Boys V Girls

Which Do I Prefer: Male or Female Dogs?
I’m asked this question time and time again, so I thought it would be helpful to write a blog about it.
The honest answer is that my preference depends very much on the breed.
With Vizslas, I would choose males every day of the week—and I’ll explain why. With French Bulldogs, however, I tend to prefer females. Braccos are different again. I would probably lean towards females, although I have one exceptional male Bracco called Geralt, and honestly, no dog can touch his awesomeness! That said, he was certainly a challenge when he was young.
Of course, every dog is an individual, and there are always exceptions. These are simply my personal experiences with the breeds I know and love.

Vizsla

So, why do I say I prefer male Vizslas?
I have always found male Vizslas easier to live with. If you are looking for a working gundog, females may often be keener and more driven. However, hormones can play a significant part in a female’s life, and that is not always helpful.
Male Vizslas often seem to housetrain more quickly. They tend to be keen to learn without having the same level of sensitivity that some females can show, which can make training feel more straightforward.
They are incredibly affectionate and will love you to the moon and back, but they can also learn to relax when needed. They have the energy you want, when you want it, but they also have a lovely ability to settle. Once trained, many will happily go off for a nap while you get on with your day.
There is no need to castrate a male simply because he has reached adolescence. Like human teenagers, young male dogs can go through a confusing stage during puberty. They may experience a second fear period and can temporarily become uncertain or distracted. However, if you support them calmly through this stage, they often mature into wonderfully steady dogs.
I have entire males living and running together, and they have a fantastic time. They enjoy one another’s company and, in my experience, there is no reason why males cannot live peacefully together.


Female Vizslas-I have some lovely female Vizslas, but I have found that it can take longer for them to mature into the easy, settled adults they eventually become.
Females can be more sensitive and may become reserved or hesitant. Sometimes they can pull back from training or simply decide that they would rather do something else. Many do not necessarily want an endlessly active lifestyle; they can prefer doing things on their own terms.
So, if you are a keen jogger or want a dog that is always ready to get up and go, I would generally suggest considering a male Vizsla.
One advantage of females is that they are usually smaller in the home.
Females can suffer with hormonal coat, where they loose fur and look bald down the side. Males generally do not get this, unless they have a hormonal imbalance.  Spaying is usually the way forward if your bitch has hormonal coats. 

It does not benefit any bitch to be bred from. Just getting that in, as the breed has risks in breeding, and I cant count on one hand the amount of bitches who have died after C Sections in Vizsla.  They are a sensitive breed.   Same applies to males it does not benefit them to have just one bitch to mate.  This is an old concept and their is no basis for it. 

However, hormones can have a significant effect. If you choose not to spay early, you may need to manage several seasons before making that decision. This can mean adjusting your routine, avoiding certain walks and dealing with bleeding and mood changes.
Some females also experience phantom pregnancies after a season. These can last for several weeks and may involve mood changes, milk production and signs of depression. It can be upsetting to see, particularly when you are waiting until the appropriate age for spaying.
It is also important to remember that Vizslas are a hunting breed. They are not usually shy about expressing themselves, and if they do not want to be jumped on or climbed over, they may react. This does not make them bad dogs; it simply means they need to be understood and respected.
Females can be absolutely wonderful once they reach five years and beyond and have properly calmed down.
Which Vizsla is right for you?In my experience, if you are an active family looking for a dog that is ready to get up and go, a male may suit you best.
If you have a quieter lifestyle and want a dog that is less demanding physically, a female may be the better choice.  
With a male, you generally do not have to put your life on hold because of seasons. With a female, you may need to make more adjustments at certain times of the year.

You can work either male or female. Males you do not have seasons to worry about and lots of people prefer to work males. But in most breeds the keener dog is the female. 

Braccos

Male Braccos are like racehorses: big, majestic and incredibly loyal.
However, I have found that males can be more likely to run off during adolescence than females. Females often seem more biddable and trainable, whereas males can have shorter attention spans and may be more easily distracted.
That said, male Braccos are wonderfully affectionate and can be extremely devoted. They often want to be with their people all the time, which means they may not be ideal for homes where they will be left alone for long periods.
Females, on the other hand, often seem more independent. They can get on with life whatever is happening around them—even if that simply means spending the day relaxing in the garden. Overall, I have found my female Braccos easier than my males.
I have also heard people say that colour can influence temperament within the breed. In particular, I have been told that chestnut dogs with more white can be harder to manage. I am still undecided about whether there is any truth in that or whether it is simply an old wives’ tale. I would be interested to hear other people’s experiences.
One challenge with Bracco females is that they can experience phantom pregnancies after every season. This can mean milk production, mood changes and depression. Their seasons may also vary over time, sometimes becoming more frequent, which can make managing them more complicated.
As always, decisions about spaying and the timing of any procedure should be discussed carefully with your vet, taking the individual dog’s health, age and circumstances into account.


French Bulldogs

With French Bulldogs, I tend to prefer females.
Females can be opinionated and stubborn, but they are often easier to manage overall. Males, on the other hand, are usually loving, entertaining idiots who adore their people completely!
Male Frenchies can be a little more sensitive or tetchy with unfamiliar dogs. We also need to remember their heritage when considering their behaviour and how the breed was developed. They were bred from dogs with the courage and strength to barge, jump and hold onto cattle. Some French Bulldogs still possess a very strong character and are not simply the cute little faces looking up at us.
Males often love their humans more than life itself. They tend to follow you everywhere and want to be involved in everything you do.
Females can be a little more aloof and independent. They may follow you when they believe it benefits them, rather than simply because you have stood up and walked into another room! They often settle more easily and can be very content in their own company.
French Bulldog females should generally be spayed at an appropriate stage of maturity, following advice from your vet. In my experience, they do not tend to suffer from phantom pregnancies in the same way as Vizslas and Braccos.
My final thoughtsThere is no perfect answer when it comes to choosing between a male and a female dog. Breed, temperament, breeding, socialisation and the individual dog all play a part.
My preferences are based on my own experiences:

• Vizslas: I generally prefer males.
• Braccos: I usually find females easier, although Geralt is an extraordinary exception.
• French Bulldogs: I tend to prefer females, while males are often more affectionate and comical.

The most important thing is to choose the right individual dog for your lifestyle—not simply a particular sex. A good breeder should be able to help match you with a puppy whose temperament and energy levels suit your family.

If I was not a breeder I can safely say my house would be full of nothing but male Vizsla. Yes I really mean that.