After being someone who has only really owned and been around male dogs, I thought it would be interesting to see what female dogs are like. My parents always got male dogs, growing up, we had three Weimaraners. One that passed away when I was a toddler, one that we got as a puppy when I was six (he passed when I was 18), and a rescue dog that my sister and I persuaded our mum to get.
So when my partner and I decided to get a dog of our own, I was all for getting a male dog. But, he was the opposite. He'd only grown up with female dogs. We were faced with a dilemma. In the end we decided to look for the right dog, rather than a specific breed or sex.
And our dog Orla chose us, rather than the other way around. She barked at us at the rescue centre as we walked away, and jumped up with a face that said 'please take me home'. So, the first dog I've ever owned myself ended up being a female. And I have to say, it is very different.
I don't know if it's just the males I've owned (Weimaraner's are a bit nuts!), but she seems far more intelligent and has a lot more depth to her. But on the flip side, she's much more difficult to figure out. Getting to know her wasn't simple.
And if I'm completely honest, although she was gorgeous, we didn't connect right away. It wasn't love at first sight. We grew together and as each day passed, she showed me a little more trust and personality.
She can be a bit temperamental sometimes, and there are days when she clearly has mood swings. She can be off with me - but she's so connected to my emotions. When I'm upset or emotional, she will take herself off into another room, or go to the other end of the room.
Whereas my male dog comes right up to me and paws me in the face, and tries to have a snuggle. It's as though she simply can't take it when I'm upset. When I'm stressed, she's stressed. My male notices too, but he doesn't seem quite so phased.
Our female dog sadly ended up losing her sight at a young age due to glaucoma. So we decided (and were advised) that getting another dog would help. She's quite a strong, dominant female, so we suspected that she wouldn't put up with another rival lady friend coming into her home. We decided to adopt a male dog.
Since he arrived, she's always been the boss. It was a rocky start as he learned the hard way that she's in charge. Now they get on really well, and play constantly together. It's lovely to see. And owning one of each sex has been a very interesting journey. I like having the mixture. They both compliment each other and have different things to offer.
I think if I was to get another dog and it was completely my choice, I'd get a male. But that's only because I enjoy the needy side of male dogs. He's a bit more simple and silly, and definitely harder work - but it's worth it.
But it would also depend on my life too. Right now, because I'm super active, a more energetic, highly strung male may suit my lifestyle. But this may not always be the case. As I get older I just might sway towards getting a female - who knows. All I know is I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience of having both my pooches in my life.
If I was to summarise the main differences between male and female dogs, from my experience, I'd say -
Male dogs are generally harder work. They seem to have a lot more energy and take a lot longer to mature. My male is two years old but it still feels like he's a six month old pup.
Female dogs can be a little more temperamental - but this might just be my female in particular.
With my female dog, when you do get her affection, it feels more meaningful, like you've earned it more.
Female dogs are fiercely loyal. But both my dogs are very protective of me.
Again, it might just be my dogs, but I'd say my male needs a lot more exercise than my female did at the same age.
Female dogs are more stubborn. My female is smart and she knows it. She knows commands, but she often chooses when to abide by them.
If you aren't going to get your female dog spayed, then you have to deal with them coming into season around twice a year.
So there you have it. I hope you've found this article useful. If you're choosing between a male and a female dog it's best to consider your lifestyle, and the characteristics you want from your pooch. Try and spend time with friends who have male and female dogs, to get a feel for which you connect best with.
I'd also recommend popping along to dog events like Discover Dogs where you can meet male and female dogs, as well as all the different dog breeds. Again, remember all dogs are different and there's no one size fits all.
Instead of worrying too much about gender you are better of looking at what breed of dog may be best suited to your household. Or you could just do what I did, and get one of each and appreciate the characteristics of both.