Chesapeake Bay Retriever, male or female

CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVERS

Male or female, which is best?

Both males and females can make great companions and super hunting dogs. There are pros and cons with both sexes. Your choice is a matter of individual preference.

Intact males, physical traits.

Usually larger and stronger than females.
Matures more slowly.
Lifts leg to urinate- may damage shrubs and rust kennel wire.
Generally wider head, bigger chest than females.

Intact males, temperament

Mental development slower than female, at 7 weeks females will likely show the most talent for retrieving. The males start to catch up 10-12 weeks.
More stable than females. The temperament is not so influenced by the hormome changes.
Can be more dominant than females. This can be corrected at a young age.
More consistent in training than female.

Intact females, physical traits.

Usually smaller and more delicate than intact male.
Matures younger.
Squats to urinate. Makes brown spots on grass.
Narrower head and less "bone" than male.
Comes in season twice a year. During this three week period she will leave blood spots for 7 days or longer.(Some keep themselves cleaner than others.) From as early as day 7 to day 21 or later, she will actively seek a mate. Many accidental breedings have taken place because someone forgot to shut the door tightly. A bitch in season should be kenneled or crated for safety.

Intact females, temperament

Quicker to develop mentally and physically than male. At seven weeks, the females in a litter usually look like the best prospects. Males catch up in a few weeks.
Hormone changes can provoke aggressive behavior, especially with other females. Also, bitches about to come in season sometimes act as if they don't know their own names.
Dominant females are usually worse fighters than males. We do not advise keeping two intact bitches unless you have a lot of experience or they are both rather submissive. A "boss bitch" can be bad news.
Females can also be dominant with people. They are usually more subtle about it than males- disobedience and bad behavior rather than overt aggression.
Some bitches will train right through their season, others might as well be put in the kennel for 3 weeks.

Castrated males, physical traits.

If neutered young, less muscle mass than intact male. Males neutered under six months tend to get taller than usual and may be more prone to hip dysplasia.
Needs less food than intact male, diet must be watched or the dog will be too fat. With proper feeding and exercise, obesity is not a problem.

Castrated males, temperament

Usually less aggressive with other males.
Dominance with people is reduced by early neutering. It should not be regarded as a cure-all for dominant behavior. You must still establish your leadership while the pup is young.

Spayed females, physical traits

Neutered females, like males, require less food. They can easily become obese if overfed. However, a spayed bitch can be kept in great physical shape with proper diet and exercise.
A spayed female never comes in season. This avoids the risk of accidental breeding, pyometra and unwanted puppies.
A certain percentage of neutered females have problems with urine leakage. This can usually be controlled with medication.

Spayed females, temperament.

Sometimes spayed bitches are more dominant with other dogs but this is not usual.
A neutered female is usually more consistent in training than an intact bitch.