Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomeExclusiveAre Male Or Female German Shepherds More Protective

Are Male Or Female German Shepherds More Protective

Choosing Between A Female Vs Male German Shepherd

Male vs Female German Shepherd – Which One Should You buy?

Today, German Shepherds are among Americas most popular dog breeds. The intelligent and capable working dog has devotion and courage that cannot be matched by another breed. If you are thinking of bringing a GSD home, it is important you pay attention to the gender as well. This is an important decision if you wish your future pet to mend according to your lifestyle. Before you bring the new puppy home, it is crucial you learn more about the breed.

  • 1.1 Female German Shepherd Dogs at a Glance
  • Feeding Differences Between Male And Female German Shepherds

    When feeding a male and a female German Shepherd, there arent many differences, and feeding shouldnt affect which sex of dog you choose. Males are slightly larger than female German Shepherds as a general rule, so they can eat a bit more if allowed to. If they are on the heavier side of the German Shepherd weight range , they may need the extra food.

    Both female and male German Shepherds have healthy appetites since they are large breed dogs and have a high activity level. This means that unless theyre confined, these dogs will burn off tons of calories per day and will need to take in a bunch of calories to make it up.

    Both male and female German Shepherds can be prone to health problems due to being overfed, such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. When feeding a German Shepherd, owners should follow the instructions on their chosen dog food carefully to ensure that their dog isnt overfed. Often when people feed their dogs by eyeballing it, they end up feeding the dog a lot more than necessary.

    What Should You Choose

    It depends on your preference. Inform the breeder of the specific characteristics you are looking for. Be clear of your purpose in buying a GSD so the breeder can give possible suggestions. If it is feasible, observe male and females GSD puppies together.

    If youre planning to breed a GSD, getting a female GSD is an option. When female GSDs are in heat, they will bleed for a week or more. This happens only twice a year but it can be messy. So if you are inexperienced, it could be difficult. As an alternative, you can choose to get a male GSD. But the problem is when a male GSD smells a female GSD in heat, he will try his best to pursue the female GSD no matter how far she is so you wont see your male GSD for a while.

    Most experts agree that female GSDs are ideal for a family with children so if you have children, get a female GSD since she is more nurturing and gentle. A female GSD is also preferred if you have a small space and if its your first time to care for a GSD. However, if you want a GSD for your protection, get a male GSD. Keep in mind though that a male GSD needs more food compared with a female one.

    Even though there are general differences between male and female GSDs, there are still exceptions. You also have to consider how the GSD was raised and trained. Remember that an untrained GSD regardless of gender can become aggressive.

    Don’t Miss: Do German Shepherd Puppies Change Color

    Activity Levels In Male Vs Female German Shepherds

    The activity level is another area where male German Shepherds and female German Shepherds are relatively equal. Both sexes of this breed are high energy and made for near-constant activity since they are working dogs. That means if youre looking for a breed of dog to lounge around on the couch with you, a German Shepherd isnt the breed you should be looking at.

    If, on the other hand, youre interested in doing agility, obedience, hiking, jogging, or other strenuous exercises and activities, a German Shepherd can be the perfect trainable partner for your athletic endeavors. These dogs are natural athletes and love a good sense of competition. These dogs are also highly intelligent, which means that their mind needs to be exercised as well as their body.

    Both male and female German Shepherds are prone to mischievous behavior when they become frustrated or bored due to lacking proper exercise. Here are some of the negative behaviors that can crop up in German Shepherds that arent given a physical outlet for their energy:

    German Shepherds may be prone to some problematic behaviors when they dont get enough exercise. Still, there are plenty of ways for both male and female German Shepherds to get their fair share of physical activity during the day.

    Will German Shepherds Bond With One Person

    Do Male or Female German Shepherds Make Better Pets ...

    Yes, German Shepherds will bond with one person they are known as one-man dogs. German Shepherds are fiercely loyal and loving towards their owners, be they in a family setting or with one caretaker.

    This dog will undoubtedly develop a close relationship with all of his people.

    Consistent training is the only way to ensure your German Shepherd will develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog.

    The best type of training is continuous reward-based, positive training. This ensures your dog will bond with you if you live alone or within a family.

    Male German Shepherds are better suited to life with a single person, whereas females are ideal companions for families, as they are very gentle and patient with children.

    You must ensure that you have the time to raise a German Shepherd dog because they experience severe separation anxiety if left by themselves too often.

    You May Like: Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Eggs

    Male Vs Female German Shepherds: How To Choose Your Perfect Pet

    • Pin

    German Shepherds are amongst the most popular dog breeds in the US. They are beautiful looking dogs, but also rather intelligent and devoted to their owners.

    The breed is also known as one of the bravest, and thats why they are often used for law enforcement and guarding purposes.

    One of the most important decisions a new GSD owner has to make is to choose between a male vs a female German Shepherd.

