"Which sex makes a better pet, male or female?"
That is a question I hear most often from people seeking an addition to their family.
There are inherent differences in personalities between male and female
Maltese as there are in reasons for getting a Maltese. I would suggest that you really think about what needs in yourself or your family you wish to meet. That answer will affect your happiness with your decision. Let's take a closer look.
Opposite Sex Instinct
For the same reason that peacocks have bright plumage and chameleons change their color, women wear makeup and men wear cologne. They are all devices that attract the opposite sex. There are sex differences in partner preferences in humans and animals! Link Link Link Female humans and animals prefer males and males prefer females. Understanding the basic needs of your pet will help you select the right sex for your needs.
Meeting The Needs Of Your Heart
TRAITS OF A FEMALE
In the dog pack hierarchy females are usually in charge. They determine the pecking order and compete to maintain and/or alter that order.
The females are much more inclined to display dominance by exhibiting alpha behaviors. Of course, they do it ever so cutely.
The BIGGEST factor in a decision is who will the puppy be drawn to? Females are mostly drawn to males, usually their Daddy or any other male figure in the household. The males cling to their Mommies. This is why the Dads usually want a little girl. It fits their needs. The girls seem to come alive with Daddy! Remember, these are typical situations. One can never say "always" about anything.
As sad as it sounds, below is a picture of a typical Mom with her little girl after the puppy has bonded with Dad. I am not for or against any sex for anyone but from my own experience, that of others and research on the internet this is usually how it goes.
The female Maltese will usually come to you for attention & food but when she has had enough she will move away. Females are generally less distracted during training as she is more eager to get on with it and get it over with so she can return to her comfy spot on the couch. They are usually independent and can be aloof if you are not her "chosen one".
Females tend to be moody and emotional. The female can be more cunning and resourceful in getting their own way. If you are going to get a barker it's usually a chatty girl.
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TRAITS OF A MALE
The most desirable trait of a male is how much they want and need their Mommy! They could be called clingers. They need their Mom like Dad needs his little girl. There is no greater love or loyalty than from an adorable little boy!
There is no difference in size between male or female. Males are not larger than females. Males who are neutered early usually don't ever raise their leg unless they
mimic other in-tact male dogs marking and copy them. Both males and females occasionally display humping behavior which to them is play.
Males are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive and more apt to seek attention from Mom. LOYAL is one word that sums up a male. They are very attached to their people. They also tend to be less moody and much more loving. They want to cuddle with Momma as much as possible! They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by food and praise, and so eager to please that training is easy. Because of this they are much easier to housetrain. Give them a treat and they will do almost anything! However, males can be more easily distracted during training as males prefer to play, play and play. No matter what age, he is most likely to act silly and be sweet.
It is our opinion that when spayed or neutered, either sex
will make a wonderful and loving pet. BUT, when it comes to matters of the heart, you might want to think twice.
Mom With Her Baby Boy
Dad With His Little Girl
That way everyone gets their needs met! :)
I love, love, love the male Maltese.
ReplyDeleteWe agree with Sally's comparisons on the unque characteristics of male and female puppies. It's especially helpful to consider the possible differences in how to best motivate your puppy during the training phase. The information on the tendencies of females to display alpha behaviors was enlightening. Excellent Background Information.
ReplyDeleteDiane & Charles
Thank you. This is very good info and has helped us decide a boy would be best for us.
ReplyDeleteI have only ever had male dogs, by chance not by choice. Interesting to learn of the differences in the sexes--actually not so different than with humans! Tracy D Vancouver WA
ReplyDeleteI also have only had male dogs, also my chance, not choice. I love the playfulness of a male puppy as I'm very active as well so a male puppy is a better fit. I truly miss my last little guy, Gidgie who passed back in 2016 of natural causes but had a long great, loving life. I look forward to my next little guy! I'm excited for this new adventure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for great descriptions on male/female dogs .
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the differences between male and females. I have only had a female so I am looking forward to a sweet and loving male puppy.
ReplyDeleteLoni. A, Plumas Lake, CA
Thanks Sally for the info.. We are waiting for our next female.
ReplyDeleteErskin and Marilyn S.Tacoma Wa.
Thank you for sharing this. Some good things to concider.
ReplyDeleteJewlz M, Albany, OR
This was very helpful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful information, something to consider. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sally , this makes the decision making so easy
ReplyDeleteNoah R
McMinnville OR.
I had a boy maltese and it's true, they do love their mama's 💕 He would only give attention to others if I wad not in the room. Loyalty to mama is first
ReplyDelete~ Nani B
Portland OR
Great info about how to choose, I would like a boy and a girl. One for my husband and one for myself. lol They are all loving, from my experience and I like to dress the little girls as well as boys.
ReplyDeleteI've only had female Malteses and both were very loving and made their daily duty to be my shadow. This is great information and I never really knew why one preferred one sex over the other. Your knowledge of these beauties is very inspiring!
ReplyDelete-Jessica G
Kansas City, MO
Thank you for the information. I think I’m still looking for a baby girl
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there was such a difference in personality between males and females. Thank you for sharing this information so we could make an informed choice.
ReplyDeleteWe have always had female dogs. This is the first time we have considered a male so this information is very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting information Sally, we never knew this before about the differences of male and female. We have always had a female and are ready for another little girl.
ReplyDeleteBarbara N.
Maple Valley, WA.
Thank you for this very detailed information actually helped me to see if a male or female would be better for our family
ReplyDeleteThis article was so helpful that I actually changed my mind of what sex I am wanting
ReplyDeleteRachel Lauser
Vancouver, WA
Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteMolly C., Portland, Or.
