Lets run through some physical differences between the two sexes. No one can guarantee just what the puppy will grow up to look like, but a knowledgeable breeder can see potential and should be honest with you in evaluating their puppies. Many females will happily sit on their own or lay down in another room without needing to know exactly where you are. Should you get a male or female Australian shepherd? There is one big difference between male and female territorial behavior, though, and thats peeing! It depends on the situation. Why Your Australian Shepherd Is So Needy & What To Do, When do Australian shepherds stop growing & reach full size, Getting a New Australian Shepherd Puppy: Complete Preparation Guide. This is an awesome breed. }); This post and site may contain affiliate links. When should you spay or neuter your With nearly 200 unique dog breeds to select from in the United States, you have your work cut out for you in narrowing down just one, but youre trying. With a breed like the Aussie, it would seem like an older puppy or adult dog would not adjust to a new owner. I hope this has cleared up the differences between male and female Australian shepherds. Male Australian Shepherd Averages Height: 20-23 Inches Weight: 50-65 PoundsFemale Australian Shepherd Averages Height: 18-21 Inches Weight: 40-55 Pounds, Full article: When do Australian shepherds stop growing & reach full size. AUSSIE UNIVERSITY IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED. This nifty little e-book contains a simple game you and your Aussie can play right away, as well as a special smacking sound that you can use to get your dogs attention! Why Do Australian Shepherds Have Blue Eyes? Not necessarily. These dogs also tend to be a little more food motivated. This could of course depend on the trainer and their previous experience as some will have better techniques or naturally give off more authority than others. The average height of the male is around 20-23 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 50-65 pounds. I often hear the question phrased as which gender is better to own? Honestly, all Australian Shepherds are amazing when raised properly It doesnt matter which gender you have. Dogs competing in conformation, whether altered or intact, can earn points towards breed championships. Do Australian Shepherds Need a Companion? However, because they mature faster they tend to learn as a puppy a bit faster than their male counterparts. So its only fair to keep this in mind. All the best, Harry. The vast majority of owners claim that their males are far more cuddly and affectionate with them than their female siblings. Males tend to be more clingy and follow you around more. Male or female is often a personal preference. Male and female Australian Shepherds look a lot alike. 101 Exotic Australian Shepherd Names With Meanings! Top Advice, Male Aussies tested their owners authority more, Male Aussies were more receptive to affection, and also gave more affection, Male Aussies were less tolerable to being alone, Female Aussies could be more stubborn with age, Female Aussies mature quicker physically and mentally. If you spay or neuter your pet, these things will not be a factor. We have lots more on the site to show you. Some experts do believe, however, that females will eventually drop more hair than males as they frequently experience hormonal changes. The female Australian Shepherd is usually about 18-21 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 35-50 pounds. Males also boast more of a lions main that extends around the head and neck area. Whether you notice the difference, is something else. A female does not have the density or thickness as well as the length of the coat as the male. The females from the same litter tend to be a bit ahead of their brothers in training classes and house training as well. View more Australian Shepherd articles >>. Its rare that youll find a female larger than a male. Female Australian shepherds are considered a little easier to train as they dont try to challenge your authority as much. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE CHANGING YOUR PETS DIET OR MAKING ANY OTHER HEALTH DECISIONS. The question is: should you get a Male or Female Australian Shepherd Puppy? This requires more of a conscious effort on your part as the owner to establish yourself as the leader/alpha from the beginning. Hotter regions usually mean greater hair loss. Intact (not neutered) males tend to wander, especially if there are females in the neighborhood who are in season. And no matter what his age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Year-end award programs are available to competing dogs. They will make you the happiest pet-parent ever. Aussies are very attached to their people. First Ill focus on what some consider more important differences, and thats personality/temperament differences between the male and female Aussies. The severity of each blowout depends on the climate where you live. As with most animal species, the male Australian Shepherd is the more dramatic of the two sexes, carrying longer hair, heavier bone, and a more masculine head. Because they do not need to go outside as often, they are often easier to housebeak. Males are fun-loving until the day they die. However, there are some differences you should be aware of. Males tend to be a bit more affectionate but are also more exuberant throughout life. link to When Should I Spay or Neuter My Australian Shepherd? Males can be easily distracted during training, as males like to play so often. Given love and attention, Aussies will bond to a new owner even if they were previously part of another family. Females are usually smaller than males with preferred size for females between 18 and 21 at the shoulder while males will stand between 20 and 23. If they are used to a very active day with a lot of interaction, socializing, and exercise then it doesnt matter, it will promote high energy and playfulness, regardless of gender. WE ALSO PARTICIPATE IN AFFILIATE PROGRAMS WITH BLUEHOST, CLCJ, SHAREASALE, AND OTHER SITES. So this one is hard to know beforehand. Both males and females can be territorial. I will cover the physical differences further below. This is a puppy that is healthy with a good personality but may lack desirable qualities when compared to the breed standard. There are no major personality differences between male and female. They both have great personalities to make grand