When it comes to training dogs for Schutzhund, many handlers prefer a specific gender. Some think males are better, while others only want to work with females. But is there really a difference? And if it’s the case, which gender makes the best dogs for Schutzhund?
Is A Male or A Female Dog Better For Schutzhund Training?
Males are generally better-suited for Schutzhund and protection work because they tend to be larger, stronger, and have a higher drive. You also don’t have to deal with the heat cycles. On the other hand, females are usually more compact, biddable, focused, sensitive, and mature more quickly than males.
That’s why some trainers prefer working with bitches. However, male dogs are more common in top-level competitions. So one gender isn’t necessarily better than another for Schutzhund training. It will ultimately depend on your needs, goals, and preferences.
Also, keep in mind that every dog is different and unique. The statements above are just generalizations. So they may not apply to all males and females. Many people will say one gender is better but don’t see the overall picture.
In general, a male will indeed have a specific temperament and traits a female won’t and vice-versa. As for humans, gender can influence the dog’s personality and physical conditions. However, it’s not always the case.
Now you probably want more details about the difference between a male and a female regarding Schutzhund training. It will help you understand which gender is better for you and your situation. As any gentleman would do, let’s start with the ladies first.
Female Dog For Schutzhund!
Many trainers prefer working with females because they are generally more sensitive and focused. Their smaller size makes them more compact, agile, and faster, which some handlers like better. However, it also means females can lack physical power and strength.
Another serious advantage of bitches is that they mature more quickly than males. So females will be ready to start Schutzhund training much sooner and may see better progress at a young age. But only a few of them will have what it takes to compete in high levels of IGP.
Female dogs tend to have a softer temperament, lower aggression drive, and higher emotional sensitivity. Those traits can limit their Schutzhund potential. Besides that, you also have to deal with heat cycles and hormones. It can be a problem when it comes to training and competing.
Heat Cycles In Female Dogs & Schutzhund!
Most dogs come into heat around twice per year, and each cycle usually lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. During this period, the female will have hormonal changes that can influence her performance on the field. It might impact the dog’s temperament and mood temporarily.
Some bitches will become overly sensitive, easily distracted, more affectionate, or anything else you might not want in a working and protection dog. However, some females don’t change and still perform well in Schutzhund when in heat.
Why not spay your dog and forget about all of the issues that come with heat cycles?
The problem is that hormones are essential to the mental and physical development of a puppy, especially for Schutzhund and working dogs. So you should at least wait for the dog to reach maturity, which usually happens between 18 and 24 months for females, before spaying her.
So, Can Females Make Good Dogs For IGP?
Female dogs are usually more sensitive, biddable, and smaller in size. That makes them excellent Schutzhund partners for a specific type of handlers. They also mature more quickly than males and tend to be less distracted. My only concern with females is the heat cycle because it can interfere with training and trialing.
Pros.
- More Sensitive.
- More Biddable.
- Mature More Quickly.
- More Compact For Better Speed.
- Have Better Focus.
Cons.
- Heat Cycles & Hormonal Changes.
- Less Power, Strength & Aggression.
- Can Be Too Emotionally Sensitive.
- Can Be Extremely Aggressive With Other Females.
Best Gender For:
- Beginners.
- Family Pet.
Male Dog For Schutzhund!
There’s a reason why males dominate in top levels of the sport. They are generally bigger, stronger, more aggressive, confident, and less emotionally sensitive than females. So males typically have better physical traits and temperament for protection work.
With this gender, you also don’t have to deal with heat cycles and hormonal changes. Males are usually more reliable and forgiving of the handler’s mistakes than females. Often better-suited for Schutzhund training, most people will choose and recommend them for IGP.
On the other hand, a large and powerful dog with a mind of its own might be hard to manage for a beginner. And even if males don’t come into heat, they can become uncontrollable and useless working partners when there’s a female in heat around.
