Boy or girl lab puppy?!

[Georgia1983]

Hi, i’ve never owned a dog but always loved labradors. We now have the option to select a boy or a girl puppy from a local litter of pedigree labs. The pups are beautiful!

How do I choose which sex? I’m weighing up the pros and cons of each:

girls - cons are but more expensive, dealing with seasons, more expensive spaying and longer recovery time. Pros - maybe bit more docile?

Boys - cons are maybe more energetic and boisterous, may run off more and mark territory. But pros are bit cheaper, cheaper to neuter and less recovery time from op. Plus maybe if neutered at young age may overcome a lot of cons.

I’m not looking to breed. Whichever I choose will be a very well loved family pet. I should also say I have 3 children - 9, 7 and 3. They adore dogs.

Which would you go for? Thanks in advance! X

Your evidence is debunking the dominance theory in regards to training; I agree with this completely. Dogs do have more complex reasons for motivating behaviours than simply just status.
However, I may be wrong as I've only had a quick read but I cannot see anything that suggests that dominance behaviour doesn't exist.

Trust me it doesn't in a dogs world Loads of studies of dogs have shown that dominance does not happen in groups of dogs.

I have 3 boys. They are nuts but I love them to pieces

I completely disagree but even if it was conclusively proven without doubt, I'd still recommend bitches, simply for size and faster maturation

all from show pedigree labs

Perhaps I'm wrong but I was always under the impression a good breeder charges the same amount for all puppies and helps each new owner to pick the puppy based on personality and not sex.

I was on waiting lists for mine and specified boy before born.

II completely disagree but even if it was conclusively proven without doubt, I'd still recommend bitches, simply for size and faster maturation*

For all breeds?

Tbf it's rude to assume gender

I've owned 2 boys and one girl (sighthounds). Girl has been by far the least docile, most intelligent, most entitled but also the most loving and biggest personality (think you can tell who is my favourite). Not sure it has anything to do with sex, though.

One thing I've heard said on here is, 'If you want a good dog, get a dog. If you want a great dog, get a bitch and hope for the best'

bluebluezoo, Based on OPs family, I'd recommend firstly a lab and then a female every time. That's not to say I'd never recommend another breed or indeed a male dog in different circumstances. I just think in this case a female would be a better choice, although as I have said before, a male lab would still make an excellent family pet. It's just my opinion, but based on proven differences between the two sexes.

Thank you all - I really appreciate your insights. It’s so helpful to hear your experiences. I was thinking boy but now i’m thinking girl as it sounds like a girl will fit into our family life really well. But for some reason my head is saying girl, but my heart is saying boy! Maybe I should just tell the owner to pick for me 🤦‍♀️.

One final question, if I may? Is there any difference in training either sex? Are girls more biddable? Or is there nothing in it? I’m not trying to be controversial - genuinely interested in others’ experiences. Thank you x

Get one of each!

I found my male was more willing, he was a trier, always wanting to please, but my girl learned more quickly.

Having said that, its a bit like toddlers - they all get there in the end!

I have always had labs, a better breed you will not find and tbh, the difference between boys and girls is negligible. They both have fab attributes.

Enjoy😁

I have a boy and a girl lab. Very different personalities. My boy is much much more cuddly.

Thank you! I wish we could have one of each 😁. I’ve always loved labs, and always thought if I was going to get a dog I’d have a lab. Lovely to hear such positive reports!

Typically, girls will be somewhat easier to train, because they mature faster and are likely to be less distracted. But Labradors are biddable by nature so either sex should take to training quickly. They are very food focused so as long as you have a treat, they'll probably listen
If you have the choice of a few puppies, a quick test is to hold them on their back like a baby, with one hand on their chest. Those that wriggle are probably going to be independent and those that are more settled will often be the more biddable natured. Obviously this test isn't 100% accurate but can give a good indication of future personality.
Ultimately though, as long as you give the dog the right socialization and training, you cannot go wrong with a lab.