Dog or Bitch?

[angieh]

I know we've discussed here about if there are any differences between male and female cats, even if neutered/spayed.

Is there any behavioural differences to be taken into account in dogs generally? And if so, which would you choose???

[Kazz]

I have my beloved Sal here and have had bitches the last few times but...and this is a big but if I were you and the dog was going to be my only dog. I would visit a litter and take a pup that I was attracted to and vice versa a pup choose you sometimes and you cannot put your finger on it.
I do not think (although could be corrected here) that their is a major difference temperment/behviour wise between dogs and bitches in mini schnauzers.
As there is in some breeds I would not recommend a male giant schnauzer as a first dog. But in the mini's I would not say there is much difference. My Sal stops and wee's as much as a dog would if she thinks the world needs reminding of her presence. LOL

I would say you do not want the first pup that approaches you you want a nice middle ranking pup not the boldest and not the quiestist.

[Kazz]

This is getting exciting and you have not found a breeder/pup yet either.

[angieh]

I wondered whether dominance was an issue with a male? I know from reading about the breed that Schnauzers need a calm firm hand to avoid "small dog syndrome" and of course we would enrol in a training programme locally.

[MrsH]

Originally Posted by angieh

I wondered whether dominance was an issue with a male? I know from reading about the breed that Schnauzers need a calm firm hand to avoid "small dog syndrome" and of course we would enrol in a training programme locally.

I think the breed people are best to answer specific questions like this, any comments I would make for example would be based on my knowledge of cockers which wouldn't be a great deal of use to you. I found the breed specific forum that I joined a tremendous source of information, not just for asking my own questions but also reading other members' comments and replies. Is there a schnauzer forum? I would think there probably is and there'll be loads of useful stuff on there.

By the way, I have a boy and dominance isn't an issue at all, he's still entire and popular "knowledge" out there says that cockers are very dominant (proper cocker owners consider it nonsense! )

[Kazz]

Thats like Staffs people say dogs are dominant yet my Sam was so laid back he was horizontal and not a dominant bone in his body. A dog is what you make them, get a decent well bred healthy pup and you have the making of devil or angel. Its your choice.

[angieh]

Kazz has already sent me a link to a Schnauzer forum!

[Moli]

I agree totally with Kazz, its how you bring them up...I personally have always had bitches....

[Phoenix]

I've PM'd you angie

[angieh]

Thanks all! I made the mistake of looking at puppy photos this evening ...................... how do you pick THE one?