Are male and female dogs really that different? I’ve come across this question several times in my research. Pet parents like you and I often ask this question when deciding whether to bring a new pup into the mix. It is also something those new to dog ownership often ponder, wondering if one might be easier to care for than the other. Is there a significant difference between male and female dogs? Sit back and learn more about this fascinating subject with me.
Are There Any Real Differences In Male vs Female Dogs?
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Are male and female dogs really that different? Yes, they are different, but that does not make one better than the other. Sex hormones play a role in a dog’s personality, temperament, and physical appearance, but breed and environment also play a huge part.
Physical Differences
Male and female dogs are different in a few ways. The most obvious is their anatomy. Beyond that, there are other physical differences. In general, male dogs tend to be larger than females of the same breed, and they also typically have larger heads and thicker necks than females. Male dogs tend to weigh more and stand taller than females of the same breed. Males have a broader build and are more muscular.
Behavioral Differences
Along with anatomical and physical differences, some behavioral differences are seen between male and female dogs.
Female pups tend to mature faster than males. Because of their quicker maturity rate, females are often more responsive to training at a younger age. This difference may be part of the widespread belief that females are easier to train. Because they mature faster, a female dog and a male dog of the same age may behave quite differently. It also makes it easier for females to housetrain. This earlier maturity contributes to the idea that male dogs are more playful, as they often keep these puppy-like qualities longer than females.
Dogs that are left intact display a different set of behaviors than those that go through the spay and neuter process. There are significant hormonal differences between male and female dogs. However, females are said to be a bit calmer, less excitable, and more independent. While they mature faster than males and tend to pick up training earlier, female dogs can also be quite stubborn.
Female dogs become attached to particular people and are quite affectionate. However, male dogs tend to seek out that attention and reassurance more. They are also said to be clingier than females. Again, this is in general terms; plenty of female pups are very affectionate and seek out human companionship and attention. This is likely one of the things that is generalized but is more likely determined by a dog’s environment and personality rather than sex. Spaying and neutering reduce some of the mating behaviors triggered by hormones.
Who’s More Aggressive, Male Or Female Dogs?
Intact pups are more aggressive than those that have been spayed or neutered. That said, intact males are the most aggressive compared to both female and neutered male dogs. In some cases, spaying a female dog can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior. However, I must point out that each dog is an individual. Their breed, environment, training level, and personality play into aggression and temperament. Along with that, breed and genetics play a role. So, there is no clear answer to whether male or female dogs are more aggressive.
Learn more about aggressive dog breeds in our guide.
Male dogs tend to be more territorial, protective, and competitive than females. Some say male dogs are also more affectionate towards their owners than females, but this depends on the dog and owner. Males are more prone to being territorial but also more inclined to seek out new places and test physical boundaries. Male pups are also more likely to engage in humping behavior than females. Contrary to popular belief, humping is not always sexual behavior in dogs. It can be a way of trying to get attention, be playful, or territorial. Females do engage in humping behavior, but it is something much more prevalent in male pups.
Male vs Female Dogs Greeting Differences
The differences between male and female dogs have been studied over many years in various settings. Research has shown that there are some differences in the way the different sexes behave and interact with each other. One is the way that they greet one another. Females tend to smell another dog’s face first, with a sniff or lick. Male pups tend to go the other way and greet by sniffing the behind first. Of course, an intact female pup in heat will be much more forceful in her greeting and may exhibit various other mating behaviors not often seen in fixed pups.
Male vs Female Dogs Health
Generally speaking, male and female dogs are equally healthy. However, intact males and females are at a higher risk for problems in the reproductive area and serious medical conditions. For females, these include pyometra (infection of the uterus) and mammary tumors. Unneutered male dogs can also develop health conditions, including testicular tumors, hernia, and prostatic diseases, at a higher rate.
Learn more about what it costs to spay or neuter a dog in our guides.
Female pups tend to be slightly less expensive to insure than males when all other factors are the same. Several factors contribute to this; however, largely, it is due to the larger body size of male dogs and the higher incidence of risky behavior and accidents. Along with that, some medical issues, like prostate disease and some cancers, tend to affect male dogs at higher rates. Pet insurance is worth looking into, as it can help make access to care less expensive in an emergency or case of long-term illness, regardless of your pup’s sex. Learn more about pet insurance, what it covers, and how to choose the right company in our Is Pet Insurance Worth It guide.
Male vs Female Dogs: What The Research Says
Researchers have documented some sex differences in dogs, similar to those observed in wild animals. A 2018 research paper by Italian researchers focused on several areas of behavioral and perceptual differences between male and female canines.
- A review of research and available data found that male dogs show more boldness and aggressiveness than females.
