Bitch or dog?

[ArklePig]

Inspired by the thread in the tack room. We'll be on the lookout for our first dog together in a couple of months, and this is something I haven't given a lot of thought to. I have a mild preference for a bitch, even though I grew up with a dog, but I'm not sure why. OH has no preference at all. I also slightly prefer mares to geldings (suspect I am mildly sexist).

What do you prefer and why?

 

[Jenko109]

I much prefer bitches as I find them a bit more independent and forward thinking. I find the boys more cuddly though, but normally goofy fools!

 

[rabatsa]

I always had bitches until I got my first greyhound. Now I am rather partial to a big, black boy.

 

[Karran]

Always had bitches, will probably look for another when the time comes. No particular reason, apart from the leg cocking with boys!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Grew up with females but prefer males.

 

[Clodagh]

Always had bitches, now got a dog as well. He’s lovely but way behind where the bitches are at the same age.
Dogs are meant to be easier to train and handle. Tbh I don’t think it matters, but I have Labradors which are an easy breed anyway.

ETA when I say I don’t think it matters I mean I’m not sure I’d use it as a deciding factor in future purchases.
Dog plus… no neutering costs required.

 

[skinnydipper]

Are you getting a rescue or a puppy, OP?

If the former then I go looking with an open mind and don't decide based on sex or breed, rather do I think we will get on.

If I was buying a puppy then I know both the breed and sex of the dog I would be looking for

 

[meleeka]

I don’t mind but females have the edge because they don’t pee all the time.

 

[P3LH]

Depends on the breed but generally, dogs everytime. More straightforward beings on the whole.

 

[TheresaW]

I don’t mind but females have the edge because they don’t pee all the time.

You haven’t met Luna ?

 

[P3LH]

I don’t mind but females have the edge because they don’t pee all the time.

I have one who does more so than two intact dogs. She also pees up things by elevating her whole back end against things. She is clinically insane though so.

 

[Chiffy]

I much prefer bitches, mine are very cuddly and very intelligent. Not keen on males marking all the time. I have known some perfectly nice males but don’t want to own one.
We have always had male (gelding) horses and female dogs, it worked for us!

 

[ArklePig]

Are you getting a rescue or a puppy, OP?

If the former then I go looking with an open mind and don't decide based on sex or breed, rather do I think we will get on.

If I was buying a puppy then I know both the breed and sex of the dog I would be looking for

A rescue all going well! Whatever we get will be neutered/spayed if that makes a difference. Nice to see an even split here in the boy v girl debate. Fwiw I have two guinea pig sows and going forward I would get boars in the future. Maybe should get a boy dog to even things up for the OH

 

[nagblagger]

One of each ??

 

[ArklePig]

That's a suggestion I could get on board with @nagblagger.

I think when it comes down to it I'm not really pushed will just be happy to have a dog, but was wondering if I was missing something. Seems some people have strong opinions and others don't, I'm sure whatever we get will be right for us.

 

[Moobli]

I like both but I’d say dogs have the edge because they tend to be more straightforward and affectionate. Having said that , I am very bonded to the bitch I currently have and I really like her smaller size, athleticism and quick mind.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I’m ver6 fixed on dogs. I doubt I’d ever have a bitch, I just prefer boys. It’s very subjective but tbh, if you’re looking for a rescue, I’d suggest you go for a dog you like and don’t worry about the gender.

 

[MissTyc]

I have both, alternating, and of all different breeds.
My cuddliest, more loving dogs was a bitch; my most reactive terrifying dog was a bitch.
My most obedient, loyal yet independent thinking dog was a dog; my most independent roaming free spirit was a dog ....
Find a dog you like with a personality you like, pup or rescue.

 

[Antw23uk]

I lean towards bitches but geldings in the horse world. I like bitches for their forward thinking, independence and they have a bit more about them than the boys. If I wasn't that fussed and I was getting a puppy then i would choose the puppy that came running towards me first when i turned up to view the litter. Thats the kind of confidence i want, strong, forward thinking and ahead of the others.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Love girl dogs and boy horses!!

 

[druid]

I run both, in spaniels you will see far more bitches at trials and champs as a bitch is easier to squash if getting away from you - not how I train but many do. A good dog will beat a good bitch though usually, size/power gives a better impression when hunting.