When considering getting a new dog, many pet owners are conflicted about whether to add a male or a female furry companion to their family.
Their decisions are often based on their past experiences with a dog, other pet owners’ recommendations, availability, and other factors.
That said, love, proper care, and training are essential for the dog’s personality development, in most cases even more than their biological factors.
Still, many people are prone to gender stereotypes and, as a result, develop a preference for getting a new pet. So, why are female dogs more popular? Let’s get into details in this article.
Why Are Female Dogs More Popular?
As there are differences between the sexes in humans, there are also personality differences between female and male dogs.
Many people prefer getting a female dog as they are potentially easier to train, friendlier to strangers, protective towards children, less aggressive, and less demanding.
Personality Differences Between Male and Female Dogs
According to my research which included other rescuers and fosters, there is a conclusion that people tend to gravitate more to female dogs.
So, what are the personality differences between female and male pups? Here are some factors contributing to people often choosing girls over boy dogs.
Breeding
Many people decide to go for female dogs as they want to breed adorable new puppies. One healthy female dog can reproduce many offspring, which is why they are often in demand.
However, even though this sounds logical, it only needs to be done through a special breeding program, testing, and proper care for their health.
Less aggressive
Plenty of dog owners also prefer female dogs as they are often more relaxed than their male counterparts and less aggressive in terms of interacting with strangers and exhibiting territorial spraying habits.
Also, female dogs are more likely to befriend pets you already have in your home, while male canines are often more independent. This is especially beneficial for people living in areas with many children and dogs in the neighborhood.
Biting is also more associated with male dogs, and they are more likely to become aggressive due to high testosterone levels. However, please remember that this can also be the case for female dogs when provoked.
Unaltered male canines are also more prone to marking and humping behavior. While aggression can be a problem for a dog of any breed and gender, it is more apparent in unneutered males.
Less demanding to train
Male puppies are known to be more playful, protective, and receptive, meaning they are easy to train. However, the same applies to female breeds, which also mature much faster than male dogs.
Studies have shown that female pups are often focused on details, cooperative, and less likely to get distracted.
In addition, female dogs are not prone to roaming around and getting away. They tend to create a bond with their owner much easier than male puppies. However, at the same time, they can be more demanding in terms of attention.
Protective towards children
Dogs are not only the human’s best friend; strong male pups are also very protective of their owners. That said, female dogs seem to show children affection, while males see them as their playmates.
The reason for this is mainly due to maternal instinct, making female puppies a good option for families with small children. Females also produce more cortisol and serotonin, making them caring and loving.
Easier to potty train
Female pups can hold their bladder for much longer than males, and they are easier to potty train, which is another reason many people opt for them.
Male dogs often lift their legs when walking with the owner, while female dogs are prone to taking one long pee. Therefore, owners who struggle with potty training their dogs frequently opt for female dogs.
Are Female Dogs a Good Option for Your Lifestyle?
The answer to why female dogs are more popular than males generally lies in the factors mentioned above in this article.
That said, if you are unsure whether a female dog is a right choice for you at the moment, there are some disadvantages that you also need to consider.
Female dogs are more expensive to buy and neuter and have a longer heat cycle. They also have a greater tendency to get nervous, anxious, and moody.
In addition, unspayed females are prone to breast cancer, whereas spayed ones are susceptible to urinary tract infections. They have their period every six months and demand constant diaper changes.
What Does Science Say?
There is little evidence from gender-scientific research on whether female and male dogs are better pets. Hence, their behavior is mainly affected by their breed and their surroundings.
You can make your dog a great companion by making them socialize and giving them needed love and attention.
According to studies, female canines have a survival advantage among neutered dogs, but males have an advantage in survival among intact dogs.
Female dogs tend to mature much faster, which is why they are easier to train in most cases.
Hormones also influence their behavior, but spaying affects the development of traits often associated with their sex.
Vets and dog trainers also recommend pet owners look for a dog whose energy levels and demeanor fit well with their lifestyle.
An important influence on their personality is how they are trained and what they are exposed to through life. Evidence also shows that most canines tend to get along better with dogs of the opposite sex.
Conclusion
So, why are female dogs more popular? Well, I hope you have discovered the answer by reading this article, and this concludes the article about it.
While the reason is often due to generalized personality tendencies, some of the assumptions turn out to be true in some cases.
If you are wondering whether a female or male furry companion will work better for your lifestyle, the most important thing to note is that regardless of gender, any dog can make your life better and be loving, obedient, and attentive if it is given proper care and training.