Male or female dog: What gender is best for my home and lifestyle?

Question

Is it better to get a male dog or a female dog Like what are the pros and cons of each gender. Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

Cute picture! Wonder if thats a boy or girl.... ;) There's no hard and fast rules about temperament when it comes to gender in dogs. An intact female and an intact male will both be more likely to show aggression than one who has been neutered or spayed, so regardless of which you choose, please have him/her neutered/spayed. You can find all kinds of things online that say that females are easier to train, or that males tend to be more loyal or attached to you... after practicing veterinary medicine for 14 years --interacting with literally thousands of dogs and their people --and having a number of dogs of my own, both male and female, I can just reiterate what I said initially--there is no hard and fast rule. I don't even really think its fair to make generalizations because I just don't think they hold true often enough. Male dogs are more likely to mark. Once they are neutered this is less of an issue but they will still seem to carry a "reserve" for each tree along your walking route. From a health standpoint, theres not a huge difference either (especially if spayed or neutered)-- one isn't inherently "healthier" than the other. The biggest thing is to meet the dog individually and see what you're looking for in a personality rather than automatically ruling out one or the other based on whether they are girl or boy. Good luck in your search!

Male or female dog: What gender is best for my home and lifestyle?

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