I find it interesting the different views people have on the different personalities of a dog compared to a bitch. My breed is the GSD, and I would like to know how many people think the dog makes a better guard than the bitch, or if they are both good but for different reasons, also other breeds I would like to hear about, but primarily the 'guarding' breeds. Also, what sex do people think is the easier to train? I personally prefer dogs, for their size and magnificence, and because I think they are soppier! But I would love to hear other people's experiences!

Perhaps the half-dozen or more LASSIE film stars have always been 'male' collies for the exact same characteristics and reasons you admire so much in your male german sheperds.

Over the years, watching what comes into my dog club, the chances are if it is a woman she will have a dog but if it is a man he will have chosen a bitch! Time and again that has been the way it has been!!!

John

Speaking to my friends that is exactly what they all said. There are only 2 of us who actually have dogs the others chose as you have said but I wanted a bitch and my husband wanted a dog. We did eventually choose a dog. LOL Regards Gina

I have always had Golden Retrievers and I would say
without a doubt that all my dogs have been a doddle
to train.But bitches - they seem to push it to the limit
very often as if testing you and you have to keep
pegging away with the training. Then I find at around
2 years old everything seems to come together as if
they've decided all of a sudden it might be just as much
fun being grown up and a bit lady like.
I also think in a threatening situation a bitch would be
more likely to try and protect me.
JAQ

Well, re Tervs, I would say they are pretty much alike really, if anything the bitches are more "guardy" than the dogs, in a territorial sense, but the dog is more likely to defend (I feel) if attacked physically, althogh i feel the bitches would too.

I feel pretty safe with Banya even though she is only 10 months. It's a nice feeling especially when other half is away for a few days!!! Dont get nervous when floorboards creak!!! :D

Lindsay

Hi Bear

I have had GSDs for most of my life so my experiences are related to them. The best guard dog I have ever had was a bitch. She jumped through our patio doors once when there was an intruder in the garden! I feel that she was something of an exception to the rule though as I usually find that the dogs make better guards. At the moment I have a dog and a bitch and although they are brother and sister they are like chalk and cheese. Oscar is normally so laid back that it is surprising he dosnt fall over! He never barks for no reason but if there is someone about he makes one hell of a racket and does sound really intimidating. He is very protective of me and hates for anyone to touch me. He is definitely not an affectionate dog and hates to be cuddled (maybe it is a man thing!)
Katie on the other hand is a very vigilant guard and will not let anyone pass anywhere near her house without leaping into action! She is also the one who will bark when there is no-one in sight. She is far soppier than Oscar and loves a cuddle. She is the more dominant one in the house but he is out on walks.
I think that it mainly depends on the dog/bitch in question but I have always found my bitches to be more affectionate. Given the choice I will always opt to have one of each (best of both worlds) but if I was ever in the position of only being able to have one I would probably opt for a dog. Not sure why though! Think I just prefer that slightly more noble look.

Lisa

My breed ,shelties, I find all have distinct personalities. Doesn't matter if they are male or female. Some are more outgoing, others standofish, sex doesn't matter. The males in nature always seem to be the pretty ones though. Sheltie males get more beautiful coats than the females.

Jaq
You could have been talking about my Tess in the first part of your post - and I hope the second part will apply too. she's 20 months now and you can't let something go once without her trying it on all the time!!!!!

I do hope she decides to become a bit more grown up soon:D

Paula

How do you find your dog? Many people say you need to be more dominent with them and it takes them longer to 'settle down' (if you know what I mean)!!

Isnt that strange John? Why do you think that is?

Hey! Why did my reply to John end up halfway down the postings?? Confused!

I think it could be that we like the ladies Bear!

But yes, there are big character differences. I always maintain that you can mentally overpower a dog and he will do what you want but a bitch! She will always be looking for the little ways of getting her own back! You will never really win with them!

Regards, John

I found males easier to train{especially house training} and much soppier than the girls and bitches better guard dogs!!!!!!!!!!!! All my girls have big gobs!!!!!!!!!!! and its only them barking that would set the male off

emma, you shaw you have not got my bitch living with you.the barking the same there too,but do have to say that my bitches are more easy to train in every thing than the dogs ,but the dogs like more love and well laid back.where the girls have pmt and like their own space,and will come of love on their term. and on the go all time,but i like both sexes in my breed.

I used to have a gsd dog and a jack russell x bitch, although Ive never had a gsd bitch, going on my jack bitch I prefer a dog, the gsd dog (Jake) was much more loyal and affectionate than my bitch. I found I built a much stronger relationship with the dog and my bitch just put up with me, she would only come for a cuddle when she felt like it wheras jake would be there all the time if he could. dont get me wrong I adored my bitch but she just seemed that bit more independant somehow it was like she didnt need me I needed her plus she seemed to prefer men! But Jake was my best buddy and seemed to sense every mood I was in wether I was sad or happy.
Maybe this is stupid but do you think most women prefer dogs and men bitches because thats how we are in society and the dogs get the vibes of us?
I dont know just a suggestion.

Sammi do you mean that women like men who are dogs and men like bitchy women? Hee hee!!

Hi there Paula Keep at it till it all happens.
What I forgot to say was with my GRs although the
dogs are so easy to train and perfectly soppy and
faithful they are very independent where as bitches
show their affection for you in so many ways when
they settle down.
Jaq

well i have staffords as for guarding mine never bark when someone comes to the door they only bark at billy the cat when he sits on the fence. as for training bitches seem to be better for me.

Its funny how some people say dogs are better guards and easier to train, others say bitches! I guess it must be dependant on the breed. My GSD boy is a total lamb with me and has been SO easy to train from the start, but he is still a pup (11 months) so I don't know if the worst is still to come! My 2 year old neutered collie boy on the other hand, is a very clever boy too, but can be disobedient and wilful. My male GSD is a good guard, has a BIG bark, my collie howls like a wolf! My 13 week old GSD bitch has so far been harder to train and stronger willed than Merlin has ever been.
Just on an off key, does anyone know - if a male dog is still not cocking his leg to urinate at 11 months, does that mean he hasnt yet reached sexual maturity?

Leg cocking is not somuch to do with sexual maturity as social maturity. Mentally your dog must feel comfortable in himself enough to cock his leg. In short he has to feel like he is a dog and know that he is a dog.

You usually find the cocking behaviour comes more quickly in a dog kept in a pack than on it's own as they tend to develop the sociol skills of a dog more quickly in a pack.

My dog does live in a pack, consisting of a neutered male collie, a 13 week old GSD bitch pup, and me of course!

Well, he obviously does not feel sufficient superiority in your pack to start the dominant behavior of leg cocking.

It will come, he may need mentally building up. Spend time with him as an individual etc.

Ian

Welcome to the forum Ian :-)