Besides that, they take much more time to mature physically and mentally than females. Males also tend to enjoy exploring more, which means they are more easily distracted. This gender of dog might be insensitive to the handler and less biddable.
So, Are Males Good Dogs For IGP?
In general, males are more likely to have the right temperament and traits for Schutzhund training. Their natural confidence, drive, strength, and energy make them top-level working dogs. If you work with a male, you won’t need to bother about heat cycles. Overall, this gender is more reliable for the sport of IGP.
Pros.
- Larger & Stronger.
- Higher Drive, Aggression & Power.
- More Confidence & Boldness.
- No Heat Cycles & Hormonal Changes.
- Less Emotionally Sensitive.
- More Forgiving.
Cons.
- Take Longer To Mature. (Mentally & Physically)
- More Easily Distracted. (Environment & Females In Heat)
- Slightly Less Obedient.
- Harder To Manage.
Best Gender For:
- Experienced Handlers.
- High-Level IGP Competitions.
Male VS Female | Which Makes The Best Dog For IGP?
Males generally make better partners for Schutzhund training because they are larger, stronger, and more powerful. Their more confident and less sensitive temperament is also more appropriate for this dog sport. So a male is typically the best gender to compete in IGP and increase your chances of winning titles.
However, some females can be as (or even more) imposing and good working dogs. They are just less common, and you will still have to deal with heat cycles. That’s why most handlers opt for males when it comes to Schutzhund and protection work.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Gender For Your Schutzhund Dog!
Apart from that, you might not be looking for the next world champion in IGP. Choosing the right partner for this dog sport isn’t all about performance. You also need to consider your needs, preferences, and many other details to find the perfect companion for you.
Personal Preferences.
Some trainers prefer females. Depending on your personality and experience, you might be more likely to enjoy working with one gender than another. So don’t choose a male if you know it’s not what you want.
Other Dogs.
If you have one or multiple other dogs at home, it’s another element you should consider. You must ensure your new pup will fit well with the rest of your family. Having two dogs of the same sex and similar age in your household can be dangerous, especially for females.
Your Goals.
Where you want to go also influences what gender of dog you need to get there. Some people start Schutzhund training to have fun and choose the partner they will enjoy the most. On the other hand, you might opt for a male if you plan to compete in high levels of IGP.
Training Methods.
How you work with the dog is also very important to keep in mind. Since males and females generally have different temperaments, they shouldn’t receive the same type of training. Thus, your preferred techniques might be more appropriate for one specific gender.
Talk With Other Trainers.
Joining a club and discussing gender selection with experienced handlers is the way to go. You will have different points of view on the question and hear multiple expert opinions. It’s probably the best way to help you make up your mind about choosing a male or a female for Schutzhund.
Does The Gender Of A Dog Really Matter For IGP?
As I already said, every dog is different and unique regardless of gender. So you should probably not focus that much on what’s best between a male and a female. Instead, you can define what companion you want for Schutzhund and search for it regardless of sex.
Apart from the gender, you might also wonder what breed you should get for this dog sport. So here are some articles you should read about this topic!
Last Thoughts About Male VS Female Dog For Schutzhund!
Finally, males usually make better Schutzhund dogs because they have the right temperament and traits for this type of work. Generally bigger, stronger, and more confident, they have all that’s needed to develop excellent obedience, tracking, and protection skills.
On the other hand, females are more likely to be more sensitive and less powerful. Their heat cycles and hormonal changes might also be problematic for Schutzhund training. However, they mature faster, tend to be more biddable, and are less distracted than males.
Thus, there’s no right or wrong answer. It comes down to personal preferences and needs. Besides that, some rare females can be as good and even better than some males for IGP. So don’t focus on choosing a gender, but finding the right dog.
Male or Female, Let’s Find That Schutzhund Partner!
I found a lot of useful information about males and female dogs for Schutzhund in this article from the My Schutzhund Life blog. So don’t hesitate to check it out!