When we are working with families on choosing a puppy we often get the question “would you get a boy or girl”.  When considering the differences between a boy and a girl puppy, there are several factors to keep in mind, although individual personality and behavior can vary widely within each sex. Here are some common differences:

Physical Characteristics:
In the miniature breeds, the physical characteristic does not very much.  Other breeds and larger breeds the male sometimes is bigger.
Boy have visible external genitalia, while females have less noticeable parts.

Temperament and Behavior:
In the miniature breeds, the male and female have the same amount of energy and cuddles.   Here at Puppies Up North…when the puppy has lots of energy, we hold and cuddle to have the puppy learn that cuddles are great.  If we see a puppy that want to cuddle all the time, we try to roll a ball in front of the puppy and get them to play more so that they have equal cuddle and energy levels.
Girls sometimes are perceived as more independent, while males may be more affectionate and eager to please.
Boys are more attentive to training because they want to please more than a girl.

Social Behavior:
Here at Puppies Up North, both the boys and girls are socialized equally, they are very well rounded socially and are not afraid of new things.  Some puppies may be cautious at first but soon learn and love what they are doing.  We say that our puppies are like a rose…at first they are tight and nervous…but daily they will start to unwind and and become more beautiful.

Health Considerations:
Spaying/Neutering: Girl puppies often require spaying (removal of ovaries and usually the uterus) to prevent heat cycles and certain health issues.  Boy puppies are neutered (removal of testicles) to prevent unwanted litters and certain behavioral issues.  Both are very easy to recover from…the main recovery is the anesthesia…

Conclusion:
While there are general differences between boys and girl puppies, it is essential to remember that each puppy is an individual with its own personality. Factors such as breed, upbringing, and socialization play significant roles in shaping a puppy’s behavior. When choosing a puppy, please read the information under each puppy “more details” and calls to ask about each puppy.  I am around each puppy daily and feel I know my puppies and their personalities.  I have taken time to write about each puppy want you to feel their personality.  Consider the individual dog’s temperament and how it fits with your lifestyle rather than focusing solely on gender.