Choosing Between A Male Or Female Golden Retriever Puppy
Major
Differences
The major differences between male and female golden retriever
puppies are physical; they have the same physical differences as all males and
females do. Their temperaments and personalities are virtually identical; their
size differences are generally within a few inches and pounds of each other. There
is little, if any, difference in physical attributes, either; eyes, ears, tails,
body structure, and coloring should all be identical.
Females
There
are ‘old puppy tales’ that a female golden retriever puppy will be calmer and
more nurturing than a male; this simply is not true, either sex are just as patient,
loving, and even tempered as the other. Besides the obvious difference in their
anatomy females have a different sexual cycle than males; females will go into
a heat, or will menstruate, every six to nine months after they reach sexual maturity
around two years of age. When a female goes into a heat, this heat cycle will
last about three weeks.
About two weeks into your female golden retriever’s
heat cycle, she will stop menstruating. This is a sign that she is ready to mate.
If you are not interested in mating her, you may need to lock her up to avoid
an unwanted pregnancy. Within five days, the female golden retriever’s menstruation
will return and she will be less tolerant of male dogs until she is out of heat.
If, by chance, you know an unwanted pregnancy has likely occurred, speak
with your veterinarian about a hormonal injection to terminate the pregnancy.
Golden retriever females are known to have ‘false pregnancies’, their behavior
changes after a heat although there was no mating; they may carry around and snuggle
stuffed toys as if they were puppies, this behavior should be discussed with a
veterinarian to decide if any tests are needed to screen for infections of her
reproductive organs.
Males
Male golden retriever’s have ‘old puppy
tales’ circulating about them too; it is said that males are more territorial
and temperamental. This is also not true, males are every bit as affectionate,
loyal, and easy going as females; their most significant difference is ‘the plumbing’.
Males should have two visible testicles, if only one is apparent the other could
be inside the abdominal wall, and will need to be removed. Where mating is concerned,
males do not have a cycle in which they are interested in mating; they are always
‘on’ and ready for the available female.
If you are considering using your
male golden retriever as a stud, you should be prepared for the regular testing
and genetic screening required proving that they are premier stock. Males which
are neutered between six months and one and a-half years will not develop the
leg lifting reflex when urinating and they will not mark their territory either.
Spaying/Neutering
It
is a good idea to spay or neuter all pets, as unwanted breeding is the contributor
to millions of unwanted puppies every year. Neutering your male golden retriever
after six months of age will not inhibit his growth; it will however prevent him
from ever suffering from testicular cancer. Spaying your female golden retriever
after six months of age will not inhibit her growth either; it will prevent her
from ever developing cancer on those reproductive organs.
There is another
‘old puppy tale’ that warns against spaying a female before she has birthed a
litter of puppies, that she will feel loss at never being a mother; she will not
feel as if she missed out on pregnancy, dogs don’t feel that kind of remorse and
they are not self aware like humans, they don’t think into their own future that
way.
A Happy Dog
Your golden retriever puppy will grow to be happy
and healthy regardless of sex so long as you are attentive and dedicated to them,
as they are to you. After meeting your puppy, picking out a puppy or letting the
breeder do it for you, and making your home ready for puppy to come home, coming
up with good golden
retriever puppy names should top your list of things to do.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Golden Retriever,
get a copy of this Golden Retriever Guide
NOW!