    Theres a big difference between genders within this breed both in their behavior and in their physical characteristics, so its important to familiarize yourself with this and with the breed in general before getting a new puppy.

    Are Female Gsds Used As Police And Military Dogs

    Female German Shepherds are used in police and military service, but they are generally outnumbered by male German Shepherds.

    This is in part to selective breeding for certain traits, such as:

    • Aggressiveness
    • Size and build
    • Athletic ability

    As working dog breeders tend to choose these traits over others they may choose male dogs that fit this profile.

    So, more male GSDs wind up in police and military dog units.

    As mentioned previously, males dogs also make better working dogs in the protection service due to not only their larger size, but their protection and aggression drive.

    These drives are highly sought after in the police fields for K-9 units.

    Male German Shepherds are seen as more intimidating and male handlers may even want to choose a male working partner over a female as male dogs are seen as more tough and rugged.

    Both male and female GSDs have a tough exterior that makes them suitable for military and police work.

    Recommended Reading: German Shepherd Drawing Outline

    Can You Get Rid Of My Dogs Separation Anxiety

    How to treat minor separation anxiety. Dont make a big deal out of arrivals and departures ignore your dog for the first few minutes then calmly pet them. Leave your dog with recently worn clothes that smell like you. Establish a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog youll be back.

    Do Female German Shepherds Have Periods

    Male Vs Female German Shepherd: Which One Should You Get?

    On average, the complete canine reproductive heat cycle takes about 6 months in length which results in about 2 heat cycles each year for most female Alsatian dogs. Some female German Shepherds can come into estrus as early as every 4 months, while others may do so only once a year.

    Recommended Reading: Can German Shepherds Eat Apples

    Male Vs Female German Shepherd: Choose The Best Dog For You

    While you now have a good general overview of the differences between male and female German Shepherds, youll need to decide which traits are most important to you.

    Ultimately, the most important thing is finding a dog whose personality traits you like.

    If you are choosing to purchase a puppy, many experts recommend doing some type of temperament testing. You can choose an established method that you like and follow that testing method.

    However, with both puppies and adult dogs alike, many potential owners simply interact with the dog to see if they are compatible personality types.

    Regardless of whether you use an official temperament test or not, keep in mind that a puppys temperament doesnt necessarily mean the adult dog will behave the same way.

    Choosing a healthy, happy puppy or adult dog may take some time. Dont be afraid to take your time, ask questions, and interact with each dog youre considering.

    In time, youll be able to find the right dog for you.

    Recommended reading:

    In this guide, we go over:

    • Preparing to adopt a dog
    • Dog supplies you will need
    • Choosing the right dog to adopt
    • & much more!

    Female German Shepherd Dogs At A Glance

    • While female GSDs too can become dominant with not raised with a strong pack, they are much easier to handle than their male counterparts.
    • Female GSDs are less territorial and usually display equal amount of love for the entire family. While some dogs may become inclined to a single family member, female GSDs care for all of their family members.
    • They are not the best choice for guarding but are likely to protect people and make for good guard dogs.
    • Female GSDs have a sensitive nature and are easier to train. They are usually the top contenders for rally obedience, agility and other dog sports.
    • Female GSDs tend to be smaller than their male counter parts and have feminine features.

    While in some ways choosing between a male and female GSD is a matter of personal preference, you should always keep in mind the above differences before selecting a pet. Before you bring a furry friend home, evaluate their characteristics and try to determine which dog would fit best in your household. It is also important you state your intent before adopting a puppy to ensure the dog is best suited for the particular job. Overall, this breed makes for a trustworthy, friendly and lovable companion that is bound to bring joy to any home.

    For more information, speak to the breeder to get an idea of the personality of the puppy. Evaluating the parents personality helps in predicting the dogs temperament. Good luck!

    Don’t Miss: Building A Whelping Box For A Large Breed Dog

    Female German Shepherd Size Height And Weight

    While this is not always the case, one of the most obvious general distinctions about the female GSD is that she is generally leaner, smaller, and shorter than her male counterpart.

    German shepherd dogs are considered to be sexually dimorphic, which means there can be a visible difference in appearance between the appearance of the adult male and adult female dogs within the breed. This may be as simple as a height and weight difference or it could include differences in facial and body configuration and behavior, what is often termed feminization or masculinization, which relates to the dominance of different hormones as the dog grows up.

    Are Male Or Female German Shepherds More Protective

    Male vs Female German Shepherd

    The first German Shepherd was founded in 1899 and was bred to herd and protect sheep. The modern dog continues its desire to protect due to this innate trait. But are males and females equally as protective?

    Male German Shepherds are known to be more protective and territorial than females. Although both sexes will protect due to their genetic disposition, females tend to be more reserved and are more likely to approach guests, whereas males are more likely to doubt their intentions.

