Hi, I'm new here, so apologies if this is a bit of an obvious question or answered elsewhere.
We're a family of 4 - mom, Dad,  and 2 kids aged 9 and 6. We have decided to get a dog and are thinking of a Gordon Setter (my family dog as a child), and we are wondering whether to get a dog or a bitch (I've had a dog previously). Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated.  Many thanks

In quite a number of breeds it is recommended to have a male.

Thanks or your reply. Why is that?

From someone who has had both girls and boys, I would recommend a boy. My reasoning is that my boys have been more loyal and loving and wanted to please me more, whereas the girls tend to live up to their name - bitches

Also, if you're not planning on breeding then a boy is easier as you won't have any seasons to deal with - they've never bothered me but I have breeds who aren't too fussed if they miss some walks as long as they get training to stimulate them or a chew and cuddle but for some breeds/lifestyles they can be problematic. Everyone has different opinions on this and I understand and respect them but I personally will not take an in heat bitch out of my property as I don't think it's worth the risk of pyo

However, it would depend on which breed you're looking to get. If I was looking at a more highly strung/high drive breed then I'd consider a girl which would be more likely to be a bit calmer (although saying that, my best friend when I was 5 was an entire male black lab). Also will depend on the breeding and the parents temperaments

I've had both and have to say I prefer the girls. Mine have always been very cuddly, loyal and very eager to please. Maybe it's breed dependent, no idea

In 45+ years I've had both (at the same time.)  I currently have 19 dogs, boys and girls, and the reason it works is because I always take pupsters to training classes.  Obedient dogs are so easy. 

I have always found boys the most loving.  If I could only keep one sex it would be boys every time.  All my boys think I'm perfect (and I'm not looking for a second opinion.) 

> Thanks or your reply. Why is that?

As others who have also replied, Dogs are generally more loyal & loving & keen to please. Bitches are more independent & will sometimes do things in there own good time.

I am very much generalising here & you will get difference between breeds & every dog is different. I have owned both sexes, within my own breed but for ease keep to a single sex house & since October only have bitches.

I always prefer bitches - but this is my very personal preference. I like to cuddle, treat and spoil my girls, they are allowed to be naughty, to be princesses and so on. Whereas boys to me are somewhat like men - they are the stronger sex, they should take care of us girls spoil and cuddle us, they should always be calm, kind, patient, no nonsense. Weird but that's how I feel!

So I guess it depends why you get the dog, if its your personal companion then you think what would you like. But if it is for the family with children, then I think either would be fine or perhaps a dog may indeed be preferable as they do tend to be more composed and calm and listen to their owners whereas girls are more likely to have that little bit of their own mind.

Now I have the opposite view, but I would only ever want to own bitches.

I can't stand the male leg cocking for starters.

Also with bitches it is rare on walks for other dogs to pick fights with yours, other than bitches in a very few breeds that are inclined to dog aggression.

Even if you have a Male that is not a macho sort, other males are more likely to try it on with your male than they would a bitch.

In many breeds bitches are physically easier to deal with than males.

My advice comes from the perspective of someone very against early neutering (because research increasingly shows the benefits of leaving dogs intact as long as possible).

So I usually recommend people get a male dog UNLESS they are fully prepared to deal with seasons.  If people are grossed out by seasons or are going to react with hysteria at those times, and therefore start to want to spay their dog, I would massively encourage them to get a male.  Much easier (usually) to keep them intact and no seasons to worry about...

If people are grossed out by seasons, are they likely to find themselves similarly grossed out by the bright red willy regularly sticking out, or drops of smegma, or else?  I think such people should try a parrot or similar to introduce themselves to living with animals

Thanks everyone for your responses. They’re really helpful. Just need to decide now.

Not Anthropomorphosizing (sp) but I find the sexes like the differences between human teens.

The boys go through the macho  'What you looking at' stage, girls though the 'bitchy, if your my friend then your not her friend' stages. Boys will fight to look good, girls will fight out of dislike.

When it comes to getting their own way the girls are sneakier, often seeming to co-operate, the boys rebel but are so obvious they are son brought back in line.

That depends, I think, on what you intend for your new dog.   I started wrongly, with one male and then a second male, mainly as pets/show which was fine although I didn't realise the bug would bite and I'd want to move on to having something I'D bred to show! The second male was because the first really wan't up to show quality - and I was able to have pick male for the second one, so he could be shown and was, successfully.   So I bought a bitch - and then there already 3!!  And of course, had to wait until she was old enough TO breed.   In some breeds it doesn't really matter, other than the need to spay or cope with seasons while in others, like mine, the males are just more typical of the breed - more wrinkle (mine) and in others, maybe more size.

You may find you have more choice if you opt for a male because usually breeders want to keep the best bitch(es) for themselves.

I think the differences between the sexes does depend a lot on breed although of course they are all individuals.

Personally, I do like boys although I am sure I would be happy with a girl.  In my fairly easy going breed I don't think there is a huge difference.  I just find the boys extra loving, a bit cheeky and very loyal.  I have one who is a real "Mummy's Boy" hangs on my every word and follows me everywhere.  To my mind the boys seem a bit more "straightforward" than the girls - but I may be imagining that!

If you know you want a Gordon it might be worth talking to some breeders and experienced Gordon owners to see what they think about the differences in that particular breed.

I have 13 dogs,  all neutered and most are rescues. They are 6 bitches and 7 dogs. They are as follows;
St Bernard male
German shepherd male and female
Doberman female
Rottweiler male
Lurcher male
Cocker spaniel 2 females and 3 males
Springer spaniel female
Irish red setter female

I find that both sexes are very similiar in terms of training. The spaniels are made of Velcro and would happily follow me around all day. Their whole world revolves around where I am!
The German shepherds are very loyal and I found very easy to train. They are quiet happy in their own space too and are happy keeping an eye on me without necessarily being within 2 feet of me at all time!!
The lurcher and setter are very gentle dogs. Very sensitive from their life before I got them. They quietly go about their business and just adore praise and affection.
My st Bernard is a 2 year old who thinks he's a tiny pup. He is completely unaware of his size and barrels around like a little tank! But I wouldn't change him for the world. He is a soft dog despite his size.
I think matching the breed of dog to your family is the key to a happy dog and happy family. I honestly couldn't say I find either sex more affectionate than the other.

The usual 'wisdom' is that boys are more laid back and cuddly but can be more stubborn, while girls are more lively and mischievous but more biddable and easily trained.

Personally, I don't find much difference between the two.  I've had five boys and 10 girls here.  The boys certainly can be stubborn but then so can the girls!  And I find both affectionate.  That comes down more to the individual than the gender.  My most affectionate dog by far is my malinois bitch, but that seems to be true of all of them.  Prior to her it was my dobermann male.

I find breed/type is far more predictive of how they will be and agree fully with Kate - finding the right breed for your family is more important overall, although consideration does need to be given to how well everyone can cope with things like seasons and marking.  On that front I'd rather have a boy, but I will and have put up with seasons for the health of the girls who didn't arrive already spayed (I also wait until they are fully mature before spaying).