Dog Guidance Blog

Before buying a new dog you will need to decide whether you want to buy a male or a female dog.  If you are considering breeding your puppy, entering him in field trials, or conformation showing, gender has more implications.  Typically, the female is slightly smaller, more gentle, and less aggressive than the male.  She is almost always’ chosen for obedience work and makes a reliable pet.  The male has a more rumbustious nature and is constantly attracted to the opposite sex, unlike the female which does not look for a male companion except during her twice-yearly season.  However, some people prefer the male’s more zestful and enthusiastic approach to life.

Most puppies are neutered or spayed before reaching physical maturity.  The male puppy should be neutered before he reaches seven or eight months of age.  A female may be spayed at about any age, and the cost of this surgery is usually slightly greater than the corresponding cost of male castration.