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Many people believe that female dogs make better pets...female preference seems to be
ingrained in these people. Most calls for pet dogs have people wanting a 'sweet girl'.

They don't think females display alpha behaviours like 'marking' and/or 'humping'. They
believe that they are more docile and attentive and do not participate in fighting over
dominance. Well folks, this is not true and they don't call them a 'b###h' for nothing!

In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and
who compete to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are, as a result, more
independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male counterparts. The females are much
more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as
'humping'. There IS a reason people utilize the technical dog term of 'b###h' in a negative
way-and it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world.

Most fights will usually break out between 2 females. Males, on the other hand, are
usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and more demanding of attention. They
are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable, and less
moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to
children. Most boys are easily motivated by food (how true!!) and praise, and so eager to
please that training is easy.

However, males can be more easily distracted during training, as males like to play so
often. And no matter what age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always
wanting to play games. Boys are funloving until the day they die. Females tend to be more
reserved or dignified as they age. Witness the human equivalent of the twinkling eyed
Grandpa still playing catch at age 70, while Grandma quietly observes from the porch.

Boys do get bigger than girls, but only by an average of 1-2 inches and 3-5 pounds in the
Cocker. In the Toy Poodle a variety of sizes can be found regardless of sex. There are a
alot of self claimed 'Miniatures' in any breed out there, but those Breeders are not
breeding to the standard as it is written for each breed. The difference between sizes and
sexes is minimal, if bred correctly, and for improving the breed according to the standard.
Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as 'humping', or 'marking'
and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these
behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear. Boys who were neutered early (by 5
months of age) usually don't ever raise their leg to urinate.
And while the female will usually come to you for attention, when she's had enough, she
will move away.

While boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. Females are usually
less distracted during training, as she is more eager to get it over with, and get back to
her comfy spot on the couch. The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with
YOU, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. She is much more
prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate-the next day reserved
and withdrawn or even grumpy. The female also has periods of being 'in heat' unless she
is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare-not just for the female, but you
and every male dog in the neighborhood.

If you are not breeding, you'd be best off to have her spayed. Since during this time she
can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere she goes. She will be
particularly moody and emotional during this time. A walk outside during this period can
become hazardous if male dogs are in the vicinity, and she will leave a 'scent' for
wandering intact males to follow right to your yard, where they will hang out, and 'wait' for
days.

Before deciding on male or female, give consideration to any other dogs that may be in or
around your home.