Very interesting to read. I never would have thought of that
ReplyDeleteGreat information that I didn’t know . Thanks Sally . Jamie D
ReplyDeleteMany of our assumptions were not correct. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteJohn and Kalen, Salem, Oregon
As long as the puppy is HEALTHY I am HAPPY. AMEN!
ReplyDeleteThis information is very helpful and contradicts some of the 'beliefs' I've held over time. Thank you for providing such detailed and accurate information.
ReplyDeleteI have read this article earlier this morning and find myself still reflecting on Sally’s insight. As I reminisce about my late13 yo Maltese, I can now better understand her inherent behavior, something which I could not quite grasp earlier without Sally’s experiences.
ReplyDeleteImmanuel I
Medford, OR
Great information on the traits of each sex. This along with conversation with Sally has helped me choose. Although I would be happy with puppy from Angel Babies.
ReplyDeleteMary J., Eugene, OR
Connie S., Bellingham,WA. April 14, 2023 I have had a tiny male Maltese and currently have a female Maltese. Both bonded with me but also enjoyed being held by my husband. On my questionnaire I stated I would be happy with either gender. I guess if I had a choice i would select a male because the male baby would most likely bond with me. However, male or female baby will make me very happy as long as the baby is from Maltese Angel Babies.
ReplyDeleteThis explains SO MUCH. You have just described my relationship with Teddy to a tee. I had no idea it was because he was a boy and you have further given me hope that I can have a love like him again. Thank you Sally ❤️
ReplyDeleteWe have had both male and female and found them both to be so loving. Just one of the many reasons we seem to gravitate towards the Maltese when choosing a puppy.
ReplyDeleteColleen T
This is incredibly interesting. I always ever wanted a female and when I got my first Maltese I was single so she was my baby. When I got married, she grew to live my husband, but I was always her number one. We were thinking of getting two girls (probably staggered), and now I am thinking of possibly one of each! Thanks Sally!
ReplyDeleteJane O
Gearhart, OR
It sounds like a female would be the best gender for me since I'm a man and I want to bond with the dog instead of it being aloof. I want the dog to be excited to see me and want to spend time with me. Having the dog spayed is definitely something I plan on.
ReplyDeleteChris, Salem
We hope to have a little boy puppy. RL, JL & SG
ReplyDeleteInteresting… I had a girl and she was attached at the hip with me. Boy or girl they all so sweet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the insight in to the male vs. female Maltese. I am still undecided. Perhaps we can see what the litter has or talk again about it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing some traits common to female and male pups. It may sound crazy but since we’ve raised three sons, I always said I’d get my daughter.😉
ReplyDeleteTammy B.
Eugene, OR
This was really fun to read and from my past experience with Maltese, this description was spot on! No matter which sex, they have always been a joy. Thank you for the information. Victoria Portland, OR
ReplyDeleteWe love the idea of one for each of us! This article is great information and gave us a bit to think about. However, our last Maltese mixed breed female was Sharon's little buddy. Of course she LOVED Daddy too but she just wanted to stay with Sharon. This is great information to understand as we move forward. Thank you for the research and sharing it! Sharon and Shaun Buffalo Grove, IL
ReplyDeleteI’d like a nice easy-going, laid-back male or female.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog. We would love to have a female, but we are open to a male. We love all these joyous pictures of these humans and their pups. So many cuties. Thanks! Maile & Joe Tacoma, WA
ReplyDeleteLou G.
ReplyDeleteValuable information! I have learn so much is going to be a hard to decide if I want a female or male! Eder way this blogs are so helpful.
Great information, thank you!
ReplyDeleteJennifer F Eugene, Oregon
I have read and understand what you have said about the differences between male and female puppies and agree for the most part but any dog that I have had has bonded with me wonderfully. So I’ll leave it up to you what little puppy you suggest you suggest for me. Edie G. Wilsonville OR.
ReplyDeleteI've had both male and female puppies, and agree that little boys can be just as cuddly as little girls.
ReplyDeleteLorri D, Washington
Great info. This will help us with which one we would like.
ReplyDeleteGreat information on the differance between the two. We are set on a gril, the girl we have now loves us both and her temperment is just we need.
ReplyDeleteDebi S., Woodburn Oregon
Such good information on the differences between the two genders which is enlightening! Thank you Sally!
ReplyDeleteWe mostly have females like a elephant pack also already have her name
ReplyDeleteInteresting insights. Thank you! Janet M., Orlando, FL
ReplyDeleteSo interesting and helpful in making my decision of which gender. Based on this, I believe I would gravitate toward a male being my Angel baby as I am so excited to have a "clingy" baby. lol Debbie Grants Pass, OR
ReplyDeleteHello! I had such a lovely and informative, conversation with Sally (last year). It really means a lot to me that my adoption be from a home that loves and understands the Maltese breed and can educate me as I take on this amazing journey. This thread is also so incredible as it's full of experience, tips and encouragement, I plan to read every one before the day is out. So far, I am very pleased with each step of the way in adopting my future family member.
ReplyDeleteHello! I had such a lovely and informative, conversation with Sally (last year). It really means a lot to me that my adoption be from a home that loves and understands the Maltese breed and can educate me as I take on this amazing journey. This thread is also so incredible as it's full of experience, tips and encouragement, I plan to read every one before the day is out. So far, I am very pleased with each step of the way in adopting my future family member. Debbie Grants Pass, OR
ReplyDeleteThe description here of the male is exactly what I was trying to say in the questionnaire when asked why I wanted a male. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteInteresting information about bonding with the different sexes. Kristine, W. Wilsonville, OR
ReplyDeleteFrom Brenda B Bend Oregon
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of showing us exactly what is needed for new puppy! Looking forward to shopping and setting up my puppies Disneyland.