Working Line GSD male vs. female? - Page 1

Hello all, I was hoping to get some clarification on this particular subject.

Dogs have been a constant presence in my life for the last 25+ years, and it wasn't until I was getting my first GSD from working lines that I came across the opinion that one was actually more fit for family life than the other.

For every other dog that I've owned in the past it was never more than personal preference as to whether to get a male or a female.  I personally have owned an even amount of both, but for one reason or another leaned toward getting a male dog.

However when speaking with the breeder of my current dog, when I told him that the pup would be a part of my family (although its just the two of us, we are family), he suggested a female rather than a male.  Trusting his knowledge and judgment of his own dogs, I agreed.  I have no regrets in that respect, she has become the best dog I have ever owned, and I am very happy with her.  However I always assumed that was just his dogs.  

Now though, it seems that everywhere I look at true working line GSDs, if you are not looking for a real worker/competitor, it's highly recommended to get a female.

So please help me understand, how can they be so different?  How can a well balanced GSD with solid nerves and good temperament not be suitable for a family type life only because it happens to be male?

I understand that some dogs if left unaltered can become a little too much to handle for the average person, however if neutered shouldn't the dog be okay.

Here's the thing, aside from curiosity, the reason I'm asking is that sometime in the next two or three years I would like to add another dog to my home.  It's been my experience in life, and by reading, that if you have more than one dog in the home, one of each sex is  your best bet to eliminate dominance issues.  Especially two females, it seems, are hard to keep civil.

Any and all opinions would appreciated thank you!

Females tend to be a little more family protective while males tend to be a little more territorial.

I think for some people a female may be a little easier to handle. It all depends on the dog and you. If you are qualified to "lead" this dog then you should be able to handle either.

Don't be fooled. Altering an animal does not necessarily make it easier to handle in any respect except that you won't have to worry about it mating.

If you do have one of each sex I would recommend either altering one or the other or being very vigilant at keeping them seperated.

Well,

I don't know, I have a male, and a female both working lines.  The female rules the roost.  She would be tough for someone not experienced.  The male is a little more laid back.  Most every male I've had has been easy to live with, while the biches, well....can be bitches :)     Love them dearly though............... I think it's a misconception that the males are harder than the females.  You get a good working bitch and you've got something special.  But it shouldn't matter if it's a bitch or male if it's a good bred dog with good nerves and temperment.

Donna

I tend to agree with platz.  My females can be a little more of a handful so far than some of the males I've owned.  In my personal experience, my males were very laid back.  Females seem to be a little more "testy" at times...

Harddawg is correct.  The males tend to make better guardians of property whereas the females better guardians of YOU.  This is not neccessarily always the case, but it tends to present itself in most respects. 

And, contrary to what others have said, I've not seen a problem (yet) with having two females.  I'm sure problems could arise but, as of yet, I've been fortunate that mine get along.  Of course, I don't give them opportunities for a scuffle.  There is no male around, they share equal time with me, get ample exercise and are supervised in play together.  Overall, I've been extremely happy with the males or the females I've owned.

I too have had the same experience as platz; my bitch is stubborn and less patient my boys are easy going, willing to please me.  I don't think it's true that one gender bonds better with the other though because I have one male that is by my side hands down over my husband and I have another male that prefers hubby to hang out with.  My bitch is a momma's girl too.  Personally I prefer a male myself; I've just clicked better with my boys.

My in laws are getting ready to add a GSD pup to their home and are having this dispute right now. lol  Father in law wants a bitch and says no more males; mother in law says she's tired of sharing a house with bitches and wants to be #1 bitch again....I'm not seeing a compromise anytime soon.  I say get one of each. LOL

Just a thought. Maybe it's the other way around. Maybe competitors, and such, want males, so that only females are left behind...thus the ones looking for a 'pet' and doesn't really care either way, get the left overs (not that that's a bad thing).

I think part of the issue with bitches is hormones fluctuating and surging related to coming into and going out of season, which can  effect mood stability.  I believe comparatively speaking, males have relatively stable levels of testosterone, making them easier to handle (at least for me).

Sue there may be some truth behind your theory.  My bitch is as stubborn as the day is long. lol  My boys are so much more pleasurable to work with.  Much more cooperative. 

Females stubborn???? Hormones unbalanced???? I'd never heard of these things! 

Holy cow!  I need to print this and show my wife.  I finally have proof.