Difference between male and female GSD's? Discussions

Why not see if you can meet with any GSD walks where you are and observe how each dog behaves? I would say the lines (as has been said) will play a bigger part in the difference between dogs, not so much the male or female.

Or, would you be up for a rescue? Then you could assess which dog you bond with and which gets on best with your current pooch?

I will rescue, but not for my first gsd as I would love to learn breed traits as it grows as I feel jumping from something Alfie size to a full grown gsd would be a shock where as I feel a puppy it would start of smaller and wouldn't "notice" the size so much. Plus there is the health issues really.

But I do see me rescuing in the future

Maddie was our first GSD rescue too, she was selected for us using the knowledge that we were new to the breed.

i think my other half would have preferred a boy in the first instance, but he has since admitted he wouldn't swap her for the world. Even with a pink/brown collar and a lack of the appropriate bits, everyone stills assumes shes male....:?

I do not really know although I have my suspicions.

I have observed many male GSD female owner partnerships over the years and my own personal view (not substantiated in any scientific basis) is that the male GSD can often be viewed as "my strong protector" by many women and they often fail to see what they are developing.

Like any issue, if you are experienced and observant you can fail to have ANY problems with ANY breed or sex you happen to have because you have become "unconsciously competent" and do things without thinking about them.

As always, one person' s experience is juist that, the experience of one person with one or more dogs.

So, although sweeping generalisations throw up the "exception that proves the rule" as in anything, you can see that "generally speaking" males are bigger than females; etc

Of course you get HUGE females and SMALL males, but that is what "in general" should encompass.

The normal bell curve applies, there will always be the 10% at either extreme, and the apex of the curve (can you have an apex of a curve?) is where the MAJORITY fall

I personally prefer dogs to bitches in GSD's (although i would still have a bitch), i've met alot and the dogs generally seem abit more outgoing and affectionate than bitches imo. I've also met alot of skitty gsd bitches too but i think thats more down to bad breeding

I really am undecided now as to whether I want a male or a female.... :-?

Thanks for all the info everyone!

I say go to the breeder and ask for a specific temperament, then the breeder (if a good and dependable breeder) can find the perfect dog for you regardless of sex.

I tried doing some research on gender specific personalities for BBSes and GSDs and all I found were conflicting answers so...While gender may affect a few quirks I think you should really rely on what would fit your lifestyle more than what lies between their legs.

Absolutely! You obviously need to take into account the temperament of your resident dog, but other than that, I would be more than happy to put myself in the hands of a reputable and experienced breeder to choose the right pup for me - whether it be dog or bitch

That makes sense

If it's any consolation... three things...

1. Jess (my first GSD that I'd EVER met!) was a rescue and I didn't have a clue about the breed, but I wasn't leaving her in the home she was in, so we learnt together, and she's turned into a smashing dog.

2. You can get puppy GSDs in rescue (in fact, last week there was an 8 week old GSD - granted it was in rescue for a massive 4 hours lol, but still).

3. I went from a Westie to a GSD, so can understand the size thing

the only male I have ever had that 'over bonded' was a blind GSD, and even then he didnt winge or whine if left but would lay flat on the floor and refuse to go with any one.

If a dog is going to 'over bond' its a sign of an insecure dog and not a typical male GSD trait, you are more likely to see this trait in English lines, weak temps.

I prefer male GSDs for their looks, better heads with bitches I prefer a 'doggy' bitch

I find males easier to training - more forgiving if they have had a dispute with another dog (unless used at stud)

A breed that does overbond is a CP but they are a true pack dog and thrive living in a pack or with people who can be with them a large majority of time.

Alfie loves anyone and everyone, and his best friend is a male Hungarian Vizsla

I may just not decide then, and go for the actual pup rather than possibly missing out on the "perfect" pup as I had chosen a different gender...