Male dogs vs female?

[doggyteaparty]

Planning on getting a dog next year, it's been a long time coming but definitely feels like now is the time to be able to give a dog a great life.

However we aren't sure whether we should get a male or female dog. PIL have a bitch and they keep telling us there's a significant difference between her and their last dog (male). They constantly had issues with him on walks, aggressive with other dogs etc.

We have two small children and I certainly don't want any more stress added into the mix when out in the forest walking.

Is this a thing? Either way we'd get the dog neutered or spayed.

Thanks in advance for any info

Only things I've noticed that can't be put down to breed or character:
Bitches - seasons which can range from a mild irritation to a complete PITA. Bearing in mind it is usually recommended large dogs (of either sex) aren't neutered till they are older - mine is 18 months and on her 3rd - and sometimes it is contraindicated.
Dog - incessant marking. Also allegedly more prone to wandering - true in our dogs case.
Both are mitigated by neutering though, well, definitely the bitches, probably the dogs.