Is there really a difference in dogs based on their gender? Dog keepers state that male dogs are typically more destructive and aggressive, especially in smaller spaces. On the other hand, the ones said to be more affectionate and easier to train are the female dogs. These stereotypes may be true in one breed but may not be true in another.

There are lots of things that you should be aware of when you want to choose a female dog such as the need to spay so that unwanted births will be avoided. Knowing how to simply handle your dog when in heat is also important. Doggy birth control is a fundamental issue that you have to deal with in female dogs to avoid additional litters whether it's surgical or pure separation from the male species.

If you choose not to spay, then be responsible to find homes for the puppies. Females dogs can have litters for most of their lives as they don't have a menopause. Even when your female dog is inside and in heat, a male dog can pick up her scent. This requires you are more likely to spend weeks trying to watch over your dog when you let her outside to use the restroom or even go for a walk. On the other hand, if you have a pure bred dog for the purpose of breeding, then having a female dog can become a financial plus.

To mark their territory, which can be anywhere from the outside of your yard to around the corners of your room, male dogs will urinate. This is something that male dogs can't actually avoid doing. They need to mark their spot. You can attempt to train a dog not to mark his territorial domain, but you're asking him to go against his nature. If there is another male dog in the house, expect a battle for who is the alpha dog of the house. The control over the home is something that even smaller dogs would battle for against the larger male dogs in order to insist who among them got there first.

Dogs of opposite sexes tend to get along better than dogs of the same sex. Although male dogs seem to be more malicious with each other than female dogs, sharing their place with another dog is not something that some female dogs like to do. Female dogs usually are easier to house train than male dogs. Although that can vary by breed and by the skill of the one doing the training. Male dogs seem to be more assertive and active than female ones; however, if it's a “high strung” breed, sex doesn't seem to matter in this way.

Purchasing patterns indicate that most people opt for a female dog. They probably believe that female dogs are less hostile and easier to train.  When it comes to many breeders, male dogs are considered to be easier to handle. Bottom line, you can't totally rely on what the gender can tell you when it comes to predicting the possible behavior of a dog. Breeds that are known to be calm and gentle tend to be that way whether male or female. Other breeds that are high strung, nippy and difficult to handle are that way for both sexes.

There's no scientific proof that predicts the behaviors of males compared with females. It's an individual choice what gender to buy. We all have memories of family pets or neighbor's or friend's pets who amazed us. So we may look for those characteristics in our own pet search. Sometimes you just have to go with your feelings.

About the Author

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers,large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.