Are female dogs more aggressive?Both male and female dogs have the ability to show aggression but the statistics show that “entire” (not neutered) male dogs are more likely to show aggression than female dogs or neutered males.
We’re inclined to think of female dogs as sweet and cuddly and male dogs as territorial and protective. However, you may be surprised to learn the differences aren’t necessarily related to gender at all.
Besides the obvious un-neutered and nurtured state, there’s not a lot of physical differences in a male and female dog. And size isn’t always an obvious clue. “Male dogs tend to be larger than female dogs, however, the exact size difference is dependent on the breed,” says Colleen-Demling Riley, certified dog trainer and canine behaviorist, Dogtopia. She points to the Yorkshire terrier for example. “The difference between a male and female Yorkie varies less than a pound, but a male Great Dane average weight is 130 to 200 pounds while their female counterpart averages 100 to 130 pounds.”
Female dogs reach puberty and adult weight faster than males dogs, which may play into their ability to pick up training commands. “A dog’s individual temperament will be the number one component that determines the ease of training, but, in general, female puppies tend to be easier to train,” says Riley. This doesn’t mean females are smarter than male dogs, it’s simply a matter of maturity. “The female is able to focus longer and learn tasks easier than her male counterparts of the same age.” Use the eagerness and focus a puppy and avoid making these training mistakes you’ll regret later on.
