Male vs. Female

[Danielle609]

So I am just wondering what the truth is. According to my Mom, a vet told her that Female GSD's are more protective of the family and Male GSD's are more protective of their surroundings. So my Mom's theory is that a female GSD is better for a family with Kids. I don't believe this to be true. I, with lack of experience of course, think that there isn't a difference between the genders. Anyone care to enlighten me with the truth? Thanks! :-)

[MaggieRoseLee]

I think the last thing to look at when getting a GSD is the 'protection' thing. That's what tends to get us in trouble with not socializing and training properly because we think we want the 'protection' and end up getting all our friends and neighbors bit and the dog put down.

Instead we want a happy and socialized GSD that LOOKS scary and strangers will avoid. They all bark loudly and look like police dogs. Then if we intend to TRAIN for protection then we can take that balanced dog and go to the training for the rest of the dogs life to work on it.

I personally think male dogs are more easy going so I would get a male if I had a family with kids. That way I know my kids and their friends would be safe.

Though any GSD needs alot of training and hours of off leash exercise each week, so be a bit of a challenge for most busy families with kids....

[onyx'girl]

I think it is the genetics not their gender.

BUT from what I see with my pack my male is goofier, the females more serious.
Though he has great genetics and isn't reactive like the females... he has a higher threshold.

I do tend to believe, though, females of any breed are a bit more "on guard" humans are the same, IMO as females are the nurturer/raisers of offspring most often.

[Gretchen]

I once read that the reason police use more males for K9's is that females are extremely loyal, and would rather stay and protect the officer than go forward and chase the bad guy/girl. My friend with both a male and female GSD, said his female is much more protective. His male is not protective of his home at all.

[Danielle609]

Originally Posted by MaggieRoseLee

I think the last thing to look at when getting a GSD is the 'protection' thing. That's what tends to get us in trouble with not socializing and training properly because we think we want the 'protection' and end up getting all our friends and neighbors bit and the dog put down.

Instead we want a happy and socialized GSD that LOOKS scary and strangers will avoid. They all bark loudly and look like police dogs. Then if we intend to TRAIN for protection then we can take that balanced dog and go to the training for the rest of the dogs life to work on it.

I personally think male dogs are more easy going so I would get a male if I had a family with kids. That way I know my kids and their friends would be safe.

Though any GSD needs alot of training and hours of off leash exercise each week, so be a bit of a challenge for most busy families with kids....

I agree 100%. And actually although I want my dog to be a protector of our family, I need to make sure it is socialized. We had a couple of GSD's that were aggressive when I was younger. I want a dog that I can trust around other people. But that is why I ask because I don't know if gender plays a role in that or not. I just want a great family dog :-)

[Lucy Dog]

Every dog is different... Gender has nothing to do with it. It's all genetics.

[JakodaCD OA]

I agree with all the posters above..

I have had multiple males, loved them to death, they were rather goofier, very velcro-y, easy trainers , slow to mature if they ever really did

My females, (and I'm on my second one) took/take things a little more seriously, Masi is much more into 'me' than my past female, and I think more loyal to me..I don't want to say she's more protective, because we've never been in a situation to put that to the test, but I will say she is more 'possessive' of me..

My males tended to be much better and more 'into' kids than my females, but I agree it's genetics that matter not gender.

[RazinKain]

Originally Posted by Danielle609

So I am just wondering what the truth is. According to my Mom, a vet told her that Female GSD's are more protective of the family and Male GSD's are more protective of their surroundings. So my Mom's theory is that a female GSD is better for a family with Kids. I don't believe this to be true. I, with lack of experience of course, think that there isn't a difference between the genders. Anyone care to enlighten me with the truth? Thanks! :-)

I think your mom's vet was correct in this description (atleast in my own experiences). Also, the female will tend to be more serious and independent, as opposed to the male which will be more goofy and velcroish. All dogs are individuals and this rule can't possibly apply to them all, but it's a good generality. As stated above, I think a male would be best suited for a family with small children.

[Danielle609]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

Every dog is different... Gender has nothing to do with it. It's all genetics.

Up until joining this forum, I never knew that temperament was a genetic thing. I always assumed it was the owner's not socializing the puppy enough and or not giving it enough training. This is why I am now committed to making sure that when I get a puppy that it is from a reputable breeder.

[sagelfn]

Why not let a responsible breeder pick a puppy that they think will be the best match for your family?

Plenty of people here with male GSDs and kids and female GSDs with kids. Both seem to be equal.

Reputable breeder + socalization & training = great GSD male or female


Do have to say my male is very goofy and velcroish. I've not had a female so I can't comment.