There are many aspects to consider when choosing a dog. Some factors need to be taken into account including size, color and breed. Beyond practical considerations, such as physical activity or the food that dogs of different sizes need, sex is more a matter of personal preference. By learning about the general characteristics that distinguish males and females, you can dispel any doubts when you have to choose a furry friend to accompany you for the next few years.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Consider Male Characteristics
Step 1. Know the level of aggression
There are exaggerated generalizations about sex differences in dogs, some of which are only partially true. One of the most common beliefs regarding males is that they are more likely to chase other dogs and more aggressive than females. While this is not entirely unfounded, by spaying your pooch, you will greatly reduce these risks.
- Males tend to compete with other males and, statistically, they are more likely to show signs of aggression towards humans.
- Neutering eliminates many behavioral differences between males and females by reducing or blocking the manifestations of aggression towards people, such as bites.
Step 2. Consider the size difference
One of the most obvious differences between males and females belonging to the same breed is the difference in size. The former tend to be slightly larger (although not always), although this aspect is more visible in breeds that boast a considerable size structure. Of course, the biggest differences are mostly seen between individuals of different breeds, but the differences between males and females of the same breed remain.
- Generally speaking, males are slightly larger than females.
- They are often more active and exuberant when they jump, run and chew. Thanks to their slightly more imposing structure, they are physically stronger than females and more suitable for activities that require stamina, but the differences in fact are marginal.
Step 3. Keep track of testosterone levels
While it is not necessarily true that males are always more aggressive than females, the testosterone that characterizes this sex can result in greater aggression (particularly in males who have not been spayed), when combined with poor socialization and little training. Additionally, it can cause other behavioral problems in sexually active males, so it's best to spay your dog to prevent these problems from getting worse.
- Many unsterilized males mark their territory with urine (even indoors) and attempt to run away from home when in heat. Due to high testosterone levels, some also try to "mount" people, other dogs and inanimate objects.
- Usually, spaying the male solves most of these behavioral problems, although some dogs may continue to mount other dogs in an attempt to impose their dominance.
Step 4. Learn about any health complications
Sexually active males can also experience health problems that do not manifest themselves in spayed individuals. Among the most common consider:
- Testicular tumor. Unsterilized males can develop testicular cancer in old age. However, the good news is that it is a benign tumor that is usually treated with surgical castration. Sterilization can prevent this problem from occurring.
- Diseases of the prostate. Unsterilized males are prone to inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause difficulty when urinating or passing stool. It can be treated with either castration or hormone injections. Spaying a dog does not guarantee that the animal will not develop prostate cancer, but it does prevent prostatic hypertrophy and reduces the risk of infections affecting this gland.
Part 2 of 2: Knowing the Female Characteristics
Step 1. Learn about territorial behavior
Females sometimes exhibit territorial aggression, especially when they are pregnant, have just given birth or are ovulating.
- Territorial behavior in females can also go beyond the protection of puppies. During ovulation, they can become possessive of toys, shoes, socks, or clothing. They often store these household items under furniture, guarding them aggressively.
- Generally, by spaying and encouraging social interaction with other animals, it is possible to contain this unwanted behavior.
Step 2. Consider the size difference
If you don't know if a dog can grow a little more than you expect, it is good to know that females tend to be 2.5-5 cm smaller than males of the same breed. Also, if the size is smaller, they weigh slightly less.
Step 3. Be aware of any health complications
Like unsterilized males, sexually active females can also experience various health problems unlike neutered ones. Some of these complications include:
- Breast cancer. A fertile female who has passed at least two breeding seasons is more likely to develop this type of cancer in old age. It could be a benign lump bounded in one area or a malignant tumor that can lead to premature death.
- Cancer of the ovaries and uterus. Not all dogs are at risk for ovarian or uterine cancer. However, some breeds are predisposed to these types of cancer. Sterilization eliminates any risk of cancer affecting the reproductive system.
- Pyometra. The more heat phases a female goes through, the more likely she is to develop a severe uterine tissue infection called pyometra. If left untreated, it can cause septicemia, kidney failure, and death. The treatment consists of surgical removal of the uterus, so if you are taking a female, you should consider the possibility and costs of this surgery, should it prove necessary.
- False pregnancy. A female may experience a false pregnancy or pseudociesis (commonly known as a hysterical pregnancy) once the heat phase is over. It means that her body is preparing to give birth to puppies despite the fact that she is not pregnant. Typical signs include milk production, stuffed animal care, lack of energy and, in some cases, even false labor. There are drugs that can inhibit milk production, but over time sterilization is the best solution because false pregnancies tend to get worse in subsequent periods of heat.
- Complications related to pregnancy. There is always a risk of problems occurring during pregnancy, such as difficulty in childbirth, mastitis or toxaemia gravidarum. Each of these conditions requires veterinary care, which is potentially costly if an emergency cesarean section is needed.
Advice
- Dog behavior is very complicated. The development of a certain type of temperament, including the degree of aggression, corresponds to a complex combination between the level of socialization to which the animal is exposed from an early age, training and the level of competition for the control of the environment. surrounding. Even a neutered dog (in which the sex hormone index is low) can be aggressive if it interacts little and is frightened in situations in which it cannot escape the stimuli that feed its fear.
- Whether you choose a boy or a girl, you should seriously consider spaying or neutering your pet to avoid unwanted pregnancy and serious health problems.
