Dog or bitch?

[EglantineP]

So we're on the list for several working cocker litters (yes, i do know how high energy wcs are, have done a lot of research!), one lot has already been born but only a dog is available. Dh, for purely emotional reasons, is keener on a bitch. Does it actually make a big difference? We would have the puppy neutered/spayed. Thank you

[missbattenburg]

There is an old saying that goes "If you want a good dog, get a dog. If you want a great one, get a bitch and hope for the best"

I don't know how true that is but I left it to fate to decide what I had and I got a dog. I think he is the funniest, most stupid doofus I ever saw. In honesty, I was a little bit glad he was a he as it meant I don't have to worry about seasons or spaying (which is more invasive than neutering).

If you get a dog, you might want to take advice on when and whether to neuter because there is some good science coming through that suggests doing it early (if at all) may not be best for all dogs - both physically and mentally. Obs it is your choice, I just wanted to mention it so you could look it up.

[tabulahrasa]

The right breeder is way more important than the sex of the dog.

[BiteyShark]

I preferred a dog as I didn't like the idea of managing any seasons or phantom pregnancies to be honest but if a bitch had come along instead then I would have probably 'just got on with it'. Other than that I guess the only difference might be size with a boy being slightly bigger but working cockers vary so much in size anyway.

[Oops4]

Based purely on my experience and with no scientific reason what so ever, I have found boys easier. My girls have always been a bit more "on their terms".

[foofooyeah]

I wanted a bitch having grown up with a dog aggressive dog. But we got a dog who is fortunately completely non aggressive. I did get him neutered at about 8 months which some people say is too early, but it seems to have worked for us.

[FittyPheasant]

I have bitches, I live in an all male household and I felt outnumbered so I have evened the score . They are the best girls you could imagine and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Seasons are a minor inconvenience and I haven’t had them spayed yet (puppies still).

[Trampire]

My DH wanted a bitch as that's what he had growing up. I had a dog. I didn't really mind.

After nearly a year of waiting on a proper breeder, her Border Terrier bitch had a small litter in the end, born by caesarian and one bitch pup died :(

The reeder rang to say we had no choice, dog or nothing. We gladly took the dog! Dog is coming up for 3 and both me and DH are head over heels insanely in love with him.

Long and the short of it is, I don't mind! I'm glad I don't have to deal with the seasons though but that's the only thing I can think of.

[JaimeLannister]

I've heard that boys are more ' I love you' and girls are more 'You love me.'

I totally think it's down to the individual dog. I have had 3 dogs and 2 bitches.

[Whatdoiladymcbeth]

I have three bitches! I find bitches to be more loyal but are certainly more iffy, in that they tend to have a bit more spirit than dogs.

I have three bitches purely by accident but they’re lovely. The spaying is really hard. I’ve had issues with all three of them, on had the old fashioned stitches which had to be removed by hand- she was not best pleased! Another had a skin infection around the wound and the last appears to have ovarian remanent syndrome which is where the vet accidentally leaves part of the reproductive system in and unfortunately if she does have this she will neee investigative surgery to find it. Whereas with the boys it’s a nice and easy snip.

I’ve had dogs in the past and they’re definitely a bit more docile and will put up with a bit more than females.

My next dog will be male.

[rose69]

Be careful about golden ones. They are
Prone to rages.

[Luckingfovely]

Completely depends on the dog itself. If you are having it done either way it really shouldn't matter. The breeders and the parents are far more important.

Cockers are lovely either way you have so much fun ahead!

[Ylvamoon]

I find bitches to be more loyal but are certainly more iffy, in that they tend to have a bit more spirit than dogs.

I couldn't have said it any better! I have bitches and a dog. All same breed. The girls are definitely a bunch of divas with huge personalities while my boy is the daft, soppy and always under the thumb! The girls do outshine him on most occasions but he is the crowd pleaser when we go for walks. (Even though he is big and clumsy with serious hearing issues, but whoever he gets close to usually falls in love with him )

[Elphame]

Welsh terrier bitches are definitely more feisty than the boys. I've always had male dogs.

[LaGattaNera]

I've had 3 dogs and one bitch - always rescues and just the way it worked out. At one point had 2 greyhounds - one of each. She was extremely clever and a bit manipulative, adored me but only me and quite independent. All my boys have been generally more affectionate and loving to a wider circle of people and dare I say it not quite as clever but to be fair that is based on just one bitch. I have no preference and always took the dog the most in need although with my girl, she ran up to me and chose me
Now just have one dog, a patterdale and he is like a doggy teddy bear.

[Whatdoiladymcbeth]

Moon-

The girls are very much divas! I must say I love the sound of your dog. One of mine seems to have the same charm as yours, just has people fall at her feet. Not sure why she’s a PITA must be a big dog thing.

[ILoveAntButHateDec]

A bitch - every time!

[EglantineP]

thanks everyone, the jury's obviously split on this one. I don't care, we definitely have found a good breeder so I may show this thread to dh and see if he can be persuaded. We're getting drip drip photos and videos of the puppy from the breeder and I think he's already being persuaded.. No doubt i'll be on here a lot in following months, asking what have I done.

[honeyroar]

I've had a pretty much split mixture over the years. The girls generally have been cleverer (often in a cunning type way), greedier, enjoyed cuddles most. The boys have been loving and possibly more fun (great game players, more athletic), and more inclined to wander off if they get the chance. I've loved every single one of both sexes.

[FittyPheasant]

I would add that it may come down to do you like your lawn or your shrubs. We had an amazing lush green lawn, then we got to bitches 😳

[papayasareyum]

my vet says bitches are far easier to train and better at toilet training too

[Floralnomad]

I’ve got a dog , as a family we’ve had an equal mix of dogs and bitches and although they have all been lovely all the bitches have been snappy with strangers / vets etc yet the boys have all been lovely . We specifically wanted a dog .

[Wolfiefan]

I have a bitch. Many of the boy puppies I know are hormonal monsters at the moment. Not all vets have the same policy on neutering males. Girls are generally neutered to avoid pyometra but would have at least one season first.
Boy puppies tend to have doofus traits.
Girls are calculating!

[Catsrus]

Over the years I've had both, to date 6 dogs and five bitches. Currently got one of each. I knew I wanted a bitch this time round as I wanted an animal with a bit more of an independent streak. My boys have tended to be more clingy I don't believe my daughters who say it's all my fault and it's a good job I never had sons . My newest girl is an 8 month old Golden retriever bitch, very loving but happy to be left, amuses herself beats up the terrier boy who worships her . My experience of bitches is that they are less needy.

[Greyhorses]

Both my male dogs have been very much go with anyone independent types.
Both bitches have been very loving and clingy and wouldn’t leave me ever again if they had too.

I think the dogs were easier to train than the bitches however one dog was quite dominant and one bitch nervous aggressive so I think that’s temperament.

Seasons are a pain but I’m not sure a testosterone fuelled male would be any easier and seasons are shorter than a male dog growing up!

Not really a scientific study but given the choice I would go bitch.

[Sloegin2]

I have two bitches, both are lovely and loyal - cuddly, well trained and love each other as well as us/the kids to bits!