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Once you have decided on the right type of breed for you then the next important decision you will have to make is which sex to go for, a male or female, or put in the correct terms a “dog” or a “bitch”. Don’t let the term “bitch” put you off, however crude it may seem, unfortunately in the dog world “bitch” is the correct terminology for a female puppy or dog. There are both good and bad points with either sex just as there is in humans and your personal preference for either sex might sway you, but here are some tips to help you should you be undecided:

The male dog

The pros

* Male dogs can tend to be more lovable towards their owner.

* Male dogs can be more outgoing, more vigorous and more in your face.

* Male dogs can be less prone to mood swings.

* Male dogs can be more reliable.

* Male dogs can be more comical, clumsy and silly acting more like overgrown kids (is this a pro!!!).

* Male dogs will usually want to please their master more.

The cons

* Most male dogs can show dominance and test their owner.

* Male dogs will generally test their owner more during the adolescent months.

* Adolescence can last up to three years in male breeds of the larger dogs.

* Male dogs posses more obvious genitals which they sometimes pride themselves on and often splay their legs open at the most embarrassing times, such as when you have guests.

* Some males especially during adolescence will hump everything in sight regardless of what or who that may be.

* Most male dogs cock their legs when going to the bathroom even on your favourite shrub or garden gnome.

* Most males will territorially mark their domain spraying everything in sight.

The female dog

The pros

* Female dogs are usually more subtle than males.

* Female dogs are usually quicker to learn and housebreak.

* Female dogs are less distracted than males.

* Female dogs are less defiant than males.

* Female dogs are less likely to involve you in dominance struggles.

* Female dogs are usually quieter than males.

The cons

* Female dogs are more prone to mood swings.

* Female dogs are experts when it comes to sulking.

* Female dogs can be prone to theatrics.

* Female dogs can be ingenious when it comes to getting their own way.

* You will have to keep a close eye on your female when she is in season (ready to breed).