companions and family members. If you feel a connection to male dogs more than females, for whatever reason that may be, then you should probably get a male, even if he does try to pee inside your house more! Keep an open mind when selecting a puppy, dont let preconceived notions of its gender sway you one way or the other, doing so you may be missing out on the best companion that you could ever have! Females will come into season approximately every 6 months and will need to be confined for 2-3 weeks during this time. Both females and male Australian shepherds will shed significantly year-round. Whether or not an Aussie likes to cuddle is more about how they are raised rather than their gender. In a dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roast, determine the pecking order, and who competes to maintain and/or alter that order. I think this depends on their overall lifestyle, activity levels, and how often you and your family play with them. A female tends to say love me and a male says I Love you.. They are one of those rare breeds of dogs who truly seem that they can read your mind. Ive heard mixed things when it comes to energy levels and playfulness. This can be due to females not challenging your authority as much as males do, which leads to them listening and obeying your commands quicker. Related: Australian Shepherd Shedding Guide. The Puppy Mag is for all owners who are invested in the health and happiness of their furry friends. This doesnt mean females cant be dominant, but males try a whole lot harder! Thank you for reading! I sure did, but this book helped me understand why! KEY Differences Between Male & Female Australian Shepherds, Physical Differences Between Male and Female Australian Shepherds, Commonly Shared Opinions From Owners Who Own Both, Choosing Between a Male or Female Australian Shepherd. Both males and females shed a lot, year-round, with two distinct blowouts just before summer, and again, just before winter. Males grow to be both taller and heavier. How Much Exercise Should Australian Shepherd Puppies Receive? My thought is Male or female, you will not be disappointed with the breed! It appears that males win the race when it comes to showing affection. Although a puppy is usually cutest at eight weeks, it wont stay that way very long. ASCA keeps the stud book on Australian Shepherds, registers Aussies, sanctions Conformation, Jr. Showmanship, Obedience, Stockdog, Agility, Rally, and Tracking competitions and awards titles in the above areas. TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. WE ARE COMPENSATED FOR REFERRING TRAFFIC. Males do tend to be territorial and do not always take well to having to share their space with other male canines. And despite there being common personality differences between the genders, I dont know if they are big enough to make the decision black or white. There are some advantages to buying an older puppy. Males typically have much thicker, denser, and longer coats than females do. In the end, much of a dogs character is shaped by YOU-how you socialize your new pup and how much attention and training you give him/her. Working ability can quickly be lost by breeding individuals who may not have the intense instinct required of a working dog. These dogs relate to those who love, train and interact with them. Often the imperfections of the pet puppy are minimal and are things that the person looking for a pet would never notice. link to Should I Get an Australian Shepherd? Its a tough decision to make, and we receive a lot of questions about this! (and its free! Most of the personality differences between the two sexes are minimal or non-existent if the animals in question are spayed/neutered. This also ties into trainability, as males tend to challenge you more than females. Many males have the need to pee just about everywhere they can to claim their space. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age. Although both females and males will need a strict brushing routine, males will likely need more attention shown to their long hair to keep it clean and in good condition. But, there are subtle differences in their day to day interactions. It may come as surprise but theres a significant difference here! As far as attitudes go both are very loving and always ready to please, just as an Australian Shepherd should be. Knowing whether you want a male or female mostly comes down to personal preference, which you likely already have. After having spoken to countless Aussie owners, both new and experienced, were going to highlight the main differences between males and females, and explain the best way to know which gender is right for you. The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) is the parent registry for the Australian Shepherd and was founded in 1957. Some say their male Aussies are much more energetic and playful, and others have said their females are. Theyve often got their agendas and will let you know what they want. Just like with most breeds, males try to show dominance much more than females do. ALL POSTS AND CONTENT ARE THE PROPERTY OF THIS SITE AND CANNOT BE DUPLICATED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION. Aussies can tell time and will stare a hole into you when it is time to be fed. Various factors play into the sale of puppies and why a breeder has kept one or more for a longer time. It is suggested that females are also more sensitive and laid back. No one can look at the puppy and see the inherited ability to work stock, as these traits cannot be tested until much older. Male Australian shepherds tend to be a little more affectionate in general, but this doesnt mean cuddly. Spayed and neutered Aussies can compete in all ASCA programs, including an Altered Conformation Program. Intact (not spayed) females will come into season approximately every six months and must be completely confined for three weeks during that time. These dogs are like potato chips, you cannot have just one! Having your male neutered will make life easier for all parties concerned. You should also advise the breeder as to your plans for the puppy. The male Australian shepherds are a bit bigger than the females. A pet puppy should not have any serious health or temperament problems! So dont overlook the older dog if the work of a little puppy seems like to much for you. Should You Get a Male or Female Australian Shepherd Puppy? A Female is a bit smaller than the male. My love for dogs has so