but
I want a Female yorkie ....
I cannot
begin to tell you how many people actually believe that female dogs make better
pets. The fallacy seems to be true of most folks that call or write me wanting a
new pet. Many calls seeking puppies are from people wanting a "sweet girl".
They don't think females display alpha behaviors like "marking" and/or
"humping". They believe that females are more docile and attentive and do not
participate in fighting over dominance. This is simply not true. They are not
called "bitches" for no reason!!!
In the dog pack framework, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking
order, and compete to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are, as a
result, more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male
counterparts. Females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by
participating in alpha behaviors such as "humping" and in fighting. There IS a
reason people utilize the technical dog term of 'bitch" in a negative way; and
it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the canine
world. Most fights will usually break out between two females. I could tell
you many frightening stories about such brawls that I’ve witnessed personally.
It is not a pleasant task to have “break up” such contest of wills.
Males, on the other hand, are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive,
and seek your attention. They are very attached to their people. They also tend
to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody. They are more outgoing, more
accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily
motivated by praise, and are very eager to please making training all the
easier.
However, males can be easily distracted during training, as they
just want to get to playtime! No matter what age, the male is more likely to act
silly and more puppy-like. Males are fun-loving until the day they die. My 14
year old still begs to play fetch or just to play in general on a daily basis.
He runs to me with ball in mouth or teases me with bone as if to say “Come and
get me if you can”. I expect this especially if I’ve left home for an hour or
two and he’s been “home alone”.
Females tend to be more aloof or dignified as they age. Witness the human
equivalent of the twinkling eyed Grandpa still playing catch at age 70, while
Grandma quietly observes from the porch.
Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as 'humping", or
"marking" or lifting their leg. Once the testosterone levels recede after
neutering, so do these behaviors (if they ever existed). Boys who were neutered
early (by 5 months of age) usually don't ever raise their leg to urinate.
Believe it or not, I have several females that lift their leg to urinate….they
are showing their dominance. Just as males will urinate on top of where another
animal has, so as to mark, the female will follow this same pattern.
In my years of breeding yorkies, I find males also tend to be
less hyper than their female counterparts. I cannot explain this tendency but I
have noticed it time and time again within our pups.
That lil’ girl may be less likely to wage a dominance battle with
YOU, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. She is much
more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate the next
day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy. Most females will usually come to
you for attention. But as soon as she has had enough, she will move away. Boys
are always waiting for your attention and near at hand.
Then to top it all off, males are less expensive. I suppose
this is partly due to the fact that most people want a female and the tendency
for more males in a given litter. These are all things you should take into
consideration when determining which sex best suits your personality and
lifestyle.
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