im sending a form away in the next couple of days to book a `Westie Pup` from
a breeder - one question on the form is male or female , any advice on which is best from experience

Thanks

I really don't see any difference I have 5 dogs, 3 males and 2 females. I personally find males are bigger and are a better specimen of the breed. If they are fixed there really is no diference. Females will ruin your grass where males your gardens, diluted down with water takes care of that. It is really up to the individual what they prefer for a pet. Me I prefer the males because of size and look and no heats.

Hi dollface, It always seems that Im picking holes in your postings, but its not meant like that...honest:) Why do you think males are better specimens of the breed? Just because they are bigger? "If they are fixed there really is no difference? How come?

Ya ok :( you are so ;)
I personally just find males are a better specimens because I think they are better portioned, but thats just me. When a female is spayed there is no dealing with heats and males seem to have a lot less interest when they are fixed to. All my dogs are now fixed except Junior and I find him a lot more dominant then my other males. He is a hand ful but he's my brat and always will be. Thats just my personal opinion. :) Like I said it just depends on the indivual on what they prefer. My two boston's always seem to pee on their legs/feet (Dozer still squats) and Junior has to pee on everything outside even the other dogs sometimes yuck. :( Well atleast he only does that out doors. :D My females just do their business and thats it.

Hi there,

I used to always prefer females until I got my westie male..he is more affectionate than my bitch but may just be their personality. He is so laid back and love a cuddle watchiung T.V. not my wee bitch she won't sit for a min.

If it is a pet only with a dog you don't quite have as much worry with seasons etc and dressing a bitch is quite expensive nowadays.

I think it does vary from dog to dog and not much to do with sex.

Pam

Hi Brian,
I just think it comes down to personal preference :) While I like dogs, this is why I don't care for a small breed dog:

Tummy wet from (ahem) after being outside or on walks. :P
Can't avoid genitalia while rubbing tummy
That "lipstick" :rolleyes:
and just a personal bias that while they are sweet --- they don't have as much of that 'je ne sais quoi --spark' as bitches do.
Oh, and the cliche of the small dog humping visitors legs :P

Bitches do have more concern for an owner with the fact they have seasons. If you don't intend to spay, make sure a small part of your life is flexible enough to handle the once or 2x yearly heat cycle.
There are adjustments to be made in their exercise since they can't go out. Care before, during, and after a season is necessary..or at least an awareness of what her health state is. Her moods will swing. Habits will change. And if you intend to take her around with you on your day or travel, nix it during that time. You also have to be concerned about dogs outside your responsibility, just to ensure she is safe from unwanted pregnancies.

I'm biased but I think that spayed bitches are some of easiest critters to live with. No problems with mating desires, no seasons, and they do have a more 'protective' edge than an intact bitch.... JUST MY OPINION, not a fact ;) :D :D :D :D
And sure, there's possible health problems that can arise, just as within intact dogs have their own health concerns..... there's no such thing as ultimate perfection in any dog -- intact or altered :rolleyes: :D :D :D

If I were to only have one Westie it would be a male as I find them more loyal and more fun, but they can attempt to be more dominant when "teenagers". Bitches can be more amenable and are just as loving in their own way. I dont find coping with seasons difficult - all you need to do is keep them in the kitchen for a week or so and wash the floor a couple of times a day and make sure they are not outside on their own for a moment for the followng week or ten days. My male dog does not show any undesirable behaviour like described above - he is a perfect gentleman. I have to say it does make me a little cross when many posters just refer to the problems associated with the inconvenience of a bitch having seasons or a dog showing sexual behaviour - these are living beings for goodness sake, if one cant accept either female or male traits, together with their occasional inconveniences then why not get a blooming stuffed toy.

Awww, WL, don't mean to offend, but those are just my opinions :) And I thought I put that clearly. It does come down to a preference. I won't go into a discussion on altering/intact pets... imo, it's completely up to the owners and their household situation. It has nothing to do with making a dog into a stuffed toy.

Not trying to make the various points dire, just something to be aware of. You've read enough posts on here from people who never had a bitch before and just had no warning or clue as to what would happen when she matured. They panic because no one told them.

And as for the wet tummies --- well, my groomer has 5 lovely Westie dogs.... yep, their tummies are wet when they come back inside and it's not from the grass :rolleyes: They're sweet and definitely more laid back than the two bitches she has who always have to be in charge :) I just like the 'girls' better :) :D
:Cool:

gotta admit Sara that I have more problems in my bitches case with wet coat from toileting as she nearly sits on the grass to wee. No problems with the dog - he stands like a horse to go (neutered) :D

I find if I keep their hair trimmed down around their 'cone', it helps keep them both cleaner from drips. Chienne is funny, she'll stand on two grass clumps and pee in the middle, then leap out so her feet won't touch anything :rolleyes: Prissy bitch ;) :D
:Cool:

I can't speak from experience of Westies but have to admit if I could only have one dog it would be a dog. My male is much more loyal and eager to please. My female is great but is much more of a "free spirit"
It all depends what you want really and two dogs or two bitches of a breed can vary vastly in their personalities. I believe women often go for dogs and men for bitches

Godd luck with whichever you decide on - you have years of fun and love ahead of you :D

Sara :)

We had a westie bitch as a family pet and she lived to be 18. She was the most loving, laid back dog I ever came across. Her seasons were only very mild and we never really had any problems with her. She would let us dress her up and would play with us for hours, she was amazing.
Amy