It is widely believed that female dogs make better pets. Females as a preference just seem to be ingrained in people. 9 out of 10 phones calls that I get are for people wanting a “sweet tiny little girl that will want to cuddle and just be loved”. Most people do not believe that females display alpha or dominant behaviors such as mounting, humping or marking. I have found that people believe that females are more docile and much more attentive and do not get involved in the “who” is the most dominant fight, “the pissing contest”.
Well, let me tell you that this is not true; they do not call a female dog a “Bitch” for nothing!
Just as with males there tends to be one or more dominant or assertive females when in a pack. Just like males, the dominant female will mark, dominate and hump. The dominant female in a pack is also the one that will keep the order, not the male. As a result, the female will be more independent, stubborn and territorial than a male. If a fight is to break out it will usually be between the dominant females. From my own personal experience, it is the female that rules the roost. There is a reason people use the technical term “bitch” in a negative way, it refers directly to the behavior that is exhibited by the females of the dog world.
Males are usually very affectionate, attentive and less moody. Males tend to be very attached to their people. Males tend to be more outgoing and accepting of new pet additions and quicker to accept children. Just as with men, boy dogs are easily motivated by food, which makes training much easier. However, intact males can be more easily distracted during training, either by a female in season or just by wanting to play. Just as with men, boy dogs tend to like to play more and just don’t want to grow up. Male dogs act like puppies longer. Boys tend to be fun loving until the day they die and females tend to be more reserved almost dignified as they age. Females will usually come to you when they need something or want attention while the males will usually be right at your side.
In most breeds the males tend to get a bit bigger but in the Chihuahua’s I find that this is not true, males and females are equally small and if anything, it is the female that tends to be a bit bigger, if bred correctly and for improving the breed according to the standard. Please beware there are a lot of the so called “Teacup Breeders” out there but it takes a well planned breeding program to keep them on the smaller side of the Breed Standard from generation to generation. Please read The Teacup Myth, this is a must read.
Neutered males very rarely exhibit sexual behavior such as humping or dominant behavior such as leg lifting or marking. Once the testosterone levels have receded after being neutered most of these behaviors will disappear. For best results, (health and size permitting) boys should be neuter by 6 months of age, this usually insures that they don’t ever lift their leg to urinate or mark.
Females also go into heat unless spayed. Dominant females that are intact will leg lift and mark their territory just like an intact male, I even have a little girl that was spayed at 8 months old, prior to going into heat and she will walk around the yard and lift on ever bush and tree. If one of my other dogs takes a poop she will run over and pee on it right away. Females that are not spayed will have the seasonal heat that happens twice a year, this usually last for a whole month each time. Not only will she be miserable but she will be extremely moody and will drive every male in the neighborhood crazy. I even had one female that was my little baby and was inseparable from me until she had her first heat at 14 months and from that time on she did not want to spend time with me anymore. She only wanted to be with my husband. While she was in heat she would camp out on his lap and not move, but if I came near him she would growl. If you are not planning on breeding, you would be best to spay her before her first heat. If you don’t be prepared that during the time she is in heat she will leave a bloody discharge on the carpet, the couches, and the bed and on your clothing. She will be moody and emotional during this time. Ladies does this sound familiar? If you take her for a walk during this time it can become very hazardous. If a male dog is nearby you can count on him catching her scent. Do not be surprised if they follow you and the scent back to your yard and campout for days and howl. Intact females are also more prone to infections, female problems and cancer. Intact males also have a greater chance of getting testicular cancer.
To sum it all up, males are just as sweet if not more so than females and if the big concern is marking than neuter him before the testosterone comes in and you will have yourself your female without all the moody swings.
So before you decide on the age old dilemma of male or female, keep in mind that every dog is a unique and special little individual and no matter which you choose, boy or girl Chihuahuas are bred to be in home companions that require lots of intimacy, love, attention and all the respect that they deserve. In my opinion you will never find a more faithful and loving breed and as they say, “Chihuahuas are like potato chips, you can’t just have one”.
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