Re: Male v. Female

In Reply to: Male v. Female
Category:   Other
Posted by:  Janet
Posted on:  May 29, 2002 at 15:09:17

: Greetings: I had Female Jack who passed away a few months ago and am getting up the nerve to get another! I wanted another female as (this may sound odd) I don't like the obvious signs of "gender" when the dog plays and rolls over for a belly rub. However, my female did have some bladder control issues in her later years which the vet said will happen with older spayed females. Does anyone have any input on the male v. female choice? Does one experience less health problems down the road? Are males easier to housebreak and are they easier on the grass since they tend to pee against things? Any aggression/affection/personality differences? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Response:

Dear Janet,

On behalf of the other Forum volunteers, I offer our condolences for the loss of your terrier. All of us have lost a beloved pet and understand "getting up the nerve" to love another.

I have no doubt that everyone reading this has an opinion about why one gender is "better" than the other. (By "better" I mean easier to housetrain, more affectionate, healthier, less aggressive, etc.) But the thing is, every terrier -- regardless of gender -- has a unique personality. And every owner and household is unique too. Personal preference is most often based on personal experience.

I suggest the solution to your dilemma is that you concentrate on personality first and gender second. By keeping an open mind about gender, you are more likely to find your ideal companion. :-)

Best wishes,
Leslie