Dog or bitch???

[Landcruiser]

A friend of mine has a pregnant JRT (dad is a JRT/patterdale). We are planning to have one of the pups, I quite fancy a bitch, the rest of the family fancy another dog.We have never had a bitch. What are the pros and cons?
Currently have a laid back collie lurcher and a slightly less laid back springerpoo, both about 7-8, both well trained and well socialised. We previously had a young rescue JRT, tragically he was killed in a hit and run 18 months ago. He and the lurcher were best mates. The sproodle tolerated him, occasionally played, but they also had the occasional scuffle over food/toy, whatever. Nev the sproodle is my shadow, and can be possessive of me - this is a slight concern with a new pup, but I feel able to manage it OK.

My thinking was a female will be a different dynamic - maybe less likely to be seen as a "rival" for my affections by Nev??? Both our boys are castrated, and female would be spayed at the appropriate time. Can anyone share their thoughts?

 

[meleeka]

I’ve had both and I’d always go for a bitch now. I just like the fact they don’t want to cock their legs all the time!

Would there be any chance of the two arguing over a bitch? That’s the only downside I can think of. A bitch is likely to end up head of the pack and may well command more respect from the clingy one.

 

[twiggy2]

I would have a bitch as long of the ratio of dog to bitch puppies is even or more bitches in the litter than dogs.
Studies have shown that a bitch in a mostly male litter if pups often has more male hormones and can have more uncastrated male behaviours and traits than is ideal.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Had females my whole life up until about ten years ago and wouldn't go back to them now tbh.

 

[Landcruiser]

I would have a bitch as long of the ratio of dog to bitch puppies is even or more bitches in the litter than dogs.
Studies have shown that a bitch in a mostly male litter if pups often has more male hormones and can have more uncastrated male behaviours and traits than is ideal.

That's really interesting. We have second dibs on the litter so it may well come down to colour/appeal in the end - but that's something to bear in mind Twiggy2

 

[Landcruiser]

Had females my whole life up until about ten years ago and wouldn't go back to them now tbh.

Why not though?

 

[MotherOfChickens]

if you have two boys then possibly a bitch might be better for the group. I generally stick to males-although both bitches I have had, both rescues, were cracking dogs.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I seem to have a better bond with the males, they are less sassy/independent on one hand, more resilient to stress on the other, and more into me - and of course no seasons.
I have two entire males right now and have never had a problem with leg cocking or marking. I've kept females before and some of the fights were horrendous. And like human females, they bear grudges lol.
The males have a quick to-do and then it's forgotten.

 

[{97702}]

I totally agree with CC - I currently have 3 bitches and a dog, and I would choose a dog every time! The only reason I only have one dog is that he is very protective of me and he wouldn’t tolerate another dog in the house.

I’ve had loads of dogs over the years and have always found dogs are just more loving and dedicated to you than bitches. None of my dogs have ever marked in the house, in fact they have all been scrupulously clean, nor have they marked excessively on walks. They have never fought either, when bitches can be vile to each other - I have to keep a firm lid on my current 3 since I introduced the youngster a year ago

 

[Clodagh]

I would go bitch every time - I can't be coping with oozing willies!!
When we had working terriers, some kennelled some in the house, we had both dogs and bitches and I must admit I loved the dogs. It is the willy that tips the balance.

 

[blackcob]

I have one bitch almost by accident, I was pretty clueless at the time and vaguely looking for a dog but she came up first. Three dogs have followed with a fourth planned.

The bitch would not have another bitch in the house at the best of times but is getting increasingly horrid in her old age, she tolerates other males far better. Besides which being into competition of various kinds I would find seasons really inconvenient to deal with.

Something else to consider is size and appearance in some breeds - I remember being really surprised by the size difference in samoyeds, some breeds are markedly sexually dimorphic.

 

[{97702}]

I would go bitch every time - I can't be coping with oozing willies!!
When we had working terriers, some kennelled some in the house, we had both dogs and bitches and I must admit I loved the dogs. It is the willy that tips the balance.

