male or female? why?

[ricoboxing]

Can you guys tell me what your reasoning is to getting either a male or female dog?

Will spaying or neutering the dog have any effects on its hunting (retrieving) capabilities?

[Lenore]

Welcome! As for your questions male or female. I like both sexes but prefer males since they don't have heat cycles. Personally, owning a female isn't out of the question, I just don't want to deal with heat cycles. Spaying or neutering I don't feel will diminish a dogs desire to hunt, they either want to or don't. I suggest look for parents with hunting background, then go from there. Good luck!

[BdBHunts]

Pros and cons for both, no heat cycles with males but you have the marking issue with them.

[Baby Duck]

It comes down to preferences. Yes females come in season but that a few eeks each year. Males are always in season. I hunt alot where I need a small dog. In a canoe, areas of page wire fencing that I have to lift a dog over, etc... But like I said when it comes down to it ....Just a preference!!

[Redgolden]

Any of the two as long as they have the temperament I look for ! As I breed our dogs, none are spayed or neutered... but to my experience, it doesn't change the working drive at all.

[canman]

I have had both, and agree that they are equal. It really depends on temperment. I have had my two females spayed, and it didn't reduce their drive in any way. Interesting comment on the marking though. My 3 year old female has always marked like a male. My yard is a disaster.

[Lenore]

As for males marking, I have a solution it involves your e-collar. When we got Drake back from training, I had made a comment that I did not want him marking in my gardens. I was told to use his e-collar as an invisible fence, set up flags or something you can remove, then let them out, they go near the flag, little stimulation. It took Drake 3-4 days to learn, do NOT go potty in/on or anywhere near moms gardens. My boys go potty anywhere but my gardens, they like to use the woods outback, which I did not teach, but am happy that they do. I taught my moms female mini shnauzer sp? same thing, she was worst than any male I ever saw. She would pee everywhere, but she was a very domiante female. I wonder if that is a difference?

[mattduck]

can you guys tell me what your reasoning is to getting either a male or female dog?

Will spaying or neutering the dog have any effects on its hunting (retrieving) capabilities?

i have owned only females..for one reason i was told and it was proven..(get ready... Your wife will like this part)...just like humans females learn quicker and mature quicker....it's that simple...on the flip side i believe males have more endurance... I'm no expert by far but female all the way...just my opinion..

[captainjack]

I learned a long time ago in a book by James Lamb Free to take the best available bred pup that you can afford. Sex and colour makes no difference. Find a pup that likes to please and follow humane training methods and enjoy.

Peter

[BdBHunts]

Those that made comments about females marking and being dominant it is definetely true. I watched a dog I had years ago and a female Malamute lift their respective legs and mark a tree 6 times each, tit for tat. Pretty funny and interesting at the same time.

[Hunter]

Has anyone found a difference in how amiable the dog is towards you and your family. There has been talk that a female will be more indifferent and a male will stick closer to the family and possibly the hunter. I had a female that liked being around us but often was quite content to sit around on her own. My male dog loved being with us all the time. My wife likes a dog around and a dog that pays attention to your activities is something she enjoys. Any thoughts?. I have not have a lot of dogs to be able to comment conclusivly on this.