Male or Female dog???

[DMickey28]

We are thinking about getting a Newfie puppy in the Fall. The breeder we are working with is hoping to have a litter due August/September.

I am torn between male or female. I know ultimately it probably won't matter as we will pick the dog based on individual temperment and bonding when we meet them but still ... need something to obsess about now!

I have an 8 year old hound rescue mix who is male. He is very laid back and low key. He is great around other dogs and will really benefit from the energy of a puppy. He spent the summer last year with my mom's male beagle and aside from a couple of 'words' over chewies they did great together!

What is your experience with each gender and which would you recommend?

 

[sunnyday123]

Yay Newfies!! I have a female but we originally wanted a male. She is wonderful!!

The male puppy we wanted ended up not being available, and really there wasn't much of a difference in temperment, other than her being more playful than he was. She even to this day, takes nothing seriously. The main concern would be size. Can you handle a 150+ pound dog on your own? My girl will probably be around 130, and right now is 100lbs and she is strong! Our trainer remarked the other day that she's trained all kinds of dogs, and till she had her thought pit bulls were the strongest. She's knocked me off my feet and dragged me on my knees a few feet in pursuit of a bunny!

The biggest factor is training-you MUST do this from the day he/she comes home. They grow fast-like you leave and come back in an hour and they are bigger than when you left fast. And they are hairy. She's blowing her puppy coat, and I've brushed a garbage bag full of hair off her, and it's still coming. They slobber, and water tends to pour out of their mouths when they drink. Buy lots of drool towels and keep 'em handy.

They are one of the best dogs to have with kids, are very patient and loving, but they are work!

Good luck and keep us posted!!

 

[DisTeach1]

I will tell you this...this is what I was told "A female dog loves you...a male dog is IN LOVE with you". And I think that is true...my female dog will come by, give me a kiss, and go on her way...the male dog always wants to be with me, sit by me, be in the same room by me....I love having a male dog, he's my baby.

 

[*BTMRR*]

I was wondering this too, not specifically about Newfoundlands. I'm in the beginning stages of thinking of getting a dog. I've been observing the dogs at our local pet daycare, and I see that so many of them are just obsessed with...um...getting up on the back of all the other dogs, constantly. These are always male (neutered) dogs who do this. This would drive me nuts! I don't know if this is just a male dog behavior? Something that could be avoided by getting a female?

I'm interested to read the opinions in this thread.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I will tell you this...this is what I was told "A female dog loves you...a male dog is IN LOVE with you". And I think that is true...my female dog will come by, give me a kiss, and go on her way...the male dog always wants to be with me, sit by me, be in the same room by me....I love having a male dog, he's my baby.

This has always been my experience, as well. Right now we have one of each and though the female dog is more closely bonded to me than the male (Jack is really DH's dog - the two of them are inseparable), I still refer to our male as "the love of my life". He NEEDS to be with his people at all times, while our female is more independent. He is also much more attached to our female dog, than she is with him. He would be devastated if she disappeared one day, while she would be lonely, but would get over it.

It could just be individual personalities, but I've also heard the statement on male/female dogs, and it's definitely true in our house.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I was wondering this too, not specifically about Newfoundlands. I'm in the beginning stages of thinking of getting a dog. I've been observing the dogs at our local pet daycare, and I see that so many of them are just obsessed with...um...getting up on the back of all the other dogs, constantly. These are always male (neutered) dogs who do this. This would drive me nuts! I don't know if this is just a male dog behavior? Something that could be avoided by getting a female?

I'm interested to read the opinions in this thread.

In neutered males and females, humping is a dominant behavior. Our (neutered) male dog is quite dominant (we have German Shepherds so they tend to be more dominant than other breeds by default) but he never humps. Our (spayed) female dog is pretty submissive for a German Shepherd (but still more dominant than a lot of other dogs) and she will sometimes hump more submissive dogs at the dog park - we always yell at her, but she really just needs to be trounced by the other dog one day. It almost seems like an insecure dominant behavior, to be honest. If that makes sense. Our male knows that he's dominant and so feels no need to do it.... our female is not secure in expressing dominance, and so she does.

 

[SadieDog]

I was wondering this too, not specifically about Newfoundlands. I'm in the beginning stages of thinking of getting a dog. I've been observing the dogs at our local pet daycare, and I see that so many of them are just obsessed with...um...getting up on the back of all the other dogs, constantly. These are always male (neutered) dogs who do this. This would drive me nuts! I don't know if this is just a male dog behavior? Something that could be avoided by getting a female?

I'm interested to read the opinions in this thread.

Nope, it's not just a male dog behavior. It's also a behavior to show dominance. My brothers female dog used to do it to other dogs.

