a fight, females will usually fight to the end. Is this true?

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I don't think it makes any difference if they're intact or not, but some breeds are same sex aggressive (or prone to it), and yes with females they want to kill each other. It's no joke so if you have two dogs you want one of each sex to be safe. I couldn't imagine the headaches that would come along with always having to keep two dogs apart that want to kill each other under the same roof.

Some people have been lucky and had same sex dogs without a problem. I think it's a bad gamble.

I have always had two female dogs not spayed in the house with absolutely no problems whatsoever. My Siberian Husky females that were in heat would also be teamed up together in my dog team. I would smear some vicks vapor rub on their behind to mask the smell.

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Originally Posted by spinster

One reason i've heard NOT to have two intact females in the same household is while intact males may break off each other in a fight, females will usually fight to the end. Is this true?

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I've heard that before: Male might get into a fight easier, but when the issue is settled it's over. If females start picking on each other, they likely never stop ...
I never owned two females at the same time, so I cannot comment on what really happens. Additionally, there is certainly a lot to the individual dog, breed and upbringing.
However putting two strange females in heat together in a kennel sounds unnecessary risky to me.

It seems that when they fight, it's a real fight. However, there are thousands of breeders that keep only the girls. You would think that having a house full of divas would be a more common problem. Yet I have only once heard of a breeder having to rehome one of their girls.
The bigger problem seems to be in bringing together two adult females and expecting them to share the space. And even that isn't a guarantee of a fight. I know people that do breed rescue that frequently bring in new dogs/es without issue

Edited for autocorrect typos

My black lab female has attitude towards all females people & dog's... :) I would not dare bring another female dog home because I could not afford the vet bills. However she has proven to be a very loyal companion & respects me, so that's more than I can ask for...

Belleriver, that's truly unfortunate about your female.
If you have a preference about the sex of your next dog, go with it. Sex is rarely a yard-stick for what they will develop into. Genetics, owner/hander, environment and training opportunities/experience are more likely to determine the outcome.

Looking at the NAVHDA Invitational test results for 2015 45 females, 14 passed. 47 males, 17 passed. Looks pretty even to me on abilities. Temperament? I've seen good and bad on both sides. ! My preference is the one that catches your eye. PS. they both hog the bed!

We have always had multiple intact females in the house at once. They get along fine. However, this isn't a house that tolerates dogs being snippy toward each other, so perhaps we nip that problem in the bud from the getgo?