    The strong dominance trait in males can become a problem if you dont tame it. If you dont introduce a male GSD to friends and family early on, you could experience problems, including many unwanted behaviors. Both genders will form an intense bond with their owner, which means theyll protect you at all costs.

    Even though females tend to be less protective, theyll protect their young as well as their owners in most cases. I can certainly vouch for this, as Willow is highly protective of me! The other day, she certainly showed her protective traits when an unknown male opened the houses side gate and entered the rear yard where she was lying. Lets just say he didnt hang around for long!

    Ultimately, it all depends on how you bond and build a relationship with your dog. Both males and females can be highly protective! So this leads me to the next question

    Don’t Miss: Rottweiler Compared To Pitbull

    The Amazing Personality Traits Of German Shepherds

    German Shepherds are herding dogs originally bred to protect sheep. Over time, their intelligence, athleticism, loyalty, and fierce loyalty caught the eye of law enforcement.

    Since the 1920s and 1930s, this breed has worked tirelessly as police dogs. In addition to police work, German Shepherds also make powerful military dogs. As police dogs, GSDs assist in locating missing persons, sniffing out drugs, and checking border entries for illegal items.

    You can expect both the male and female German shepherd to be able to make the switch from work to home. Its not unusual for a police officer to bring his/her German Shepherd to work and back home at the end of the day.

    German Shepherds are smart enough to know when its time to be on guard and attentive, and when its time to relax and kick back with the family. Having a strong relationship with the family and lots of socialization early on definitely helps.

    What Creates A Bond Between German Shepherd And Owner

    German Shepherds can create a bond with people at any time of their lives, but the optimum time to bond with a GSD is between the ages of 4 weeks old to 12 weeks old their exposure to the world at this stage will have a lasting effect on how they relate to their family and strangers.

    Creating a firm bind with your GSD requires you to meet his needs and understand his innate behavior.

    Consistent positive reinforcement training will ensure your GSD forms a close bond with you. Your dog must respect you and see you as his leader, but you must never punish him or shout at him always remain calm.

    Recommended Reading: Shepadoodle Hypoallergenic

    Male Vs Female Temperament In German Shepherds

    Male and female German Shepherds tend to vary most in temperament outside of their sexual behaviorsother than temperament, you would be hard-pressed to tell a male and a female German Shepherd apart without sexing them.

    In general, female German Shepherds possess the following temperament traits:

    • Affectionate towards all members of the family.
    • Tolerant and protective of family members, especially children.
    • May have a somewhat dominating personality with other dogs.
    • May show aggression towards other female dogs, mainly if sexually intact.

    Male German Shepherds are the members of the breed that are most often used in service work. Male German Shepherds are also affectionate with the family but tend to latch onto one handler versus showing attention to the family as a unit.

    Here are some of the other temperament traits of male German Shepherds:

    • Tends to be territorial and protective of property, vehicles, belongings.
    • Good with family members but can be distrustful and even aggressive towards strangers.
    • Usually has a playful and exuberant personality, even goofy.
    • May show aggression towards other male dogs, mainly if sexually intact.

    Female German Shepherd Risks

    Male vs Female German Shepherd: Which One’s Right For You

    There are a couple of conditions that affect females at different rates than males. The first is Hemophilia A. This is a blood disease that makes it difficult for the dog’s body to develop clots.

    There is no cure for the disease, but it can be managed with treatment. Female German Shepherds are carriers of the disease. But, they don’t show symptoms of the condition like males do. So, diagnosis requires medical testing.

    Another notable disease is Idiopathic Epilepsy. The condition causes seizures and could lead to potential brain damage. While it can affect any German Shepherd, it’s less prevalent in females.

    Don’t Miss: How Much Does A 5 Month Old German Shepherd Weight

    Are Male German Shepherds More Affectionate

    Males are more possessive than females. Many German shepherd owners will also tell you that their guys are more friendly and comical than their girls. That is not to argue that girls aren’t lovely some are just not as cuddly as guys.

    The reason for this difference in personality is due to the fact that males tend to be more aggressive and territorial than females, which means they need more love and attention. They can be very loving once they find the right person, but since they are usually given or bought already trained, they don’t get a chance to develop these qualities naturally like a female would.

    Also worth mentioning is that males generally have longer periods of excitement and depression than females, so they require more mental and emotional stimulation to keep them happy.

    Overall, males are just plain fun to be around and enjoy more human interaction than females do. However, females are perfectly fine with spending time by themselves too they’re just not as talkative or energetic as males are.

    At What Age Do Most German Shepherds Die

    The average life span of a German Shepherd is between 10 and 13 years. Some may live shorter lives if they encounter unusual health problems, while some might live beyond 13 years if theyre in good health. As we can see in the table below nearly 50% of this dog breed dies between the age of 10 and 13 years.

    Recommended Reading: How To Draw A Realistic German Shepherd Step By Step

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular