Male Vs. Female German Shepherds, which sex is going to be right for you and your family? In this blog, we’ll describe all the differences between both of them, so you can make an informed decision when buying your pup.
German Shepherds are sensible, calm, composed, loyal, and equally ferocious when needed. While buying a German Shepherd, the main issue any owner faces is the selection of the gender of the breed. In terms of physical agility, this breed is amongst the finest, with right lean muscles and flexible moves.
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Male Vs. Female German Shepherd
German Shepherds are gentle towards their owners and can have excellent socialization skills if brought around people from a young age. Despite this fact, the behavior varies within gender. Females are easier to train sometimes. When it comes to training the German Shepherd dog, it should be started from the pup age. But you have to give proper time to both male and female German Shepherd to teach them well.
When looking at male vs. female German Shepherds, there are a few things you’re going to need to weigh up. The different sizes, temperaments, aggression levels, and much more need to be taken into account when deciding which sex to go for.
Size Difference Male Vs. Female German Shepherd
The size difference between the two is probably the first thing you’re going to notice. However, it is essential to remember these are just averages. Sometimes there are going to be females that are bigger than males and males that are smaller than females. The first thing that is important what’s your Dog size, and it can fit in your house or flat.
| Male German Shepherd | Female German Shepherd |
| Grow 24-26″in Adulthood | Grow 22-24″ in Adulthood |
| Weight 65-90lbs | Weight 50-70lbs |
| Hard to Train German Shepherd | Accessible to Train German Shepherd |
| Large in size | Small in size |
| Best for Protection | Best for Training |
| Age Maximum 10 years | Age Maximum 11 Years |
| No issues | Heat Issues |
| Long and Strong Body Structure | Less as compare to Male GSD |
| Fewer Health Issues | More Health Issues |
| More Aggressive | Less Aggressive |
As you can see, male German Shepherds are a lot larger and physically more imposing. They are generally more muscular and have a more massive head. This makes them ideal for protection as they’re much more physically intimidating.
But females aren’t without their strengths either. While they may not look as physically strong as males, they’re still going to do a great job of protecting your family.
However, this isn’t where female German Shepherd truly shines. If you’re interested in dog shows, then females smaller, lighter size makes them much better suited than males. So if you’re interested in training, females win. But if you’re interested in protection, males take the lead slightly.
Training Female Vs. Male German Shepherd
Next up, we’ll look at who is more natural to train male or female GSD. For most people, trainability is one of the most critical aspects of their dog. After all, the last thing you need is an unruly pup running your life. Fortunately, German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds, so they’re capable of learning. However, which sex is more comfortable to train?
German Shepherds are gentle towards their owners and can have excellent socialization skills if brought around people from a young age. Despite this fact, the behavior varies within gender. Female German Shepherd is more comfortable to train sometimes.
When it comes to training the German Shepherd dog, it should be started from the pup age. German Shepherd is an intelligent breed that grasps things quite fast and during a much younger period. The dog does not develop qualities exclusive to a specific gender. If you want to train a slightly grown-up GSD, then there is a noticeable difference in the behavior of both the genders.
Male German Shepherds can often try to be dominant. If you’re not strong enough, then you may end up having a hard time training them. However, when trained successfully, they’re going to make fantastic guard dogs, protectors, and police dogs.
Female German shepherds mature much earlier than males. This means they’re going to be easier to train, and have a competitive edge over males. When a female German shepherd is in heat, however, German Shepherd can be challenging to prepare, especially if other dogs are around.
Once again, their small size combined with their early maturity levels means they’re great to train as agility dogs or show dogs. Female German Shepherds are more friendly, and this behavior makes them more trainable.
Another reason that makes them easy to train is their lightweight. German Shepherds are not that aggressive when compared to the male GSDs. Male German Shepherds might need extra socialization skills to get along with other family members.
Is Male GSD More Muscular And Larger Than Female?
Male German Shepherd grows up being more muscular, healthier, and taller than their female counterparts. You can easily see the visible difference when it comes to the appearance of male and female German Shepherds. This breed is sexually dimorphic.
Female German Shepherd has a graceful appearance, and they are less stocky. German Shepherds are prone to diseases if not taken care of properly. These dogs need proper diet and exercise. The Female GSD is lean, small, and short than its male counterpart.
Male German Shepherds are more prominent than female GSD, and that is why the dominance gene works more in favor of them. A female GSD stands at the height of 22 to 24 inches, which is two inches short of the male GSD.
In terms of weight, the female weighs about 50 to 70 pounds, which is 15 pounds less than the male German Shepherd. Weight also varies according to the heritage of the dog, but female GSD is always on the lighter and the leaner side. Even within the males, there are weight differences.
Are Female German Shepherds More Possessive Than Males?
While female German Shepherds are gentler and gel along correctly with the family members, the male German Shepherds tends to dominate. Male GSDs are more possessive than the female ones with the things that belong to them.
Generally, Male German Shepherds behave well with the other family members; with proper training, both males and females will get along with family.
Both genders cannot be left alone for a long time as German Shepherds are very social and miss their human friends. Also, these dogs are very fit and need to exercise at regular intervals to avoid complications. Overall, the German Shepherds are a treat for dog lovers.
These qualities, with brimming courage and confidence, make the German Shepherd one of the best pet dogs around the globe. German shepherds weigh around 22-40kgs, and the height varies from 55-65cms.
