We went to our local rescue kennels at the weekend and after we had left we were chatting and wandered why there always seems to be so many more males than females.  I just wanted to know your thoughts as to why this is?

Michelle :)

Don't know if this is really true when taken over lots of rescues.  My previous rescue years ago was a female.  Much more recently, I've got a male rescue and my mum had a male rescue, which sadly had to be returned.  However, my sister had a female rescue dog.  Friends of ours have just rescued a dog and he's a male.

Copper regularly boards at the cat and dog home and they do say that males are harder to rehome than females.  I didn't actually think about it when I got Cops.  He was there, I wanted him and I took him :)  Had he been a girl, I would have done the same.

CG

Well from the point of view of a sexist dog owner it doesn't surprise me :D  they're re just like men :D  So have masculine traits that make them a less good pet than bitches!!!  Only joking folks.

More males being born???? we always get more males in our rescue than females....

In many breeds bitches are much more in demand than dogs, so I guess some breeders could end up compromising on the suitability of the puppy buyers to enable them to move the dog pups on.

Also it may be more difficult for many smaller scale breeders to take dogs they have bred back rather than bitches.

Whilst there isnt much difference between the sexes for a competent trainer, dogs being typically bigger, stronger, and more influenced by testosterone may give more problems for a novice nowner.

I think it's more likely that more dogs get picked up wandering by the wardens. They pick up the scent of a bitch and.....doh!lost again :) Also in alot of breeds the males are just harder work than a bitch.

I am going to differ with you lot here!  Poor male dogs! I have only got one boy with 3 girls and the girls drive me bonkers.  They are either in season, coming into season, in phantom and it is like sharing a house with a bunch of women with PMT!!!!  They all sit on the sofa grumbling away at each other although thats as far as it goes you cant hear the TV when they all start. My Thomas is wonderful.  He is quieter, gentler and doesnt have so many hormones (well apart from the obvious).  His only downside is he is not very good with other dogs due to a bad experience at a show. On the other hand I have some friends who wouldnt go near a boy although a fair few agree with me as well for the same reasons.

Simple really - hormones. Males go through the Kevin the teenager thing at 1-2 yrs, also the age most dogs go into rescue. The difference is, males grow out of it, whereas bitches are exactly that, bitches, all their lives. Personally I would never have a bitch, I have 2 boys and they have never had a fight. Another boy arriving on Friday!

Just as well it takes all sorts - I would never have another boy!

I've got one of each and would have difficulty deciding what sex to get next if the 'pack' thing didn't suggest that I'd have to have a male :D

Daisy

And I will never, ever, EVER have another bitch! Ever....!!! EVER!!!! :D

I've had both and really I enjoyed both. I presently have a bitch and will get a dog at some point. My last dog was way more laid back than my bitch. But I'm happy with either.

Lube

We have two bitches and a dog and before we had dougal i would always chose a bitch for some reason but now i would be more likely to pick a dog as they are adorable! He is SO layed back (most too much for the ring sometimes!) and one of our bitches, lottie, is quite independent and will only come for some fuss when she wants to. But Dougal loves everyone and if you have been out for about five minutes he will come running up to you and cover you with kisses!! I think that dogs are lovely and that if its true that there are more dogs in rescue that bitches, then its such ashame.

sarah xxxx

I gew up with a BC bitch but sort of ended up with males after that by accident.  I have two now and wouldnt swop them for the world.  They do go through terrible teenage stage but just takes time and patience and they soon come around.  I couldnt being doing with having a female going into season.  My PMT is bad enough!

Claire

I have a male and female miniature schnauzer and I will never have a male again!!

My previous dogs have all been female (except one) and I personally gel with females easier and prefer their more relaxed temperament.

In the rescue I was with we had an equal number (or so) of bitches and dogs but more of a demand for females so it seemed as though we were always teeming with males.  Does anyone know the statistics of dogs to bitches born each year?  The thought that perhaps more males are born and therefor more are caught roaming, turned over, etc. strikes me.

Just another thought but I wonder if it is to do with the fact a lot of people believe you cant keep two males together?  I know I was always told that and while I would never keep more than one male in a house full of bitches I do know people who have got 3 boys all living together.

Out of curiousity are most of the people who prefer males women?  My husband adores the girls and they him but Tom is totally devoted to me and me him? Just being nosey really.

I think a lot of people tend to buy what they are bought up with as well I know I did.  I always thought dogs would mount me etc so decided against male dogs without giving them a go. I know when people come for pups that is one of the things which deeply concerns people especially those with children.

I don't know...my ex-husband was the one who decided our first dog would be a boy.  I've now got 5 boys and 1 girl and the crabbiest, by far, is the girl.

Got to agree my boy has a much nicer nature.