Working Line GSD male vs. female? - Page 2

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i like tough bitches myself! what i work for in my breedings and i do get pretty consistantly is strong secure females  that work harder then most males because they rtry to overcome there strength with there heart. thats why i like females. "NOT THE SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE FIGHT, BUT THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG"

i also like females because they tend to be easier to work with. They seem to be more loyal not always looking for a challenge or pack dominance.

JMO

Steve Simpkins

www.haussimpkins.com

 I have both males and females and I do not believe that it makes any difference. What DOES make a difference is the character and temperament of the individual dog, be it male or female. Other than personal preference, if one is a competent owner or handler, I don't think it really matters whether one has males or females or both.

My two cents:

In wolf packs, the alpha females seem to be the ones that lead group activities. 

Dogs are descendants of wolves.  Although the females are smaller in size compared to the males, they're better family protectors because of their maternal instincts. 

So regarding your question as of which gender is more suited to family life, and  I'm assuming it's a typical family life with kids in a home, a bitch would be a better companion for me.  No territorial pissing, no going crazy over bitches in heat in the neighborhood. :)       

 I,ve got a female Asko daughter and she marks more then my males, and when one of the other females comes into heat she is a major terror she will go out and pick a fence fight with the femlae in heat if she gets past me...she ignores the young females till they go thru there first heat and then it,s I,m the baddest bitch on the block attitude... She was bred once and for the most part the pups show some real aggression. 

 I agree in part and disagree in part.  My experience has been that the bitches are harder to deal with and there is always a continuing battle about WHO is going to be alpha bitch, her or me.   I had no such issues with my male--he could not have cared less about me being alpha btich, as it was nothing he wanted to be!     Both bitches were stubborn, one was cantakerous, and both ( one who is only now 7 months old) took every opportunity to challenge me for alpha position. 

Heat cycles were an issue with one bitch because she had 3 a year and was different in each.  The February heat she was squirrely as hell.   The second heat in May/June, she was almost normal.  October heat had no effect on her workwise and in fact, she may have been stronger on the field at that time.  I tried to only trial her after the February heat and preferably in the fall as a result.

I also think  my females are more protective of me and quicker to respond to a threat or perceive a threat than my male.  He may perceive t and respond to the same threat, but  30 seconds to a minute after the bitch would. 

Personally, I want to never have a female again--males for me from now on.  No rank struggle--nice!

I have both males and females, and I tend to own bitches who are very dominant as I feel that they produce the better working puppy, so have to keep most of them seperated most of the time.  I think there is more difference between individuals than between genders.  I've had a male dog who was positively maturnal with small children and protective of family rather than property, and I have a super dominant bitch who thinks she's the queen of all she surveys and who is very territorial and tough. 

If I already owned one working line bitch who was NOT of submissive temperament, I'd go with a male.  There are seldom any issues between opposite genders but there often are ranking and dominance issues in same gender groups.  I think it will make the dogs themselves happier in my home.

Veronica

I think people just see what they want to believe and say it is so.  I say have a good relationship with your dogs or bitches.  Work them, play with them, train them, be the leader they need and they will be fine no matter the sex, no matter where you are.  The only thing that will differ is the individuality of each dog

I do not see  to much difference between female and male temperaments in general it depends on the female. I think Harddawg is right on with his assessment. Females to me are a liitle more obedient as a rule than males but again it depends on the dog..however female aggression  is another issue if adding a dog and you have a female get a male it will make your life much easier ...females will fight when matured at some point even when   rasied together...I have had people say no way they have been together for three years never a issue and one day BOOM it is on and someone will get hurt or one may get killed...Males generally sort it out quicker still do not put two together at all but they tend to have a better record of getting along in the same house than two females. I never recommend the same sex dog when customers are looking for a puppy due to this reason.  The female does take her protection more personal with the family and males the turf issue so to speak that is always something I have noticed good post Harddawg!

Marlene