There are advantages and disadvantages to both sexes. Each dog is an individual. Anyone who has ever owned or bred dogs knows that no two are alike. Each has a unique personality which sets it apart from others. Both sexes make great pets. Generally speaking males can be more dependant and females can be more independent. Desexing or neutering has a further levelling effect between the sexes. See below.

Guide Dogs, Victoria, Guide Dogs, Queensland and Assistance Dogs Australia all use both sexes in their programmes. Guide Dogs, Queensland states: “Guide Dogs are both male and female, as there is no difference in the aptitude or ability to learn between the genders. Put more simply, male and female dogs make equally good Guide Dogs.”

Trainability There is no significant difference between a male and a female as far as trainability is concerned. I personally have had equal success in training both sexes. Again, it comes down to the individual dog and the desired outcome of the training. Different temperaments, not different sexes, suit different purposes. For instance, a person searching for a good hunting dog may want a puppy which exhibits more curiosity and eagerness, while one searching for a house dog may want a puppy that's more laid back. I observe the puppies I breed looking for different personality traits during the eight weeks they are developing under my care and I am able to assist you in making the correct choice.

Desexing or Neutering

Here are a few good reasons to get your Labrador neutered:

• Spaying a female dog eliminates the possibility of her getting uterine and ovarian cancer. It also reduces the possibility of mammary cancer.

• Neutering a male reduces the chances that he will get prostate cancer and eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer.

• You are helping to alleviate the dog overpopulation problem. Each year, unwanted dogs are put to sleep at shelters and pounds across the country. Many of these are the result of accidental breeding by free-roaming unaltered dogs. The more dogs spayed or neutered, the fewer will have to be destroyed.

• A male dog neutered early in life will not be distracted by females in heat. Therefore, a neutered male will be less tempted to leave your side searching for a mate. Neutered males are also less likely to mark their territory.

• You will eliminate any problem of stray males coming into your garden, and also decrease her desire to roam and breed by neutering your female dog.

• An un-neutered female dog usually comes into season (heat) twice a year. Seasons typically last for about 3-4 weeks. Blood will be discharged and she will become receptive to the advances of the male dogs in your area during this time. She may also roam – seeking a mate, and despite your best efforts accidents do happen!

The only behaviour changes that are noted after neutering relate to behaviours influenced by male hormones i.e. aggression/dominance. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with people are not affected.

GENERALLY SPEAKING, WHEN CONSIDERING THEIR TEMPERAMENT, A DESEXED MALE AND A DESEXED FEMALE ARE MUCH THE SAME.

Size Male and female Labradors vary in height by only an inch or two with males generally being taller, but there are females that are larger than males. Males tend to have a blockier head than females and they usually weigh more. Again, these are generalizations size, shape and weight vary across the population and sexes.

Training Early character development using positive reinforcement training is the key to owning a friendly, gentle, eager to please companion Labrador of either sex.

Home/Kennel Management/Operational Policy/Our Dogs/Our Bitches/Puppy Page/Fun Photos/Links/E-mail