Male or female pup?

[Kloss]

HI guys

I'm going to be buying a Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon pup this winter, but I can't decide on a male or female? Any serious temperment, attitude differences between the two? Trainability? Is either easier to housebreak?

Thanks for the advice in advance!

Klos

[went522]

Males for me have tended to be easier to deal with. Don't get me wrong, I have a great female and have hunted over some great females but, there's just something about the males that makes me lean to them. Easier, nicer, mellower, loyal...a buddy! I feel much the same as "wheels" stated in the other thread, I prefer males as well.

BIRDDOG

[Suzuki]

I am the exact opposite. I prefer females for many of the same reasons.

[Super Jigger]

I have had both, mulitiple dogs - mostly labs. I think each dog's personality is unique to that animal. In my opinion, males are generally more athletic, stronger, and bigger, but can have a little more attitude. I think the females bond closer, are better with kids (mostly due to smaller size), and are less apt to think with their other end and use thier actual brain. I notice very little difference in drive, birdiness, or a desire to please. The best overall dog I ever owned was a female, but the best specialists (for example - upland game) were males. Again, general observations. First and foremost, pick a good litter with good breeding. That will give you the best odds of getting a good dog. As far as the sex of the pup, go with your instincts and don't second guess yourself later.

[SteveJ]

I wouldn't waste any time fretting over the sex of the puppy. Put all of that energy and more into doing research on the breed and then into finding a quality breeder. You should find one that open shares the hereditary defects that are common in the breed and then is able to explain what they do to mitigate the risk. If a breeder tells you that their breed doesn't suffer from any heredity defects, don't waste your time with them.

My wife, daughter and I raise and show English Springer Spaniels. We spend a lot of time with potential puppy buyers, not to convince them to purchase a puppy from us but to confirm that we want to place a puppy with them. If a breeder isn't concerned about you being a quality home for their puppy, you probably don't want a puppy from them. They are in it for the money, and that won't get you a quality dog.

Good luck in your search.

[champ641]

I use to breed german shorthairs for guys that run field trials. Imo if the parents have the genetics your looking for its all comes to preference. But one thing to look at with females unless you plan on getting her spayed, it can become quit a head ache around bird season if she decides to come into heat. Also if you are buying locale and can see the pups in person get them all out together and watch them real close how they act,play ect... that will tell you alot about their temp,drive,ect
The number 1 rule I always go by when choosing is not to pick a pup by color or markings.

[reddog111]

We are on our sixth dog now, this has been over a period of fifty five years. Three different breeds male and female. Labs, Vizslas and now a Pudelpointer all of the dogs were house broke by the third day. All were good hunters and had their own style. If you have a nice yard, flowers , shrubs or small trees I would definitly go with a female pup.

[BCLII]

reddog is right on about the males and nice yards. With a little time and patience you can train them to go in a 10-x20 area.

[SteveJ]

reddog is right on about the males and nice yards. With a little time and patience you can train them to go in a 10-x20 area.

I have to disagree with the nice yards and males. If you have nice shrubs or flowers that may be correct. If it's just nice green grass, our experience is that female urine seems to be much harder on that.

[T Mac]

Female.
You let them out and they hunt.
They don't go piss on everything, sniff arses, and start fights ..they go hunt.

[Suzuki]

I have a one-wiener rule in my house. That and what T Mac said though females will still occasionally sniff an arse.

[Further North]

Males seem to, on average, have more drive.

Females seem to be, on average, easier to train.

At this point in my life, I'm after the easier to train.

[Juls]

I have to disagree with teh nice yards and males. If you have nice shrubs or flowers that may be correct. If it's just nice green grass, our experience is that female urine seems to be much harder on that.

Yep. Our two females leave spots all over the yard. Our male's urine makes the grass grow. :)

I don't have a preference in gender...I love them all.

Juls

[SteveJ]

Yep. Our two females leave spots all over the yard. Our male's urine makes the grass grow. :)

I don't have a preference in gender...I love them all.

Juls

Have to agree with Juls on this. I will take it a step further...genetics, socialization (done mostly by the owner not the breeder), training and lots of attention and love far more critical than the dog's gender. We have plenty of each and love them all, but they are all unique in their own way.

[grasshopper armory]

i agree with t mac. tires and rims dont have to be scrubed after a day of hunting!

[rebs]

I have always preferred a female in any breed of dog.

[PMUL]

you'll know which gender when you see the pups. do a little research on how to pick a pup and what to look for based on what you wnat in a dog. I will say that an entact male will be more apt to try and be the alpha in your family's social order. my male is able to intimidate my wife and won't even allow her to feed him. but the kids can pull his ears, ride him, play, take objects from his mouth etc without even a cross look. i've tried working with my wife and the dog, but he's got her buffaloed and is aggressive to her as a result. you'll know the right dog after you've spent a little time with the litter. if you end up with a male, make sure that your wife/girlfriend are able to assert her ranking in the social order and keep it there. just my experience