How to Feed Your Male or Female German Shepherd?
Another thing you’ll need to take important note is feeding your German Shepherd. Because males are typically larger, they tend to need more food.
While the quality of the dog food, build of your dog, activity levels and metabolism must all be taken into account, in most cases, it will end up costing you more to feed a male German shepherd.
However, your German shepherd’s dietary requirements can also affect this. For example, if a male can’t eat grains, but a female can then it may become more expensive to feed the male, etc.
Female German Shepherd Heat Issues
Female German Shepherd is excellent due to looking wise and learning level with smartness. But you need to keep one thing in mind when you’re getting a female is that they’re going to go into heat twice a year.
The first time this will happen is when their half a year to a year old. On average, this is going to last 2-4 weeks, however, sometimes it will be shorter, and sometimes it will be longer.
During this time, they are more likely to become pregnant, so you’ll have to keep them on the lead and away from any males, who will be able to smell that they’re fertile. I’d recommend spaying personally as it reduces the chances of them getting certain types of cancer and illnesses.
Female GSD Vs. Male GSD Which one Lives Longer?
On average, female german shepherds are going to live longer than males. If you’re going to get a female, you can expect her to live for just over 11 years average, whereas males live for only under ten years on average.
it’s important for you to know about the breeder that you purchase them from. If they have a bad start in life, they will most likely have a lower lifespan.
Do Females Have More Health Issues Than GSD Males?
Female Shepherds need more care and attention when compared with Male GSDs. Both the genders shave common health issues like cardiac issues, degenerative myelopathy, thyroiditis, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and elbow dysplasia.
Spaying
Breeders mainly consider spaying for female GSDs that are not bred. Spaying has specific risks, and it can affect the health of the dog. Spaying should not be done before a German Shepherd turns a year old. If breeders perform spaying in female GSDs who are less than a year past, then it can lead to joint disorders, urinary incontinence, and mammary cancer.
Bloating
Gastric dilation is a common problem in both male and female GSDs. One should not treat a gender-sensitive issue. If bloating increases, then it can be life-threatening for German Shepherds. To prevent this problem, avoid food that consists of fat and citric acid.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
This is a genetic condition, and it common in GSDs. It is more common in males and rarely affects female GSDs.
Are Male German Shepherds More Aggressive?
Aggressiveness is typical in German Shepherds. Males tend to be more masculine, and that makes them extra aggressive. They are known to be a strong fighter, and this makes them good Guard police dogs.
German Shepherds can also suffer from mood swings. Bad temperament and mood swings can only be handled through proper training. This breed does not get aggressive without reason. German Shepherds become aggressive only when they feel threatened or upset.
Male GSDs are more aggressive because of their territorial problems. Males tend to mark their territory, and they feel threatened if someone tries to capture their area. Female German Shepherds don’t label their land, and this makes them lesser aggressive.
Early socialization is the best way to control bad behavior and aggressive nature. If you try to dominate a male German Shepherd, then there are chances that it might get aggressive. Females are more friendly, and they follow orders too. Owners will find it easier to dominate female German Shepherds when compared to males.
Male Or Female German Shepherd For First Time Pet Owners?
Honestly, if you’re just a casual owner or newbie, Who loves German shepherds, then I’d personally recommend getting females. For the most part, they tend to be easier to train and friendlier.
Female German Shepherds are more obedient and have calm behavior. First-time dog owners should adopt female German Shepherds. People who want a pet dog that can adapt well with their family should go for a female German Shepherd.
However, if you live alone or you’re willing to put the time in, then males can be a great choice. Most importantly, both males and females are going to be extremely rewarding
Introducing other pets to female German Shepherd is much easier when compared with their male counterparts. Males tend to create their separate territory, and this can cause problems among pets. Females don’t have such issues, and they bond well with other pets.
Female vs. Male Temperament
Generally, female German Shepherd makes for sweeter and friendlier companions. Male German Shepherd tends to be territorial and urinate wherever they go to mark their territory. They are also much prouder. Female German Shepherd dogs tend to be gentler and friendlier towards their owners and people in general.
Whether you opt for a male or female German Shepherd, expose them to new persons and surroundings from a young age so that they grow up to become well-mannered and well-socialized dogs. New German Shepherd owners may consider enrolling their puppy in obedience kindergarten classes.
The temperament of a dog depends on how well they are brought up or how much socializing they have done from a young age. Generally, a female German Shepherd is seen to be more calm and gentle.
They have less of that dominating attribute like their male counterpart. The female German Shepherds have a good and calm temperament and gel along with everyone, whereas the male German Shepherd is more bossy, arrogant, and aloof.
Female German Shepherds have a calm temperament, and this makes them excellent therapy dogs. People who are going for a pet for the first time should go for female German Shepherds as they are more obedient.
Taking your dog out for regular strolls in the park and introducing the breed to new people and other pets will also improve their socialization skills.
German Shepherd is playful and lively but may exhibit signs of possessiveness. While this makes the dog breed an excellent watchdog, visitors or other dog owners might not appreciate it.
Final Words
Here I put all the information related to the Male and Female German Shepherd and their complete characteristics. Both are sensitives and need your time with attention regularly. Now it’s time to choose which one you want to adopt next Because it all depends on your schedule or workload. Both sex dogs need your time to train them regularly.
