Male or Female - help me choose

[Joette]

Hi everybody! I am new to the forum and will soon be owned by a new Rottie. I have really enjoyed everyone's comments and input on all of the various topics on the forum and now ask your advice. I have done all the research on the breed, have decided to add a Rottie to my household, have found a reputable breeder and have 2 litters to pick from. The decision I now have to make is male or female. Do any of you have any advice on this topic. The advice I've received thus far is about equally split. I would welcome any additional input or comments. Thank you.

Joette

[Judi W]

What skill sets do you bring to the equasion? Your experience in dogs, owning, raising, training, other family members? The question is not just which sex, but what you are equipped to manage.

[Rocky's_mom]

Originally Posted by Judi W

What skill sets do you bring to the equasion? Your experience in dogs, owning, raising, training, other family members? The question is not just which sex, but what you are equipped to manage.

True!!!

Thank you for doing your research before you are getting a rottie. Ask your breeder.

But, IMO, the next rottie I get will be male. but that's not going to be for a LONG time. Rocky is just now over a year and Victoria (a nottweiler) is only 8 months old.

[LavenderRott]

While most of my dogs in my life have been females, I have had a couple of male dogs. Quite frankly the difference is in personalities and not so much genders. At least in my opinion. Every dog, be it male or female, has its own personality traits.

My male Akita was very much like my female Rottweiler. They are/were very laid back, eager to please, got along with everyone and everything dogs. The only difference was that while my Kona would not start a fight, he wouldn't back down either. Chase has never really been in a fight, so I am not sure what she would do.

[Patty1231]

From posts I've read here on the subject, many feel that if the breeder is truly reputable they will decide the right puppy for you. They will take the time to find out about you and your experience, etc., and choose a pup for you based on that and their knowledge of each individual pup in the litter. I have both; they are very different from each other but I love them both.

[Joette]

Originally Posted by Judi W

What skill sets do you bring to the equasion? Your experience in dogs, owning, raising, training, other family members? The question is not just which sex, but what you are equipped to manage.

Hi Judi. Skill sets? Well, I've been fortunate enough to have dogs all of my life, my ex-husband was an avid hunter and we raised several litters of Brittanys, we are since divorced. Both of my kids - one age 22 on his own now, and a daughter who is 18, graduating this spring, off to college, has a boyfriend and partime job - not much time for mom, was the inspiration to research the breed to begin with. I live in a small community, and just recently purchased my own home. I am single and live alone, and spend a lot of time at home in the evenings and on the week-ends. The house has a nice back yard that is completely fenced in with a 6 foot privacy fence, and while the kids were younger, we did about 10 years of dog obedience in 4-H and showmanship at the county and state levels. I have checked with our City Clerk to make sure that there are no ordinances prohibiting the breed, and have discussed the matter with my insurance agent. I have been renting up until now and was unable to have a dog.

A female is my preference simply from experience with other breeds, my daughter prefers the male, and I have gotten a 50/50 split on advice from the various breeders I've visited. The American Rottweiler Club info suggested for a first time owner that a female is a better choice, and my friends who are owned by Rotties, for the most part prefer the males. The breeder I've selected has no preference. Perhaps I should simply let the puppy choose me?

Joette

[Jaegergirl]

both genders have their good and bad points and a lot of it comes down to personality of the individual dog. i agree that any breeder worth your time would be able to tell you which one would be the best fit for your situation.

i'll admit before i got maverick (and before i found this forum), i read somewhere that females were "easier" for first time owners so i "thought" i wanted a female. i ended up with a male. :) the breeder we got maverick from only had one pup left (she planned on keeping him until i came along) so i didn't get a choice. after we talked several times and met, then talked some more, she felt maverick and i were a good match.

what gender will i get next time? it will all depend on the dog's personality.

[Patty1231]

Wow, Joette, you have a heck of a lot more experience than I had going in. When I got Rocco as a pup, I wanted a large-breed dog and did a lot of research on breeds (didn't find this forum until he was about 7-8 months old) and decided on a rottie. I chose a male simply because they are larger than the females. He's totally loveable but can be stubborn. My female I got from the HS a week before Christmas. Since I don't know her background, I'm only working with what I see now. She's much more controlled than my male but, then again, she's an adult and he's still a puppy. She's every bit as loving as he is. I've read that the females are smarter than the males but the females can be "bitchy". My girl is just that. At this point, I don't see myself ever without one of each. Good luck to you on your decision and enjoy your puppy, whichever sex you decide upon!! :D

[Judi W]

Joette,
Well, you've got some "dog" under your belt. Since it is going to be your dog, let your daughter pick her own :D

I tend to believe the characteristics are different between the males and females and yes, under that umbrella the individual personality. One of the reasons why a female is often recommended as a first is quite simply because of size. Managing a dog of the size, strength of a male and going through adolesence at the same time can be a bit much for a beginner. It's a LOT of dog!

Make sure you are dealing with a breeder that knows their lines, preferably does a PAT test before selecting pup to home and will be available to you.