Clodagh none of mine have had oozing willies either, they wouldn’t dare

 

[blackcob]

I am also having a chortle at oozing willies

None of mine have been known to ooze but I will admit to sometimes being a bit bleurgh about lifting the spaniels on to the judging or grooming table - they are the perfect size for their balls to rest in the crook of your elbow.

 

[{97702}]

Omg this thread is degenerating quickly castrated dogs all the way

 

[DabDab]

Haha, well if it comes down to a choice between Willie's and doodahs then I have to say I have no preference

But overall I prefer bitches. Don't know why, I just do. And my little Dee dog is is very loyal and attached (the Westie is an independent little madam but then she is a Westie ) - when I used to go away on business and leave her with my then OH she used to just sit by the bedroom door and refuse to move as she was convinced that that was where I would next appear from. That dog has moved all over the country with me over the years and greeted many other animals into her home with never a moments bother from her ever

 

[Clodagh]

I can't believe none of you have dogs that produce smegma...if you prefer the correct term!! 'Wans' are so much neater, out the way, and only disgusting twice a year prior to spaying.

 

[{97702}]

I can't believe none of you have dogs that produce smegma...if you prefer the correct term!! 'Wans' are so much neater, out the way, and only disgusting twice a year prior to spaying.

Nope I do not have that experience....**boke**...,

Another vote for my “always neuter” campaign 😂😂

 

[CorvusCorax]

Okaaaayyy....no weeping willies here either....

 

[splashgirl45]

I would have a bitch as long of the ratio of dog to bitch puppies is even or more bitches in the litter than dogs.
Studies have shown that a bitch in a mostly male litter if pups often has more male hormones and can have more uncastrated male behaviours and traits than is ideal.

my border collie cross was the only female in a litter of 6. i went to view with the intention of getting a dog as i already had a bitch and thought that was the right thing to do. my girl chose me and the 2 girls got on really well and i have never noticed any male traits...

 

[Clodagh]

Okaaaayyy....no weeping willies here either....

OK...my dogs are a minority then!! Just as well I only have bitches now.

 

[{97702}]

Okaaaayyy....no weeping willies here either....

CC thank goodness

 

[Chiffy]

I seem to have a better bond with the males, they are less sassy/independent on one hand, more resilient to stress on the other, and more into me - and of course no seasons.
I have two entire males right now and have never had a problem with leg cocking or marking. I've kept females before and some of the fights were horrendous. And like human females, they bear grudges lol.

The males have a quick to-do and then it's forgotten.

I much prefer bitches and have had none of CC’s experiences. Not sure if it’s down to breed although beside my flatcoats, I have had whippets, lurchers and quite few cross bred rescues.
All have been friendly, never a cross word and very devoted. I have never had a problem introducing a new one or having other people’s dogs to stay.
Always female dogs and male horses in our family!

 

[blackcob]

Always female dogs and male horses in our family!

We’ve a houseful of dogs but two mares. Poor OP, we’re not being the most helpful, trust us to focus on bits and oozes!

 

[{97702}]

Now I could never have a mare.... geldings all the way for me at least I’m consistent I suppose

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Dog, all the way. Couldn’t be doing without the hassle of icky seasons, not being able to walk a bitch in case one of the local idiots let his unneutered dog run over.

I have no oozing willies, maybe big dog occasionally because he’s not castrated?

And Landcruiser, please can we see a pic of the springer x poodle and what size was the poodle? Two of my favourite breeds!

 

[skinnydipper]

I can't believe none of you have dogs that produce smegma...if you prefer the correct term!!

All normal male dogs have these secretions. It varies from dog to dog how much is produced and thus how noticeable it is. I have had dogs at both ends of the scale

 

[Fools Motto]

I have bitches, simply as I prefer the 'tinkling' to 'sprinkling'!! lol

 

[Moobli]

I have had both and tend to prefer dogs over bitches - although both have their good/bad points. I am hoping to get a puppy early next year and I was undecided but think it will be another dog. I have two GSDs (one entire, one neutered) and we also have nine border collies (two bitches and the rest dogs - all entire bar one spayed bitch).