Best more loving sex of dog?

[O'Reilly]

I've owned a dulux dog (male) and a lurcher (male) and a labrador (female) and currently a spaniel (female) I now need to look for a puppy and have decided on either a labrador or spaniel. Which is the more loving breed and should I opt for a male or female?

I want a gentle dog who will protect me if needed but be loving and gentle and I think its more to do with the breed than the dogs sex. Its a question of a lab or spaniel but any help and advice would be welcome as to whether I opt for a *** or a male..

[LoftyLottie]

I personally think female's are slightly more intelligent and level headed than males (like humans!!! ;o)) They can certainly be very protective. Both males and *** can be loving, but *** can be more devious and use us humans for their own ends.

Having said that I love them all. Labradors are easier dogs to handle than spaniels in my opnion. Spaniels have bags and bags of energy and can be very naughty. Both can be loving and lovable. I have found spaniels to be quite 'doggy' smelling.

[LoftyLottie]

b1tch is a perfectly normal word to use. grrrrrrrrr

[coccinelle]

Well, I live in a village where there are a lot of dogs. The ones which seem to be always running about are male labradors! apparently they have a reputation of liking their freedom.

[LoftyLottie]

I do think b1tches are more home loving than dogs.

[lankeela]

I wuold say Spaniels are more loyal and loving than Labs, but as for male v female I find most males are more affectionate especially if neutered, but females tend to have a bit of a side to them. Also if you have a female you will have the seasons to deal with, and if she is spayed then you have to keep an eye on her weight and it might alter her coat texture. If you opt for a Spaniel then you have to decide on whether to get a working bred one, which tend to be more active and require more exercise and mental stimulation, or a show bred one which tend to be a bit bigger but not quite (only just!) so manic. Labs on the other hand, I would opt for a working bred one provided you are able to give it enough exercise. The show bred ones tend to be a bit dim (apologies to any Lab owners). Chocolate Labs especially, as they are not usually from working lines.

[lankeela]

Have you thought about one of the 'vulnerable breed' spaniels, such as the Field, Sussex or Clumber? They tend not to be so active as the Springers or Cockers and new owners in these breeds are welcomed with open arms as they are having so few born because people don't even know what they are in many cases.

[O'Reilly]

Thank you all so much - I'd give you all stars but it seem,s the format has changed and I can only give best answer a mention.......all the answers were good. It looks like a spaniel and a b1tch (exercising it is no probblem)

[fredpuli47]

Yes, a Sussex Spaniel would suit.It fell out of favour as a gundog because it didn't work fast enough, and if you saw the way it walks, with a languid, laid back, John Wayne, rolling gait you'd know why ! A very calm dog, very loving and affectionate and a devoted family dog. Spaniels in general are protective of their owners and they'll not stay silent if a stranger is about !

Labs are quite affectionate. It'll eat a lot more than a Sussex and take up more space. You'll be lot more aware of it being there !.


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[jules77]

Historically we always kept a b!tch, until my first male around 17 years ago. He was the most loyal loving dog I have ever had. We have two girls now and a young male (un neutered), and I have to say, although the girls are lovable, our little man is just a wonderful cuddly teddy bear, and all he wants is love and cuddles.

Have to say that I have met quite a few not so nice natured labradors of late, especially the chocolate variety, who seem to be rather boistrous, stubborn and can become aggressive if not corrected while young.

[barb1314]

I have a female 18 month old working bred lab who is the most loyal,gentle-natured dog I have ever known. We walk regularly with my friend and her spaniel.They get on like a house on fire but Lottie (my lab-named after Lofty Lottie !!!) is definitely more gentle and obedient.Guess I am biased but I also do love spaniels of all types. My vote would be a female lab.My other friend has Lottie's 2 older sisters and every one of them is biddable and has been a dream to train.Maybe it's their breeding..fantastic pedigrees and lots of field champions amongst their relatives. Good luck with whichever you decide to choose.I'd love another but live in a small house and even though Lottie is only 24kg I think 2 would be a lot more hard work! Not to mention more hair!