Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Should I Get A Dog Or Bitch?

Once you’ve finally decided you’re definitely going to have a dog, and you’ve decided which breed is best for you, the next big question is whether you have a dog or a bitch. And you thought buying a dog was going to be easy!

Below is a list of considerations to help you choose, some of which you may not have thought about.

Garden – Are you a garden lover? Are you going to let the dog roam around the garden? If so, bear in mind that a dog will mark his territory, generally in the same place(s) all the time in the corner or against the shed or a tree. However, a bitch doesn’t care where she goes so you could end up with ‘dog patches’ all over your neatly tended lawn. It’s the same on walks, you’ll never have to wait for a dog to go to the toilet because he’s marking his territory but with a bitch you might be waiting a while..

Affection – Many people believe bitches are more affectionate than males, but this is not necessarily so. A neutered dog is just as affectionate as a bitch. Dogs who have not been neutered are generally a little more boisterous, but again, this depends on the breed as some breeds are naturally more affectionate than others

Season – This is the term for when a bitch is fertile and unless you want her to be mated, she needs to be kept away from male dogs. Either you will need to keep her indoors or you will have to walk her when it’s quiet otherwise male dogs will bother her. It can be a little messy as she may leave blood spots. It only happens every 6 months and lasts around three weeks, or you can get her neutered to stop this.

Breeding – There is no emotional or physical reason why a bitch must be bred, this is a complete myth.

Training – Some say that bitches are easier to train than dogs, however, with correct and proper training from puppyhood there is no reason why this should be the case.

Fighting – With proper training and socialisation, there is no reason why either should be more susceptible to fighting than the other. Temperaments vary among breeds in general but most bad-tempered dogs have had a lack of proper training, socialisation or care. Within the same household, two dogs or two females of a similar age can be prone to a little bad temper with each other as they fight for their place in the pack but again, with proper care and training, the owner should be the pack leader.

Unless you intend breeding or are a real garden lover but want to let your dog roam in the garden, there is no particular reason why you should go for one than the other. If you are looking for a family pet, it’s just a matter of personal preference.

Further Thoughts and Related Products:
Garden Ponds here at great prices
Outdoor Fairy Lights now available online!
Gate Automation Systems
Jan 12, 2008 | 1 | Buying A Dog