 

[SadieDog]

In neutered males and females, humping is a dominant behavior. Our (neutered) male dog is quite dominant (we have German Shepherds so they tend to be more dominant than other breeds by default) but he never humps. Our (spayed) female dog is pretty submissive for a German Shepherd (but still more dominant than a lot of other dogs) and she will sometimes hump more submissive dogs at the dog park - we always yell at her, but she really just needs to be trounced by the other dog one day. It almost seems like an insecure dominant behavior, to be honest. If that makes sense. Our male knows that he's dominant and so feels no need to do it.... our female is not secure in expressing dominance, and so she does.

My brothers dog that used to do this was part German Shepherd. Hers also seemed like insecure dominant behavior.

 

[stsomewhere]

I was wondering this too, not specifically about Newfoundlands. I'm in the beginning stages of thinking of getting a dog. I've been observing the dogs at our local pet daycare, and I see that so many of them are just obsessed with...um...getting up on the back of all the other dogs, constantly. These are always male (neutered) dogs who do this. This would drive me nuts! I don't know if this is just a male dog behavior? Something that could be avoided by getting a female?

I'm interested to read the opinions in this thread.

My female dog is spayed. She does it to. She is showing the other dog that she is dominant.

Some dogs are fine not being the top dog. My girl is not.

 

[*BTMRR*]

In neutered males and females, humping is a dominant behavior. Our (neutered) male dog is quite dominant (we have German Shepherds so they tend to be more dominant than other breeds by default) but he never humps. Our (spayed) female dog is pretty submissive for a German Shepherd (but still more dominant than a lot of other dogs) and she will sometimes hump more submissive dogs at the dog park - we always yell at her, but she really just needs to be trounced by the other dog one day. It almost seems like an insecure dominant behavior, to be honest. If that makes sense. Our male knows that he's dominant and so feels no need to do it.... our female is not secure in expressing dominance, and so she does.

That makes sense. Thanks. I have a lot to learn about dogs before I actually get one!

 

[sunnyday123]

Nope, it's not just a male dog behavior. It's also a behavior to show dominance. My brothers female dog used to do it to other dogs.

It's not always a show of dominance, females can do it around the time they're starting to go into heat, all those hormones ....they can also do it if they're really playing , they just get all wound up!

Also, Newf's tend to be "velcro" dogs. They want to be with you no matter where you are. Everytime we go out, someone will say, "I bet you have a HUGE house!" Not huge, but it could be a two room cottage and she'd be where I was. She's a big smoocher and loves to be with people. I have friends who have a male and a female, and the male is more independant than the female -she is glued to their side all the time. It's more a personality trait than anything.

Just do your research on the breed, they are not for everyone!

 

[ElizK]

I have never had a female dog that "humps". We have 3 dogs right now, all female, one is VERY dominant, but have never seen that behavior in her.

Most (not all) male dogs I've ever had do that, and they also have to mark their territory... I'm not a big fan of having my furniture "marked". Our male dogs have always been so sweet, often sweeter than the females, but I still don't want to deal with those mostly male behaviors. We will always have female dogs only.

 

[iwrbnd]

I will tell you this...this is what I was told "A female dog loves you...a male dog is IN LOVE with you". And I think that is true...my female dog will come by, give me a kiss, and go on her way...the male dog always wants to be with me, sit by me, be in the same room by me....I love having a male dog, he's my baby.

That's exactly what I've found! My male dogs are sooo loyal and full of unconditional love. My females have loved me but are more fickle and a little...umm...snooty!

 

[iwrbnd]

I have never had a female dog that "humps". We have 3 dogs right now, all female, one is VERY dominant, but have never seen that behavior in her.

Most (not all) male dogs I've ever had do that, and they also have to mark their territory... I'm not a big fan of having my furniture "marked". Our male dogs have always been so sweet, often sweeter than the females, but I still don't want to deal with those mostly male behaviors. We will always have female dogs only.

My male dog has never humped but my spayed female does it all the time! Weird! He doesn't mark either but he is neutered.

 

[DMickey28]

Thanks for the replies.

Everything I have read about Newfies, I like. I know they are big .. it's really hard to get an understanding of how big until we go see the parents though. Leaning towards a female, maybe she will be a little smaller. We don't mind up to 150lbs and know it's a gamble in the first place anyway but would like one under 150.

I am open to other breed suggestions. I am open to mixes from the pound as well ... but I do want a puppy. We adopted our hound at 7ish years old and while we love him and he's a wonderful dog we would like one that the boys can grow up with and one that will grow up with our family and protect/warn us. My hound could care less about anything!!! He's the only hound I have ever seen that is trained off leash!!

We want a dog that is sturdy for the kids. We want a dog that will not nip or bite with regular play (Herding breed is out!). We want a dog that is not extremely high energy and will do well with two walks a day and play time in the yard with the kids. Shedding isn't a problem, brushing a few times a week isn't a problem. A smarter, eager to please dog that will be a little bit on the easier side to train vs. a very stubborn, mind of it's own dog. We have a decent size house, 2,200 sq. ft. two floors, we have an acre yard. Any other breed suggestions?

