Dog vs bitch

[P3LH]

In terms of humping and ‘following urges’ I’ve never had it with any of our dos (most have been intact) however I currently have a Pembroke corgi bitch who is an avid humper and even more determined in her attempts to solicit her services in the run up to, during and the period after a season where nobody or nothing is safe from her genitals. One of our other bitches who was a tiny Jack Russell used to scale a six foot fence when in season and vanish off - she ended up being in a lidded kennel and run when it was her time!

We’ve had a real mixed bag over the years but that’s in a variety of breeds. Bossy and head strong bitches, loving and mellow bitches, manic and pushy dogs who were exceptionally anti social in every male way and dogs that are the easiest and most laid back to live with.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

My current bitch does get a bit humpy but only out of anxiety when she experiences a phantom pregnancy some weeks after being in season. She gets a bit whiney and weird about her plush animal toys too. Fortunately, I found a vet that will spay (other vet is opposed to it, don't get me started), and can get that done this spring (she'll be 3). Otherwise in season she acts totally normal and you wouldn't really know.

The previous bitches I had were all spayed at a younger age and were fine.

I do know one other bitch of mixed breeding that humps and quite a few dogs that do it. So it can happen with any of them, but more likely with a dog, IME. Plus I don't know that the owners exactly discourage it.

I think I'll always prefer a bitch over a dog though. For horses I don't have a huge preference but do get along well with mares and find them to be more no nonsense and work(wo)manlike.

Generally if I like the animal, I'll take it. We do have a male cat, but he's a bit antisocial and "unique" ?

 

[CorvusCorax]

I was raised with bitches but I prefer males to be honest. Simple souls.
The older one humped a cushion once when he was a pup, I told him to knock it off very firmly (in fact I grabbed the cushion and chased him out of the room) and he never did it again.
It clearly didn't traumatise him and he sired a litter of ten at ten years old.
Both males are intact and are clean in house and kennels, which is a prerequisite for living with me. It's amazing what training and keeping them securely can do.

 

[Birker2020]

So you all very helpful in recommended some breeds for my situation and helped me to clarify in my mind that what I would really love is a Border Terrier.

I'm now dithering over the the male v female question - or just meet the puppies and see which 'speaks' to me then?

I've always had female animals - mares and bitches. I love their strong opinions and have always found once you've won them round they make the most fabulous friends.

But I'm edging towards a dog this time - probably as part of the desperation to have something completely different to my wonderful old girl so I don't get caught comparing all of the time.

Breeding is no concern for me. A bitch would be spayed as soon as is safe with regards to growth, urine continence etc be that before or after 1st season (I've seen too many nasty pyos to be convinced otherwise)
A dog I'm happy to leave longer but ultimately would also be neutered so I don't have to worry about any wanders or socialising with the ladies.

So anyone have strong opinions either way?

I have a few few friends with dogs who, which appear house trained, still.mark occasionally away from their home. Namely when coming to my house and obviously still being able to smell where my girl had been. So that worries me a bit but presuming it's largely a training issue?

One of the main reasons for getting a pup is so I can try and do the socialisation thing right from the word go - we will do puppy classes and adolescent classes at the very least. My terrier bitch came to me at a few months old and was terrible with other dogs. I know this was a socialisation issue but does worry me as was hard work at times. Do dogs tend to be more easy going? Or is that just down to good socialisation from the start (and perhaps a little luck)

Ideas and opinions please?

I've never had a dog, always bitches and 5 out of 7 horses were geldings. Just my preference.
My own bitch had an issue with incontinence after being spayed, used to leak half a teaspoon worth every now and then so we put her on tablets which made her cock her leg when she had a wee, but solved the problem inside the house and stopped her leaking.

Current bitch belonging to partner really, she used to hump the pillows or the duvet when it got in her way but this was when we first had her and she was a rescue, and even now some 6 years later if she feels the duvet between her back legs she will do the humping motion. Apparently this is to do with their being excited and its never been compulsive even when we first had her.

 

[JoannaC]

I find this thread interesting because I've only had bitches, and all have been Labs. I've always found them to be easy, affectionate, and happy golucky. Now I'm wondering what it'd be like to have a dog ?

We got a dog Lab this time and whilst he is a big softy he has been far more challenging than the bitches. More bitey, destructive and manic in the house and a bit of an escape artist, I only have to turn my back for a minute and he's in next doors fields whereas my bitch just stays with me wherever I go. On the plus side he has a fabulous temperament and is very trainable so i'm sure once he matures he's going to be just as lovely as the girls but I think he'll be my first and last boy

 

[Michen]

I really dislike the constant weeing and cocking of a leg from dogs. So I'll stick with my dainty little princess bitch

 

[Mynstrel]

If you've not had multiple bitches previously, be aware that if 2 girls don't get on they REALLY don't get on. A dog will just do as he's told ?

A friend of ours breeds BTs and keeps both dogs and bitches. They're all cracking little dogs with no real pointers for or against either sex so I'd be tempted to see which pup chooses you. Like any breed training plays a big part in the dog you end up with.

 

[Clodagh]

Humping isn’t something I would factor in a decision. None of our dogs or bitches have ever humped.
I’ve only had bitches as my own dogs but OH always had both and when I met him had two entire terrier dogs living in the house and 3 dogs and 2 bitches outside.
You also don’t have to let them sniff and mark at every pee.

 

[blackcob]

Small dog has humped exactly once, when he was overcome with lust towards a hound bitch pup who was completely terrified of him. He was extracted from her leg, told firmly to knock it off and has managed to restrain himself ever since. No need for sex or piddle pests!

 

[Welshy]

Thanks for so many replies again!

I feel like I'm swaying back towards a bitch again,but ideally I would like to let the pup choose me. I keep an eye on various for sale sites and there is nothing at all less than about 120 miles from me so when it comes to it, it may be an overnight job. I thought they would be more popular but I suppose the designer doodles and things have taken over a bit.

I definitely won't rush into spaying (if a bitch), happy to let her grow and mature a bit first but ultimately not neutering isn't an option for me.

Next thing consider is the health testing. It seems like slem is the main concern so would be wanting parents rested for that. Not sure if pups get tested before sale?