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[ Matchmaking ]

[ Is a Dog Really Right for Me? ]
[ Purebred or Mixed? ]
[ Large or small? ]
[ Male or Female?]
[ Puppy or Adult?]
[ What are the costs?]
[ Making your final selection ]

Questions to Ask

Male or Female?

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Almost all dogs are loving and faithful companions if they are given the chance, regardless of whether they are male or female. There are no differences in loyalty or intelligence related to sex (editors note: this is not always true with humans). However, there are certain differences related to aggression, not necessarily in the amount, but in the type of aggression. Male dogs have a stronger territorial instinct, which makes your home his home, and can lead your dog to mark his territory (your yard) with urine. A male dog that constantly "lifts his leg" can damage your shrubbery over time by burning your plants with urine. Both males and females can be taught to urinate in one part of your yard, which can lessen this problem. Rather than acting out of territorial instincts, females are more likely to be aggressive against certain people or other animals. Also, females come into "heat" twice a year, which can be messy, and can act as a strong attractant to males. If you do not plan to breed or show your dog, most pet professionals would advise you to have your dog spayed or neutered.

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