I’m wondering what your thoughts are…
Do you think one or the other is milder in personality? Better at
learning/hunting? Better at tolerating family life?
Answer:
I really don’t think sex is ever a good indicator of temperment. I have
seen mellow and high strung dogs from both genders. Both males and
females will learn equally well and there will not likely be any
difference in their performance in the field.
There are some obvious differences to consider though. Females are going
to go into heat twice a year which can be problematic. If they are in
heat they are not allowed to participate in hunt tests or trials and
hunting with male dogs won’t be a very productive option. They also run
the risk of accidental breeding unless carefully monitored. Males tend to
be a little more athletic, but I have never had any issues with my females
performing their difficult jobs. Males seem to want to mark everything
which can be annoying.
In my experience you really can’t go wrong with either sex. When I picked
my lab out, I went with a male because I use an underground fence which
won’t keep other dogs from coming into the “fenced” area. Not good with a
female.
Unless you share any of the concerns I mentioned, you will be happy with
either.