Male or Female?

I want to get a puppy. Is it better to get a male or a female?

As for their temperament, there aren't many differences between males and females. Each puppy has its own personality, and there are both docile and dominant females, as well as more affectionate or independent ones, and the same goes for males.

There aren't any significant differences in appearance either; size, beauty, or weight are independent of sex.

The real difference lies in their physiology.

Females go into heat periodically (intervals vary from 6 to 9 months), and during this period which lasts about 3 weeks, they need to be protected from males, even during daily walks, and they cannot participate in shows. Some females have heavy bleeding, which can soil sofas and beds. There are solutions available on the market, such as panties that need to be removed and put back on to allow the puppy to pee, and the absorbent pad needs to be changed several times a day. During these days, females can be nervous, have no appetite, become lethargic, suffer, and may mark their territory even in the house.

During heat, pre-heat, and post-heat, there may be a lightening of the nose and increased tearing. After about a month from the heat, the "false pregnancy" may manifest, accompanied by lactation, and in this case, a medication is needed to stop milk production.

The female in the future may bring you the joy of a litter, but a puppy sold at 2/3 months should be considered as a companion, and no one can guarantee that once adult, she is suitable for reproduction and especially that she will not require a cesarean or assistance in weaning the puppies.

The male does not have a heat cycle, but since he is always available for mating, it is a bit like he is "always in heat".

In particular, males can sense a female in heat even miles away, becoming restless and prone to escape to reach the female, and they may also mark their territory in the house or during walks.

Many of these problems (both for males and females) can be avoided by sterilizing the animal.

Sterilization of the female:

A spayed female no longer goes into heat. The consequences on their character and health are all positive: it prevents the aggressiveness and irritability that some females experience during heat, eliminates false pregnancies, and reduces the incidence of mammary tumors by about 20%.

Sterilization of the male:

It also provides many benefits both from a physical perspective (prevents prostate problems) and a behavioral one (reduces the tendency to escape and mark territory, and eliminates the risk of the dog being injured in fights with other dogs). A neutered male cannot participate in beauty contests.