You’ve decided to add a Golden puppy to you family. You’ve selected a breeder and a litter. Now, the big decision a male or a female?
I’ve thought long and hard about putting pen to paper and very clearly stating the differences. Unlike other breeds that have some major differences between the sexes, by and large Golden males and females are very much the same.
Size, now there’s a difference – let’s look at the breed standard and see what it has to say; Size for males should be 23” to 24” at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 75 pounds, while the females should be 21.5” to 22.5” at the shoulder and weight 55 to 65 pounds.
So difference number two is appearance. The males as a rule carry a bigger coat, longer, thicker, etc. While the females have a bit less, they shed a bit more especially if they are intact.
So here’s difference number three, males shed somewhat less.
Personality, there’s usually a great differences of opinion here. Most Golden breeders have both sexes so they should have some insight here. My personal preference is a male. Why? You ask. Their appearance would be my first preference – the larger head, bigger mane/bib coat, and heavier bones. Boys tend to be happy just to be with you. I know in my office, they all have their favorite spot to lie down while I’m busy and wait for me.
On warmer days, they usually wait in the hall, utility room, kitchen or any room that has a tile floor, but I guarantee you one thing, they’ll all be lying facing the direction that I’m in. Unlike the girls, males are happy just be near while the females are vying for my attention and soliciting pets. I refer to the females as elbow nudgers. They can’t stand to see an idle hand.
Difference number four – the males are happy to be with you and females must seek your attention.
Let’s head out to the yard. Leg lifting vs squatting. Now if you do some training, this isn’t much of a problem, but if you don’t this very well may apply. Let’s face it, the females squat. That translates to a yellow spot at least 5 times a day times 365 days. Are you feeling sorry for your lawn yet? The boys will be lifting their legs 5 or more times every time they go out. However, they will select choice places to mark their territory and return to them time and time again. As younger boys, they’ll hit their mark, but like all males, over time the stream weakens and most of the time it hits the ground around the tree, shrub or fence inhibiting weed growth, who knew? Both can be trained to eliminate in a particular area and on command. I’m not sure this is a difference as it seems to be more of a dead heat, but for the sake of argument, let’s call it number 5.
Lastly, neutering a male is less expensive than spaying a female. Spaying is more correctly called an ovariohisterectomy and is a complex surgery. Neutering a male is a fairly simple procedure by comparison.
Difference number 6 is spaying is more expensive then neutering.
I’d be extremely interested to hear what you think! If you’d like to share your thoughts please contact me at HalltreeGR@aol.com.
