Many people have definite, set viewpoints about which sex is better when it comes to dogs. Some will accept only males, while others swear by females. Many of these biases come from experience; for example, you might've grown up with male dogs. Other biases are based on unsubstantiated myths, such as female dogs living longer than males. If you don't have a gender preference, you'll have more choices. However, there are some important differences to consider.

Males

One aspect that many people deem a problem with male dogs is that they mark their territory by lifting one leg and relieving themselves. Neutering can lessen this tendency to a degree, as well as protect your dog from testicular cancer and prostate disease. However, the instinct to mark territory is natural in dogs and cannot generally be stifled by any means. Contrary to popular opinion, though, males tend to be slightly mellower than females.

If you intend to show your dog, it's important to know that males are slightly easier to keep in coat. They don't endure the hormonal stress of going into heat twice a year. But you will have to work a little harder to keep the long flowing coat clean, especially on the underside of the dog, because of the male urination method.

Females

Females often show more leadership qualities than males and a more independent nature. This may be the gender more likely to sound the alarm when an intruder — even one as harmless as the UPS man or the neighbor's cat — approaches the house.

Unspayed females will go into heat twice a year, each occurrence lasting about three weeks. They will become moody, messy, and highly attractive to the opposite sex during this time. Spaying takes care of these problems, however, as well as decreases the chances of breast cancer to nearly zero.