Male or Female - Which one? - Page 1

Hi everyone, I'm getting a GSD puppy soon, but don't know whether to get a male or a female. I do have a female(spayed) American Eskimo(Standard size) currently that doesn't really care who she lives with, so I'm stuck with a debate on which to get.. Any ideas/help will be appreciated. Thanks! ~Lauren

Hi Lauren, If you have no real preference - go for the opposite sex i.e. a male. That way you will be much more sure that you wont get agression between them in later life. Your American Eskimo bitch may well be great with other dogs, but another girl living with her that might not turn out so great with other bitches, and might vie for one-up-man-ship might just cause you problems and heartache if you have to let one go due to scrapping. Best of luck Regards Mo - Mascani.

I agree with penny. I have never had two females who could get along with each other.

I know what you mean. But my Eskie has lived with my intact female Pomeranian(that passed away last year) very well and they seemed to be friends, and she was also good with a female Miniature Pinscher & a female Yorkie that used to come over at least 3x a week. However, when she was around 6 yrs old, she happened to get into a fight with the neighbor's female Labrador and got bruised up, and since then, she hasn't gotten into a fight with any dog. And I doubt at her age(13.5) that she's gonna be fighting too much anymore, though I can't really say that for sure.. ~Lauren

dont even think to have 2 females together

I agree with everyone else. DEFINATELY a male. The other females you mentioned are all small breeds...she had no reason to doubt her alpha role or to feel seriously challenged. An adult GSD will be a whole 'nother story!

Two females are tough. I've got two together now and not sure whether or not I'd do that again. There's a considerable age difference 8 years and one's spayed and one isn't. For the most part things do work. One bad incident a few months back. But really have to keep on top of things and reinforce who is the top dog. And alot has to do with the younger one's heat cycle. Right now she's in season and all she wants is for the other to breed her! :). However, in two months the dynamics will change again. But, I have an older (in fact, ancient!) Dobie mix who is of similiar size and never had any issues with the other females. But, this dog is almost totally nonconfrontational in every way with other dogs. They seem to ignore each other. So, I have 3 females and 1 male (the poor guy!) and it does work for the most part. You said your other dog was quite old correct?

Yes, my female American Eskimo Dog, Frosty, is currently 13.5 yrs old, will be 14 on June 6th and is spayed. ~Lauren

It might work since the other is so old. But, you really don't know.

gsdlova, If you are undecided, in other words it doesn't matter too much to you which you get, then play it smart and go male. Your other dogs were small and you don't know what you are getting into regardless of how well you know your current dog. In my opinion the worst combination you can have is two bitches. Jealousy is always an issue and if they do fight you will have a fight on your hands that will be a real experience, and not a good one. Males in my opinion are more fun to work with. And before I get slammed, I said " my opinion ". I also think that in some instances males work good with women when they may but heads more with a man. Again, just my opinion. Good luck.