 

[DawnCt1]

I will tell you this...this is what I was told "A female dog loves you...a male dog is IN LOVE with you". And I think that is true...my female dog will come by, give me a kiss, and go on her way...the male dog always wants to be with me, sit by me, be in the same room by me....I love having a male dog, he's my baby.

I never heard that but boy is it so true. Annie, my first standard poodle LOVED me. She was my dog but loved everyone else too. She had a great sense of humor, loved to steal boots out of the garage and show them to you from the window and after we got to know her, we should have named her "Scarlet O'Hara. As they say, they aren't called a B**** for nothing.
Then Jude came to our house. He absolutely was in love with me. When I was gone for a week, he slept by the door waiting for me. I absolutely loved Jude (white male stan.poodle.) and his passing was extremely painful.
Now I have Connor. Another white male stan. poodle. He is two and where Jude was 'IN LOVE' with me. Connor is addicted to me. He cries when I leave the house and goes to his crate when he realizes I am not coming right home. He follows me room to room. I can work in the yard, there can be dogs "calling" him to come visit, walking by the house, etc. Nope, he won't leave me....except to poop in the woods. How good is that? When I leave I tell him that I am going to the store, or out for a while and I have to leave. He runs to his crate. I don't even have to mention the crate. I got a girl first because I had a female toy and its nice to have "girls" around when I am surrounded by human males, but now, I would only get a male dog and I would only get a poodle.

 

[DawnCt1]

I was wondering this too, not specifically about Newfoundlands. I'm in the beginning stages of thinking of getting a dog. I've been observing the dogs at our local pet daycare, and I see that so many of them are just obsessed with...um...getting up on the back of all the other dogs, constantly. These are always male (neutered) dogs who do this. This would drive me nuts! I don't know if this is just a male dog behavior? Something that could be avoided by getting a female?

I'm interested to read the opinions in this thread.

That is not as "sexual" as you think it is. It is a dominance issue and should be stopped. Connor is an intact male because he is called away for "marriage" every now and then, and yet, I have only seen him attempt to mount a female dog once. He got a firm NO and that was that. I have actually seen female dogs do the same thing on occasion.

 

[ElizK]

Thanks for the replies.

Everything I have read about Newfies, I like. I know they are big .. it's really hard to get an understanding of how big until we go see the parents though. Leaning towards a female, maybe she will be a little smaller. We don't mind up to 150lbs and know it's a gamble in the first place anyway but would like one under 150.

I am open to other breed suggestions. I am open to mixes from the pound as well ... but I do want a puppy. We adopted our hound at 7ish years old and while we love him and he's a wonderful dog we would like one that the boys can grow up with and one that will grow up with our family and protect/warn us. My hound could care less about anything!!! He's the only hound I have ever seen that is trained off leash!!

We want a dog that is sturdy for the kids. We want a dog that will not nip or bite with regular play (Herding breed is out!). We want a dog that is not extremely high energy and will do well with two walks a day and play time in the yard with the kids. Shedding isn't a problem, brushing a few times a week isn't a problem. A smarter, eager to please dog that will be a little bit on the easier side to train vs. a very stubborn, mind of it's own dog. We have a decent size house, 2,200 sq. ft. two floors, we have an acre yard. Any other breed suggestions?

Have you considered an English Springer Spaniel? Fantastic family dogs, very smart, easy to train, about 55-70lbs. Great dogs.

Be sure to check www.petfinder.com. You can find all kinds of puppies in shelters/rescues near you. You can type in what breed you are looking for, male or female, and the age you would like. Lots of puppies out there to adopt! That's how we found the dominant female dog that I was talking about.

 

[Aimeedyan]

In my experience (I have 2 males and 1 female, plus have fostered males and females) - males really are IN LOVE with you. My males are attached to us. They are lap puppies, want to be with us, love to cuddle, etc. My female (and the female fosters I've had) love you, but are very independent and not at all overly concerned with winning your affection at all times. I much prefer males, honestly, but I like dogs that are more cuddly. Though I wouldn't trade Lucy for anything! Harley and Winston are always attached to one of us and Lucy is off on her own adventure.

Harley is my only marker, and he started that at age 4. Very odd. (by marking I mean on walks he'll mark various things - never in the house!) All 3 of them will hump on occasion but just for dominance - they are all speutered.

As far as your dog choices, I'm a big advocate for rescue OR buying from a reputable breeder. There is something to be said for good breeders that are out there to protect the dog breed and not in it for making a buck. A large % of dogs in the shelter/rescue are purebreds - not just mixes. Lucy, my Miniature Schnauzer, was a rescue. We got her at 10 months and that was the PERFECT age. Almost all puppies nip and chew - it's part of being a baby - they do grow out of it but your kids will have to be able to hand that okay. That is why I think an older puppy is perfect because they have mostly grown out of that stage.

 

[DMickey28]

oh, I am fine with the puppy nipping and chewing. I am not fine with a herding breed who is ingrained to nip at heels of running cats/children. We had a corgi that was very well trained and once my ODS was mobile it was a nightmare to handle that.