Male vs female

C

Citori16

Well-known member
Will be getting a new lab pup and trying to decide on male vs female
What are your thoughts on strengths and weakness of each gender. Will be a flushing pup from British lines
 
In my opinion, females are generally smaller than males, which in theory would make it easier to run the distances needed for upland hunting. On the other hand, females go into season 2x a year until they are spayed. If I were getting a male, I’d look for a smaller framed dog for upland work. For me, 50- 60 pounds or less would be perfect.
 
I haven't owned a male in years. I built my run on the outside of my garage with the houses on the inside. Within one generation of dogs the two males had big places ate through the tin from piss. Not to mention killing every plant or bush on the corners of the landscape. Not that females won't fight but all the male wires I've owned would fight if provoked, and a couple for fun. Even a cut male will occasionally fight and will mark outside and the inside. Females generally have a sweeter disposition also. So spayed females for me hands down.
 
Had females for 30 years. Male dogs have three ideas, screw, eat, fight. Never had a problem with females in season. Mostly hunted private ground and no other dogs around. Best of luck with whatever sex you choose.
 
I've had both over the past 50+ years and I would only get a female. I never wanted to become a breeder so all my females have been spayed. A spayed female is the only way to go.
 
Males tend to be more aggressive than females do.

Not saying they're all like that but that's generally the case. Females do generally cost more than a male does.
 
Im interested in this topic too.. what about field performance? I get the social stuff I’m asking about performance and endurance.. my vote is male in that category.
 
Quailnerd said:
Im interested in this topic too.. what about field performance? I get the social stuff I’m asking about performance and endurance.. my vote is male in that category.
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Performance and endurance will depend more on the breeding, condition and the individual dog than what sex it is.
 
I have heard many people say Labrador males have more drive to hunt. I have had only one male and two females but have been around many hunting labs. I think that is total BS. I will only have females, and I loved my male. My wife hated it when our male would lift his leg on the lawn chair. Especially when she was sitting on it. 🤣🤣🤣
 
I just know the handful of really special dogs I’ve been around were males except one. I’m talking cream of the crop 1% dogs. That’s what I’m shooting for.
 
westksbowhunter said:
Most FC's, MH's, etc. are males.
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Most are black also. It seems kind of skewed towards black males. Is that because they are better? Most top field trail dogs are black, so they breed and get black puppies. Floyd is probably top field trial dog and yellow. Ammo was a very special dog and female and chocolate. A lot of females aren’t campaigned like males are so who knows. Seems to me most national field trails are 60/40 males to females and the females always hold their own.
 
I have 3 females that all hunt very well. One is a GR HRCH / AKC MN HOF dog. She points too. I think that there are less Field Trial / AKC hunt test females because they are not allowed to run when they are in season. I’d look at both parents hunting ability and health. Repeat breedings are usually a good sign. You’ll likely be good if both parents hunt well, regardless whether you choose a male or female.
 
Quailnerd said:
Im interested in this topic too.. what about field performance? I get the social stuff I’m asking about performance and endurance.. my vote is male in that category.
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Maybe, but I'm talking about all around ease of ownership. Not particularly performance. I will say though that some of the female pointers I've owned had more performance than I wanted.
 
Behavior around the house is really important and something to consider. Hunting season is only a small portion of the year. Consider the number of days that you will be hunting too. Some like to train and or run their dog in hunt tests during the “off season”.
 
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