Sheltie males vs females?

C

Christina

Forums Regular
I heard from a breeder today that male shelties are more affectionate and consistent than the females. Is this true? I was going to be getting a little girl from my breeder but this information has swayed me slightly. I'm looking for my dog to be a pretty constant companion - no issues with clinginess here!
Also - something else I've heard is that girls bark more - is this true?

Thank you all!
 
Well, I can tell that I have 2 females. One is FAR more affectionate than the other. My 4 year old is pretty independent and really, she prefers working to just about anything else. The 2 year old is extremely affectionate and cuddly and while she enjoys working too, probably her favorite thing to do in the world is cuddle. They both bark quite a bit - but they're not neurotic barker.s They bark to alert me - about a lot of things - but they don't just bark to hear themselves bark. I think both the barking and the level of affection vary more by temperament than gender.
 
I wouldn't say more affectionate. The boys may be more clingy and the girls more independent (ie they'll give you some space), but I think their affection levels are exactly the same. My current male is very clingy and I love that my female gives me some space (ie I can leave a room without her attached to my leg). Remember clingy can sometimes mean separation issues so if you're out of the house working very clingy may not be ideal.

The one thing I have noticed is if someone posts on Sheltie Forums about a high drive Sheltie (a true sheepdog) then it's more likely to be a female. As for barking, definitely not seeing gender basis on the forum for that. Heck my most barky dogs were males!

However, personality between Shelties does vary and your best bet is to discuss with the breeder the personality of the puppies. My dogs are very affectionate and very friendly, past as well as current, but I think that has as much to do with upbringing as genes. Best thing you can do for a sheltie is socialise, socialise, socialise.
 
My Layla prefers to be inseparable from me. My Beckon is a lover boy. Both prefer not to sleep all night in bed with me -- but Layla loves morning snuggles, and Beckon likes to stay all night if my DH is out of town. It really is down to the individual dog. Ask the breeder, but I wouldn't hesitate with either sex.
 
I heard the same from the breeder I got my boys from. Never having had a female I can only speak of my males and Piper is most definitely clingy in that he follows me everywhere but is fine with me going to work...he's a very well rounded dog. Finnie also follows me everywhere and both boys love their cuddles but Piper more so, especially if company is over (I think he gets jealous lol).
 
I think it's individual dogs not gender. I have 3 boys and 1 girl currently- the girl taught the younger boys how to bark at the perimeter/fence line. but all are affectionate and want their mommy time:winkgrin:
 
Christina said:
I heard from a breeder today that male shelties are more affectionate and consistent than the females. Is this true? I was going to be getting a little girl from my breeder but this information has swayed me slightly. I'm looking for my dog to be a pretty constant companion - no issues with clinginess here!
Also - something else I've heard is that girls bark more - is this true?

Thank you all!
Click to expand...
Sandstorm (male) is not cuddly affectionate, he'd rather sit next to us and be with us but have his own space, he doesn't need a lot of hugging and petting, in fact I don't think he likes being hugged so we don't, friendly brief patting he does like. This is perfect for us since my husband and I are kind of the same way. He clearly wants my husband and I around and makes sure we are nearby, and he does follow us everywhere.
 
My girls are definitely more independent than my boy, although I wouldn't call Oreo affectionate. He just seems more insecure and awkward about himself. Just always wants to make sure he is doing the right thing.
 
I originally started with a female sheltie that was affectionate and independent. When she passed I asked the breeder the same question about male vs female. She said to try a male next knowing me and how I interacted with my past sheltie. That said, I asked her why... "males are more goofy and affectionate". My response was my female was very affectionate. She mentioned that females can be more aloof.

I decided to try a male and never looked back. I am smitten over all my males... either rescued or through a breeder purchase.

We did adopt a sweet little female sheltie that was affectionate but was not clingy at all and very independent. She just loved to be outside on her own. My boys have to be with me always... where ever I am... even the bathroom as I am sure others can attest to!
 
Calliesmom said:
I think it's individual dogs not gender. I have 3 boys and 1 girl currently- the girl taught the younger boys how to bark at the perimeter/fence line. but all are affectionate and want their mommy time:winkgrin:
Click to expand...

This is totally true! We've had more than 10 Shelties over the years, and each one is different. Currently we have five girls and one boy. Barkley isn't nearly as affectionate as some of our girls, and some of the girls are more independent and less affectionate than others. A few of the girls are real snugglers, while others could care less. And they're mostly from the same line, so it's definitely an individual personality trait.

As for barking, he isn't named Barkley for nothing! :rolleyes2: He taught every other dog in the house to bark. Constantly!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top