Papillon Puppy: Male Or Female?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I’m planning on purchasing a papillon puppy at the end of this year in December as a pet. I’ve looked up everything about the breed: temperament, size, coat-colour, exercise requirements, feeding, grooming requirements, toilet training, pricing… etc. I’ve also found a wonderful breeder with puppies that are available at the perfect moment (the beginning of my end of year school holidays). They’re really informative, kind and devoted to sending their dogs to a good home.
I was originally leaning towards getting a male dog. However, the litter that was born two nights ago from the breeder consisted of three females.
I’ve heard of many cons about females, i.e. they’re less affectionate than dogs, somewhat finicky, more moody, more reserved and quiet and more dominant in some cases (wanting to be the alpha dog, fighting against other bitches… etc.). Apparently they’re also harder to toilet train as they don’t lift their leg when doing their business.
Is all of the above true, and if so, to what degree? Is it very noticable? Does it affect how you feel when living with them?
If anyone specifically has a papillon, please answer my question. I will be very grateful. =)
Thank you so much!
–yaivi
P.S. I am planning on de-sexing my puppy, be it male or female.
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Okay, I’ve had 6 papillons- 2 females and 4 males, but I know a lot more females than males as I know a lot of breeders’ dogs pretty well. Anyways….
I prefer the females over the males (even though we have had more males, males are generally easier to come by). The females seem to have a bit more ‘*****’ in them, which I like. They have a lot of spunk and attitude and at the same time, mine are very cuddly. They seem to be a bit smarter than the boys, or at least they think more than the boys before doing something.
The truth is, in this breed gender really doesn’t matter much. There is rarely aggression and I know plenty of households with multiple intact females and multiple intact males with no problem. Right now we have 2 intact males and 2 spayed females. Both girls are reliably housebroken. One girl is more timid but she was a rehome from a not so good situation. 2 of our males have also been pretty timid. The other girl is outgoing and the most affectionate dog we have. She like s to be in your face and give lots of kisses.
Of the other girl papillons I know, I find them to be overall very sweet and lovable. I haven’t noticed much difference between the two genders. I sometimes hear the boys have a ‘I love you!’ attitude, while the girls have a ‘You love me!’ attitude. The boys like to dote on you while the girls like to be doted on. That’s true for one of my girls, but not true for the other so I’,m not sure if that has any real truth or if it’s just an observation of individuals.
Generally you hear that males are the hardest to potty train, especially intact males because they like to mark.
I would only have a female dog. I have had plenty of both genders in the past and I prefer females, they seem to be more “motherly” and playful. besides… you can’t rub a boy puppy’s belly *LOL* girl puppies though have wonderful bellies just made for rubbing!
Well bitches bleed everywhere sooo ya. If that deosn’t bother you. I would get a male but… watever. I actually really like females too though.
The thing with generalizations is that they are not always true! There are plenty of affectionate, friendly female dogs who are well housebroken (some people think males are harder to housebreak because of the leg lifting behavoirs!)
Let the breeder know what kind of personality you are seeking for a pet, as the pups grow and develop, she will get to know their individual personalities. She can take an “educated” guess at which pup is more likely to be an Alpha dog, and which one is more likely to be a snuggly lap puppy (you cant always tell with pups for sure, as temperments can change based on other influences as they mature, but you can often get a good idea of the personality type they are developing towards.)
Besides, this litter may have been mostly females.. but the next one may be mostly males anyways.. its luck of the draw.
ADDED
I wouldnt base your decision on “bitches bleed everywhere” since you plan on having the dog spayed or neutered anyways! A spayed female does not go into heat!