A dog's gender mattered much more to pet owners when spaying and neutering were uncommon surgeries. Now, at least in the US and Canada, most responsible pet owners have their animals altered when young. There are differences in the sexes, but both males (dogs) and females (bitches) can make wonderful pets.

A common misconception is that male dogs wander. If a male is not neutered and smells a female in season, yes, he will go in search of her. But a neutered male is as happy to stay home as a female. If unneutered, a male may mark his territory by lifting his leg and urinating on whatever he considers his...which can include your sofa, a doorway, or even your leg! A neutered male is unlikely to develop this behavior.

Males are usually larger than females, and many people say they have sweeter, more affectionate dispositions than females. Often they are described as less moody, more stable, with fewer emotional swings than females. Males are more prone to embarrassing (to humans) behaviors, such as licking their genitals and humping of other dogs, inanimate objects, and sometimes your mother-in-law's leg. Males are also more apt to challenge their owners for dominance, especially during the "teen" period, between about nine months and two years.

A female goes into estrus (also called going in season or going in heat) about every six to nine months if she's not spayed. She willhave a noticeable bloody discharge from the vulva for about three weeks, attract every male in the neighborhood, and behave like a shameless hussy. You'll have to keep her under lock and key--dogs are incredibly creative when it comes to obtaining sexual access to each other. This is also a messy time, and to protect your house and furniture, you'll want to invest in sanitary panties. She should never be left outside unattended during her season. It's easy to see why most pet owners prefer to have their females spayed as soon as possible. It is not true that bitches should be allowed to have one season before they are spayed, and certainly they should never be allowed to have just one litter to "settle her down" or for any other reason.

Females are often easier to train and less easily distracted than males. They are sometimes described as manipulative, moody, and less openly affectionate.

You do need to consider the gender if you are adding a dog to a household already occupied by one or more dogs. Male versus female fights are uncommon, but in some breeds, two dogs of the same gender will often fight. In other breeds, this is not much of a consideration.

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