Spoon River NAVHDA Chapter

I am looking at getting my first gun dog in the spring and trying to decide on if I should get a male or female. I need a dog that is good around kids and people and has the temperament to be a house dog. I am currently looking at getting a gsp. Is there a big difference between the temperament and trainability between males and females? I was leaning towards a female due to their smaller size.

Jeff,

I want to indicate that that the comments I give are from my experience. Others may have different thoughts. During my life I have owned many dogs, most were "bird dogs". I had both males and females. I preferred  males since I did not have to contend with the estrus cycle especially during hunting season. All the females I owned developed mammary cancer during the later stages of their life. Some feel that spaying will help prevent cancer. None of my females were spayed.

On the plus side I found that females were easier to work with and usually did not have has much range, although that can be debated. Since I ran my dogs in field trials, as well as hunted them,wide range was desired if the dog would handle from foot as well as horseback.. For a first dog I would lean toward a female, from good breeding, whose parents are of close to moderate range. I had English pointers and setters when I was younger and had more land to hunt.  Later I obtained shorthairs since I felt they would be of a closer range and much easier to handle. I was not disappointed.

I found all of my dogs to be very good around my children and now my grandchildren.

Ed

well put Ed. A few of my observations are..... Females mature and train easier than Males. I am speaking only of my personal experiences. And they did this in all aspects. They house broke and behaved better inthe house, took to basic commands sooner, and were all just faster learning and matyring than the 3 males I have had.

I believe that in the house manners are limited to what you permit, regardless of sex. And as mentioned, the heat cycles are a pain. Also to consider, if you take any pride in your lawn..... Females will leave burn spots all over your lawn when they urinate. Males tend to pick a tree or some upright object.

Temrerament is going to change with every pup in every litter. Try to meet the breeder and watch the pups develope before you make a pick based on looks alone.

As I said these are only my observations and Im sure there are some that have the opposite effect. Hope you gain some knowledge and get what you are looking for.

Thanks Ed and John! That was exactly what I was looking for, some people with some personal experience. Thanks Again!