far outweighed everything else in my life and thats what has driven me to create this free resource for all other dog owners out there. Neutering will also prevent some health problems that can develop later in your dogs life. In general, there isnt a huge difference between which sex sheds more. A show quality puppy should come as close as possible to the breed standard. Just click the link and tell me where to send it!). Many breeders elect to wait for the right home to come along, rather than risk placing a pup in the wrong situation. You cannot run or walk without being herded in the correct direction. Or, they may be considering keeping the pup for themselves, but later change their minds. Downloadthe FREE Aussie Airplane GameTo Quickly Help Get (And Keep) Your Dog's attention!. A male seems to be content to lie by your feet and simply enjoy your company. Both males and females can be trained to a high level, but the majority have said females seem to get it quicker than the males. Not every male will be the same way, and the same goes for females too. Often the breeder will specify in their guarantee that the dog be spayed or neutered. Some typical faults that may cause a breeder to consider a happy, healthy puppy as pet quality are teeth imperfections (breed standard calls for a full compliment of teeth which meet in a scissors bite), color that is not rich and clear, faults of toplines, legs, or earsets. This is actually similar across many other breeds too, not just for Australian Shepherds. If at all possible, see the dogs work or see video or pictures of the dogs working. While males typically try to establish dominance, it doesnt always make them more protective. Another very popular question is whether male or female Australian shepherds shed more? Although some large females can grow to be the size of an average male. Many owners have said that their females are more independent than their males. To make this article as accurate as possible, The Puppy Mag posted questionnaires, polls, and luckily, I had the pleasure to speak to a handful of owners who own both male and female Australian shepherds. Popular Aussie Articles:How Much Exercise Should Australian Shepherd Puppies Receive?Why Your Australian Shepherd Is So Needy & What To Do. There are so many questions that we ask about our dogs and puppies on a daily basis, yet there just isn't an appropriate article made for them. aid: '4617337.ed6eab' Lets get started! The same breed standard applies to both, including faults and disqualifications, with the obvious exception of reproductive parts. Not all Aussies that are for sale are eight-week old puppies. Male Aussies typically grow to be a little taller and heavier than females. The breed standard is the written description of the ideal of the breed. Keep in mind: Personality traits can be heavily affected by the way they are raised and the environment they grow up in, which is something we control. Ask for a written guarantee that the puppy will work livestock if buying the puppy for that purpose. This may possibly tie into being more affectionate too, but it can be said that males are more dependent on their owners. All they want to do is be around you and enjoy every minute of their life side by side. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. The choice of whether to buy a male or female is often just a personal preference. ASCA also records Hall of Fame Kennels, Sires and Dams. When it comes to color, there doesnt seem to be distinguishable differences, both males and females can be a wide range of colors and this depends upon the parents. This makes potty training males a little harder in the beginning. You dont know what the future will hold for you and your Aussie, but one thing youre certain of is that youd prefer your dog not to have puppies. Some experts believe that females shed slightly more due to hormonal changes, but this difference may not even be noticeable. (Though both male and female Australian Shepherds love to eat!!). Because of this, they are said to have an easier personality to deal with. They soon progress to the leggy, awkward age and go through all the stages of young animals growing up. Many owners say that females are ultimately easier to train than males. Im not sure why this is, but its certainly an interesting one! This hair can be particularly long and isnt commonly seen in females. What is a pet puppy? Every new stuffed animal you bring home will be inspected (unstuffed). Female Australian shepherds can be very protective over their owners just like males can. The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) has a box on the registration application where the breeder can mark not for breeding purposes when selling a puppy. You will have to keep up a consistent brushing routine whether you have a male or female Australian shepherd. $rfsn_creative.generate('refersion_client/29703/creatives/dynamic/66122-7ddd993063ecf2f1787f833ee585d1dd.json', { 2009 - 2022 by Australian Shepherd Club of America |. I hope to change that. Other Popular Australian Shepherd Articles:Getting a New Australian Shepherd Puppy: Complete Preparation Guide101 Exotic Australian Shepherd Names With Meanings! Breeders often have older puppies and adults for sale. THE INFORMATION SHARED ON THIS SITE IS THE RESULT OF MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. This doesnt mean males are difficult to train though, with the correct training style, all Aussies are quick learners. If you are not planning on breeding your female, you should consider spaying her to avoid this inconvenience and to prevent any unwanted breeding. When Should I Spay or Neuter My Australian Shepherd? If you are looking for a stockdog, it is extremely important that both parents are working stockdogs. Overall, Australian Shepherds all tend to be pleasers, affectionate, and playful. Heres what Australian Shepherd owners all agreed on: Again, I will say that despite owners agreeing on these things, personality traits can be influenced by their environment and the way they are raised. Yes, in nearly all cases male Australian shepherds will be bigger than females. If you have further questions please feel free to contact me! You've only seen one page. They are inclined to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody. Neutering and spacing most of the time reduces territorial displays of behavior, but whether or not you want to go down that route is something separate to think about.