Hi I am thinking about getting a German Shepherd in the next few weeks. My last GSD was a male (entire). Ben was the best behaved and most gentle dog ever. My husband only want to look at male pups/dogs as he thinks they are less trouble and easier to train. I am however not sure that I want to limit my choice by sex. What are you experiences of male and female GSD's? Given the choice which one would you choose? Tania
Having always had bitches, they were all different even with their training and always had to have the last word, and then came Georgie my first ever male, and have to say, by choice I would prefer a male, but then I ended up with Zena but she was my ONLY choice! I don't regret having another bitch, I just feel you have to put a lot more work into their training, typical female as my hubby always says, and I've not had one that hasn't tried to take the micky on more than the odd occasion, whereas Georgie would never do that. I like the boys! Put it this way, once you've done the training and they're obedient, as they mature, I think with the girls you have to "ask" them to do something, whereas the boys, you just "tell" them and they do it no questions asked and none of those "looks" either!Go on, get a boy! On the down side, unless Georgie is an exception, I have found a male not quite so affectionate, but maybe that's just him, he's affectionate yes, but he doesn't really MEAN it like the girls do! Oh I know what I mean !Lol!
well, i have had one of each. from my experience i found my male to be much more affectionate and soft than my biych, who is hard and independant- though absolutely loyal to me(that is the gsd for you!) Alot depends on breeding, my male was known to come from less 'hard, working' lines that my bitch is from. i would only have bitches again but thats just my preferance as it suits me to have a high drive, independant dog.
I am really pleased to hear you are thinking of opening your heart and home to another GSD, Tania I have had bitches and dogs, and I have to say that I prefer the males. My male is far more attached to me, less independent, less protective, easier to train (more driven and focused) and I prefer the look of the masculine GSD. My bitches have been great too and I wouldn't have changed them for anything, but it will be males all the way for me from now on. Obviously, as GSDmad has said, breeding will account for much of how your dog/bitch turns out and also individual characters have to be taken into account. Did I send you the details of the breeder where I got Yogi? They breed long and short coats and their dogs all have great temperaments. I couldn't be happier with Yogi :-D I think they are taking reservations for a litter now if you are interested.
I see they also have a 5 year old shortcoat female looking for a new home too, through no fault of her own.
Hi. Yes, thank you, you did send me the link to Yogi's breeder. The latest pups look fantastic. I did contact them but unfortunately they are over my price range at present They look great though - if anyone else is looking.
I think ideally I would like one younger than 5 years old but will take a look though - thanks for thinking of me.
Aww that is a shame. I also know of a litter in Hertfordshire that are very well bred, healthy, great temps etc but they will be around the same price bracket unfortunately. I hope you find your ideal pup really soon
I`ve only had GSD bitches - they`ve all been very different characters so I don`t think gender has a lot to do with it IMO.
I've had both & don't think gender has a lot to do with attitude. I've just lost my old boy at 14 & taken on a rescue who they thought was ten but my vet thinks is about eight but had a very hard life. He is very gentle & eager to please, & has already learnt in the nearly two weeks I've had him to sit & come.
I have found in GSDs that if you keep a few together males are more forgiving if they have had a disagreement and will continue living within the same house without longterm problems.
If you aren't going to get it fixed, intact females are a pain. Otherwise, I agree the boys usually are more loving. Sheesh! My male Golden spent part of riding in the parade yesterday in the hot sun cuddled up to me.
I have a male and a female gsd. They are so different from each other but each is adorable in his and her own way. I'm not sure that the differences are down to sex but here they are: Cox (my boy) is more obedient and doesn't ask questions when being told what to do. Bel (my girlie) is more of a thinker and will question commands from time to time, and won't be as snappy as Cox when there is nothing in it for her. Cox is more focused on me on walks, Bel likes a good old sniff and will momentarily forget where I am if the smell is really good. Cox has 100% recall no questions asked, Bel is only 100% if there isn't a critter to chase lol, but this is getting better. Cox is sometimes dog aggressive, Bel isn't. Bel is much softer and affectionate in the home, Cox is isn't fussed about cuddles. Bel is much more active in the house, Cox sleeps if he is not on a walk/training. Bel loves her food, Cox eats it to survive. Both are guardy in the house, but Bel is often more alert and barks at things Cox doesn't bother to. Cox gives the impression he can take care of himself, Bel brings out my protective side. I think I will always have one of each as if I had to choose which one to take on in the future I wouldn't be able to!