Enjoy

[SABELLESMOM]

Sounds as if you have a solid background in dogs, generally, and the yard sounds lovely. Great for exercise and play.

As to gender, it's really more of a difference in personality. Although, it's generally believed females are a bit "easier" for most people. I have a female. I've had a female before her. They are nothing alike!

Jazmine was a "little soldier" from the beginning. She never waned to make a mistake. She wanted to be perfect, prim and proper. Consequently she excelled at obedience.

Sable was much more of a challenge. Not that she was particularly difficult, perhaps more lively would explain her better. She was constantly busy, a big "social butterfly" with tons of personality

My friends both have males. Atlas is meek and gentle, a bit too soft, but then he was bumped around a bit between homes. Remmy, is much more like Jazmine behavior/training wise, but he's more animated.

Maybe, as you said the dog should pick you. Whatever you choose, get involved in training, and enjoy your dog. I'm definately more female oriented, but I wouldn't turn down the "right" male.

[LORHEL]

For a first time rottweiler owner, I would strongly recommend a female. I have had both, and can tell you that males are much more domineering, or I should say like to THINK they can be...you have to put them in their place immediately. Boys do have their benefits though, as do the females.

I have found females to be more motherly, protective of loved ones, and more affectionate. But they are far easier to handle, mostly due to the fact they are normally smaller than the males. Whatever your choice, good luck, this is a fine breed for those who are dedicated to the commitment and responsibilities they bring, it is well worth it, when the dog gives back.

[Joette]

Originally Posted by Patty1231

Wow, Joette, you have a heck of a lot more experience than I had going in. When I got Rocco as a pup, I wanted a large-breed dog and did a lot of research on breeds (didn't find this forum until he was about 7-8 months old) and decided on a rottie. I chose a male simply because they are larger than the females. He's totally loveable but can be stubborn. My female I got from the HS a week before Christmas. Since I don't know her background, I'm only working with what I see now. She's much more controlled than my male but, then again, she's an adult and he's still a puppy. She's every bit as loving as he is. I've read that the females are smarter than the males but the females can be "bitchy". My girl is just that. At this point, I don't see myself ever without one of each. Good luck to you on your decision and enjoy your puppy, whichever sex you decide upon!! :D

Thank you Patty for the input and vote of confidence. I have always been an animal lover and like I said, have been fortunate to have had dogs most of my life. However the bulk of my experience has been with hunting/sporting breeds and smaller breeds, and with the brittanys and german shorthairs, the males definately tend to be a little more stubborn and independent. My son is owned by a year old yellow lab, and she is so willing to please him and she has been so easy to train, so much more than the britts or shorthairs, that he thinks, of course, that a female is the only choice. Thanks again, Patty, and I look forward to continued participation in the forums. :)

[Joette]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Joette,
Well, you've got some "dog" under your belt. Since it is going to be your dog, let your daughter pick her own :D

I tend to believe the characteristics are different between the males and females and yes, under that umbrella the individual personality. One of the reasons why a female is often recommended as a first is quite simply because of size. Managing a dog of the size, strength of a male and going through adolesence at the same time can be a bit much for a beginner. It's a LOT of dog!

Make sure you are dealing with a breeder that knows their lines, preferably does a PAT test before selecting pup to home and will be available to you.

Enjoy

Judi W: Funny - told my daughter the same thing. My dog, my choice. When you have your own place - your choice. :D

I'm really glad you mentioned the PAT. That's exactly what made me think twice about only looking at the female pups. Other's I've talked to think the PAT is "crap", some don't know what it is, and that basically was at least 50% of the basis I used to select a breeder in the first place. The sheer size and strength of an adolescent male is exactly what I am concerned about. I have checked with our local extension office and they have a dog obedience class starting in early April that is open to the public, dogs 3 1/2 months and older. I am timing the arrival into our household so that the pup (he or she) and I will be old enough to immediately attend. I hope I am on the right track. Again, any advice and input will be welcomed. I am so glad to have found this site and am sure I will be a daily participant. ;)

[VON KIRCHER]

Hi Joette, we're glad you have joined the forum. I have had two Rotties in my life. The first was my female, Barroness, and she was extremely sweet, very intelligent, great with kids, a dog which I believed could never be eqauled.

Well, no disrespect to her, Zeus is every bit of a blessing as she was. He is about 20 to 30 pounds larger, but his personality, attempted gentleness :D , and intelligence, is right up there. However, I think he is better with all animals than Bear was.

Zeus is now 13 months old, and may be a tad more "hard" than Bear, he is every bit as sweet. I feel their protectiveness is similar, but Zeus has a tendancy to be a bit more protective over our home.

The fact that males don't go into season is one plus, too.

I really don't think you can go wrong either way. What are the parents like from your breeder?

Nathan

[Judy Chrusch]

Joette, well you sure have alot more experience then I did when I got my first rottie. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Stick around, there's lots of great people here ready and willing :D . My very best to you and as far as which one to get, male or female, can't help you their bc I've always had males :) .

Judy