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Are male dogs more affectionate than female?

12K views 29 replies 26 participants last post by  PoppyPaws  
#1 ·
Until Max we'd always had girls, they were loving, loyal and affectionate.

Then we got Max, and he took that love and loyalty to a whole other level!
Past and present dogs were always happy to curl up on the bottom of our bed at night, Max would sleep in my arms.

He'd look at me so deeply with such a look of adoration, and the feeling was mutual.

As the months pass by without him here I desperately miss him and the bond we shared.

We have two girls, and as much as I try to encourage it, they're just not giving that crazy love Max gave.

We had a friends male dog to stay recently, and he was so like Max, so very affectionate, he'd cuddle up on the sofa and gaze adoringly, it was a sad day when our friend wanted him back!

Are male dogs are that much more affectionate than female?
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'd only had female dogs until about 3.5 years ago when I bought Gwylim, a 9 month old Miniature Schnauzer as a companion for Georgina my Shar-Pei. He's my little loverboy, snugglebug, and shadow who sticks to me like velcro! I've never had such an affectionate dog before - I love it!

Shar-Pei aren't know for being demonstrably affectionate but Georgina makes no secret that she adores him and I really think she's learnt from him how to show love to me!
 
#7 ·
I'm so sorry for your loss and the whole he has left behind :(

My Oscar is incredibly loving whereas my girls aren't. They like a kiss and a quick snuggle when I come home but Oscar is permanently attached to me.

He is my first boy though so it could just be his personality that's so needy rather than him being male.

I took this a few weeks ago now, but this is him, the girls were just laying the other end of the sofa not remotely interested in me.

Image
 
#8 ·
I've only ever had boys; my three now (and the previous two) are just huge cuddlebugs. They all love hugs and snuggles, and fuss. (Kahn has just spent about 55 min of an hour lesson, sat on the trainer's feet leaning into her for hugs, I had to almost drag him away to do any exercises!). I can't speak for girls, just know my boys are definitely loving and affectionate!
 
#10 ·
I've had male dogs years ago, but for the last thirty odd years it's been bitches. Only one of them was more aloof the others have been keen to very keen to be close to me, from just touching through to all over me. Isla particularly so is a thorough cuddle monster and so was my last retriever, but I think this is largely to do with the breed who are hugely fond of their owners.
 
#13 ·
In my experience this is true of all animals, not just dogs.
Thats what Ive found too! Going by dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs and house bunnies then my boys have always been more cuddly and affectionate then the girls.
Not that its always a good thing. My current 2 boys are demanding whiny little Divas about getting fuss whereas the girls will come for a cuddle then be happy to settle on their own.
 
#14 ·
My first dog Glen was not affectionate at all he was Independent and prefered his own space, he didn't seek out attention and he didn't appreciate it much either.

My now boy Hudson craves attention, constant cuddles and kisses, he cuddles strangers and gives them kisses. rests his head on my lap, cuddles into me on the couch, he is a love bug.

Dakota my first female dog is affectionate not as much as Hudson but she enjoys a belly rub, gives kisses and cuddles. she is very sweet with her family.

Image

"Rub my bellllyyy!!!"
 
#16 ·
I think it's an individual thing. Apollo is an absolute love bug with me and loves to come over for a cuddle and sleep next to me at night.

The two Labradors i grew up with were male and female but both very affectionate though the female was more affectionate with people she knew well (she gave the same cuddles Apollo does where they come over put their head down and cuddle into you) and the boy loved fuss from everyone.
 
#17 ·
In my limited experience male dogs are needier and tend to be 'mummy's boys', which is admittedly good for the ego. Bitches are loving in their own way but more independent as well as being easier in general. This isn't set in stone obviously.
Cats though - depends if we're talking torties or not.
 
#18 ·
With my two Jasper is definitely the most affectionate, clingy and snuggly. Izzy loves cuddles too but she'll forgo cuddles in favour of having a sofa all to herself...

They're both also more affectionate with people of the opposite gender. So Izzy goes all lovey dovey awith men and Jasper is all cuddly and loving with women.
 
#19 ·
All my childhood dogs were bitches and each varied in their affection. All my family have male dogs now and none are particularly cuddly. Phoebe is the only female and is a proper snuggler. On your knee, leaning against you, head buried into your neck and nudges until you wrap your arms around her and hold her tight.
 
#20 ·
Zara is the first female dog I've ever owned. She can be a bit of a cold 81tch when the mood takes her. Other times she plays for my attention.
Oscar, by her comparison, craves human contact at every available opportunity.
All my previous males have been exactly the same.
Cuddlesome cuckoos.:)
 
#21 ·
I’ve only ever had male animals! Which is quite odd as I’ve had seven cats, two dogs, a horse, a rabbit and a guinea pig. I’m not sure whether it’s happened that way on purpose or just coincidence.

I’ve found female cats are definitely more aloof in my experience, not sure about dogs I think it depends a lot on breed and temperament as well but my boy is definitely a snuggley dog...

Female horses on the other hand :eek: stick to my boys any day of the week
 
G
#22 ·
I have a female and a male and they’re both affectionate but I’m quite different ways. My girl will demand your attention and want lots of snuggles, but on her terms. When she’s had enough she will up and leave. My boy is the one who will lie all over me on the sofa and look adoringly at me - my girl expects ME to look adoringly at HER!
 
#23 ·
I'd say it's down to the individual too...

I had a bitch who was very affectionate with anyone and everyone, she was a floozy and her 'loyalty' was with whoever cuddled her back, would do anything for a biscuit off anyone.

Then a male who's not very affectionate, not cuddley etc... but he's so 'loyal' .. he'd only lie by me and came with me where ever I went, very biddable with me but not others.

I'm sorry your missing your dog and I hope your heart heals soon but take care of yourself xx
 
#24 ·
I'm sorry to hear about your boy.
I'm sure it varies depending on personalities, but I have found that in general, boys are more cuddly and affectionate than girls. With my old 2 dogs they were both very cuddly, although the male terrier would be more 'in your face' with his love and immediately jump into the laps of us and visitors, whereas our girl (collie x spaniel) would just come and sit next to you wanting affection. Current two are actually quite similar. Fly (male lurcher) is very friendly and affectionate with all people, wanting cuddles and attention from whoever he can get it! He loves sitting on you on the sofa getting a good snuggle. Nooka (shar pei x bitch) doesn't really do people but once she gets used to them she will come and maybe have a chin or bum scratch, or lean against your legs for a stroke. But it's all on her terms.
 
#25 ·
I was just talking about this the other day with the OH.
When we chose our first dog we went for a boy as I had heard that they were more lovable and most of the male dogs I knew were daft and full off character. A lot of the bitches I knew and have come to know since have been more independent.
We have since got a bitch though she has only been with us for a month so only time will tell.
Though I must admit I do like a daft, crazy boy full of character!
 
#26 ·
I'd only had female dogs until about 3.5 years ago when I bought Gwylim, a 9 month old Miniature Schnauzer as a companion for Georgina my Shar-Pei. He's my little loverboy, snugglebug, and shadow who sticks to me like velcro! I've never had such an affectionate dog before - I love it!

Shar-Pei aren't know for being demonstrably affectionate but Georgina makes no secret that she adores him and I really think she's learnt from him how to show love to me!
Can I just ask how they got on when you introduced them? My new shar pei is being aggressive to every dog she meets on walks and I need to introduce her to our famiyl dog but I am nervous she will attack him
 
#28 ·
I think you need to start a new thread, rather than piggy back on this one.

Shar pei are known for not always being the best around other dogs. You should seek professional advice before setting up a meeting with another dog.