- Female dogs have more intraspecific sociability than males, meaning they are more cooperative in social interactions that involve tasks; males are more prone to interspecific social play.
- Male dogs are better at spatial skills like navigating outdoors, and females are better at spatial tasks in smaller, more restricted areas.
- Female dogs focus more on specific visual stimuli, while males switch focus more quickly.
- Male dogs have higher distractibility than females, but females are often more excitable.
- Male dogs are more prone to engage in social play with humans, but females are more cooperative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions pet parents ask about male vs female dogs. It’s a wide subject, so if I missed yours, just let me know in the comments.
Is It Better To Get A Female Or Male Dog?
The answer to this is largely circumstantial and depends upon the specific dog and your preference. All dogs are individuals, so you cannot determine how well a new pooch fits into the family based on sex alone.
Which Dog Is Friendlier, Male Or Female?
Both male and female dogs can be quite friendly. A good majority of people report that they find male dogs to be more affectionate and playful, whereas female dogs are affectionate but less attention-seeking. There really is no way to determine if male or female dogs are friendlier because much of this depends on a dog’s personality, breed, training, and the specific situation they are in. Just like all dogs can show aggression, they can be quite friendly as long as they feel safe and comfortable. If you want a highly affectionate pup, the breed will likely play a larger role than sex. These 25 dog breeds tend to be more affectionate than others.
Are Female Dogs Calmer Than Males?
In many cases, female pups are observed to be gentle, calm, and less attention-seeking than males. Due to their faster maturation rate, female pups tend to be easier to train at a younger age, which helps keep them calm. That said, there are plenty of female dogs that are very hyper and male dogs that are very calm. While there is some scientific research to back this, it is far too general of an area to claim that female dogs are always calmer than males.
Are Male Or Female Dogs More Loyal?
Males and females are equally loyal. While males may tend to be more protective and females more maternal, both are quite loyal. This personality trait can be more attributed to breed, care, and training than to a dog’s sex.
Do Male Or Female Dogs Live Longer?
Female dogs tend to live a little longer than males, about six months on average. Neutered males live about a year longer than intact dogs and spayed females live about a year and a half longer than those who have not been spayed.
Our Personal Experience With Male vs Female Dogs
I have owned many different dogs, both male and female. Though there is a widespread belief that male dogs are leaders or tend to be more aggressive, I have actually found the opposite with my pups. All my female dogs have taken up the leader of the pack role. This is true regardless of size or breed.
At one point, I had three pups; one was a five-pound female Chihuahua, and the other two were Labrador Pitbull mixes, one male and one female. While the male dog clearly took on the protector role, the Chihuahua was the leader of the pack. She was very clearly in charge, and the other dogs looked up to her and looked to her for guidance. My current two, a female Labrador mix and a male Poodle mix, get along very well together. Again, my female dog tends to be the leader of the pack. So much so that when I take them for walks, she leads the way, and my male dog is happy to allow her to do so. This may be related to their size. She weighs about 80 lbs., and he weighs about 25. He is quite vocal, protective, and at times even slightly aggressive towards strangers, but she is clearly in charge.
Just about every dog parent I asked had an opinion, and they were all based on personal experience. Many said they found female dogs calmer and less likely to misbehave or get in trouble. While sex may play a role, a dog’s environment, care, breed, training, genetics, and individual temperament have far more impact on their personality and behavior than sex.
Do We Gender Stereotype Dogs?
As humans, we often pass on some of our own behaviors or characteristics and attribute them to our pets. This happens all the time with our pets. Dogs have instinctual and hormonal behavior but do not carry the same gender roles and stereotypes we do. This affects both the way humans treat their pets and what we think about them. When we hear someone say, “Female dogs are more nurturing” or” Male dogs are more aggressive,” we perpetuate those gender stereotypes. Many of these perceptions are based on personal experience rather than data or research.
Do you have an opinion about male vs female dogs? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Keeping your pup healthy is a massive part of being a pet parent. Getting your pup spayed or neutered at the right time is especially important. Along with that, a healthy diet and active lifestyle help keep dogs physically fit. Aim for food formulated for their life stage and breed size, as small and large breeds have different nutritional needs, as do senior dogs and puppies. Be sure to offer your pup plenty of interactive playtime to keep them mentally sharp and prevent destructive behaviors. Above all, develop a trusting relationship with your veterinarian as it will help you work together to give your pup the healthiest lifestyle possible, keeping them by your side for a long time to come.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Since childhood, Danielle has shared a special bond with animals. She has over 30 years of experience with canine breeds of all sizes, from toy to giant. Danielle is also a dedicated professional researcher and pet product reviewer. She has a deep interest in canine behaviors and training. Danielle works with a professional and experienced team to bring our readers the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information to better the lives of pets and people.