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When you are looking for a dog, you want one that’s loyal and affectionate. How do you choose? And you may wonder…is gender a factor? Determining which pet is right for you can lead to a lot of questions. Are male dogs too aggressive to show sufficient emotion? Are female dogs too moody to be truly attached to their owners?
There are gender stereotypes, but are they true? Let’s do some digging in, shall we?
One long-standing myth about dogs, is that female dogs tend to be more loyal than their male counterparts. This myth has passed down generations of dog breeders and dog lovers. And can be traced back as far as when dogs were wild and living in packs.
There is some truth to the fact that male dogs favor exploration more, and would regularly roam around in search of a mate (i.e. sexual exploration). This is not to say that female dogs don’t roam too…this is especially true when they are on heat.
A dog that favors roaming around more than sticking by his owner’s side may considered by some as less loyal, or less emotionally attached. Male dogs often fall into this category. Could it be that a lack of proper grooming is a factor that plays negatively in terms of emotional connectedness between a dog and its owner?
Earned loyalty is harder to lose. Even dogs that are considered to be fierce, independent and generally speaking, less loyal; can be tamed by the use of proper baits. For example, the time spent grooming and brushing your pet, is a good way of recognizing and re-establishing your connection to your dog. And earning their trust. It is also a step in the right direction when you are considering the purchase of a new dog.
As you affectionately groom your pet, you create a fierce sensation of loyalty both in yourself and in your dog. Most of our friendships are built by shared interests and activities, and this firmly encourages loyalty in those friendships. What stops us from using the same principle with our dogs? Nothing, if you ask us.
Aggression can be seen as a sweet trait when your dog is protecting you from harm. However, when aggression is directed at the dog’s owner, it might be a sign of real problems.
One clear fact however, is that both male and female dogs have the potential for aggression. Male dogs are likely to view aggression as a social order factor. Female dogs who are less likely to exhibit threatening or territorial qualities, would when aggressive, potentially cause more harm. This is typified by fights between two female dogs, which are said to be more damaging than fights between two male dogs.
In truth, a dog’s aggressive tendencies have more to do with their training and the way they are treated than it does with their gender.
A dog prone to biting can be linked to aggressiveness. Male dogs are often cited to bite more frequently than female dogs. This might however, be more as a result of their roaming tendencies (and the need to protect themselves), than actual aggression. When provoked, or mistreated, any dog will bite – be they male or female.
Be a responsible pet owner. Educate people who are going to be in contact with your pet, especially children. Teach them how to play with them without provoking them. Let people know what your dog likes and doesn’t like. Avoid situations that make your dog uncomfortable or scared.
This is absolutely true; a friendly dog will have a much easier time connecting with their owner. Your dog’s likelihood to be friendly is more closely linked with dog breed than with a dog’s gender.
When choosing a pet, do your research. Find a breed that fits with your lifestyle. Watch how a breeder handles the dogs in his or her care, to know if they have been trained in the art of friendliness! This becomes even more important when considering getting a dog from a breed that’s characteristically unfriendly.
Some dog owners have a natural preference for one gender of dogs to another, for no tangible reason. And that’s fine.
If you have tend to prefer one gender of dogs or connect to one gender or the other, follow your instinct. Choose a dog that you connect with and make the choice to raise your dog to be loving, sweet, assertive and emotionally connected to you. After all, some people still believe that your dog pick you just as much as you pick them.
