Deciding between a male and female pup

[BallyGoBackwards]

We are getting a pup next week. We had decided on a female but now when I have to take my pick from the litter I am doubting my decision.

Anyone offer any pro's or con's??

[Hoppinggreen]

We have had 2 males and a female ( golden retrievers)
The boys cocked their legs up everything and used to make a break for it whenever a bitch was in heat, even after being castrated. They were both very cuddly
The female was much naughtier generally and chewed more. More independent as well.
They all have their own personalities though so gender guarantees nothing.

[MrsMarigold]

I prefer females - our males all had to lick their penises constantly.

[tabulahrasa]

Girls go in season, which can be a big hassle, boys pee on every bush they can manage to which is annoying...other than that, really it just depends on the individual personality.

I prefer boys, I think they're more laidback - but when I got the current dog I'd have had a bitch from the right breeder over a dog from one that wasn't, because I know that really it's not that important.

[BallyGoBackwards]

Thanks all. I think I will stay with my decision. I have always had male dogs before so I was opting for the female this time based on the "cocking of the leg" driving me mad and the penis in general.

[tabulahrasa]

Well girls lick their bits too and while some are great at keeping themselves clean during a season, others literally bleed all over your house...

Basically dogs are disgusting, whether they're male or female, lol.

[LoathsomeDrab]

Personally I'd go for personality over gender, especially if you don't have another dog to fit around.

Just to warn you, if the leg cocking is an issue, my bitch cocks her leg more than my three dogs do!

[BinarySolo]

Shouldn't be much difference from a well bred litter apart from what others have already said.

Having said that my dog is a lot less 'complicated' than my bitch.

[BallyGoBackwards]

See thats the thing with personality. Hard to tell at such a young age. I have pick of the litter but I am travelling to another part of country so dont have lots of opportunity to spend time sussing out the pups.

[tabulahrasa]

If your breeder is any good they should have grilled you about what you want and be suggesting a puppy which will suit you rather than just letting you pick.

[mrslaughan]

I think you should ask the breeder if she notices much difference between the boys and girls in this breed. I know with ours the females are more wilful shall we say, boys more devoted.

[LoathsomeDrab]

In that case I'd ask the breeder for their advice. If I was having a pup from a litter I wasn't able to spend much time with beforehand then I'd ask the breeder to pick which one they thought would be the best fit for me.

[BallyGoBackwards]

Thanks again everyone