Choosing a sheltie - male or female?

I've learned that individual personality...character...is the "key" when adding a new furchild. I used to think male vs. female...but when we added Rookie..we already had a male..(Baron)...so were thinking "female." We talked with our breeder, and went strictly on her opinion....with the personality and temperment of the pup.. (submissive or dominant in comparison to our current boy which also came from her), and we could NOT have ever made a better match with the two both being boys. So...to me...it's not a male/female issue...it's a matter of which personalities will "mesh" the best ;-).

Plus...From childhood to adulthood, I grew up with only female dogs...and finally took the plunge with our first boy named Kraemer back in 1993. All things considered, given the choice... I prefer the males.., but any sheltie will do! ;-)
 
I have an intact male and he is not a marker. In fact he squatted to pee until he was 3 yrs. He does mark outside on trees etc but he would never dream of marking inside or non organic material ie patio furniture as it was an extension of his housetraining. He is also not allowed to urinate on leash unless I tell him to as I show him in obedience and he needs to control himself which he can. Sheltie males seem very easy to teach this to.

My girls, 1 spayed and 1 intact are more independent, more bossy and more on the look out for their interests then my boy. Over the years I found that boys are "what can I do for you" and girls are "whats in this for me". Which is why I prefer to work with males in agility and obedience. Just me. They both very loving and both make fine pets. Although intact males tend to be hard to house with other intact males unless their is strong leadership.
 
I have 2 females 1 spayed 1 intact and 2 males 1 nutuered and 1 intact. I really dont have a preference for either male or female. both of my intact dogs are more affectionate to me and want to be with me. My spayed female is more independate and doesnt always demand attention, my neutered male is bonded to my son and is with him whenever he can. I think it has more to do with personality than sex.
 
Poor girls are getting a bum wrap, :lol:

I LOVE my girls. They are super affectionate. Vinca is a little more reserved than Chloe. My Chloe would much rather be in our arms, or on our lap than anywhere else. And she is definitely a pleaser. She wants us happy, and tries and tries until we are :biggrin2:

I just had to get another plug in for the girls!:wink2:
 
Over the years I have had both male and female shelties. I have never had two females at one time. I have had two males at one time in fact I do at present. All of my shelties but one have been very easy to train, loving, and obedient. The one that wasn't was a female. She was very easy to train but a little aloof and independent. My last female was one of the sweetest shelties I have owned though all of them have been great dogs. All of my shelties have been either neutered or spayed by 8 months old. I have never ever had a problem with marking behavior by my males.

I think, as some of the previous posters have said, it depends on the personality of the dog. I have no preference as to male or female.
 
I did notice that Females do tend to be more independent. though one i have maybe an exception... she wants to be with you constantly.
 
I feel it's personality over gender traits. I have had both male and female and loved both and both were very loving and very affectionate. Each of the three I have had (2 females, 1 male) have had unique personalities different from each other. I would look for personality over gender.
 
Lahree said:
I feel it's personality over gender traits. I have had both male and female and loved both and both were very loving and very affectionate. Each of the three I have had (2 females, 1 male) have had unique personalities different from each other. I would look for personality over gender.
Click to expand...

You have to admit that some shelties doesn't like being hugged. Not sure why. they try to wiggle out of the hug if possible..
 
ronjantetrault said:
Hi there,

Boys tend to be bigger and have bigger coats, though if they are nuetered their coats will be........finer, silkier maybe is the term.

I think boys tend to be more outgoing and boisterous.

Girls tend to be a bit smaller and look more "female."

I think they are more timid, but have sweeter dispositions.

This is just from what I have seen, BUT there are many others here that are much better versed on the subject than I. They will chime in soon.
Click to expand...

Funny, but you've just described my two pups to a "t"--only Bailey (my girl) is more outgoing and boisterous, and Joey (my boy) is smaller, more timid, with a very sweet disposition. So, there you go. :wink2:

I love both my pups, 1 male and 1 female, and I honestly don't have a preference on gender. It's all about their personalities and how they mesh together--in our case, they mesh beautifully!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top