What is a Female Dog Called?

When considering a new pet, many people are confronted with pressing questions such as what gender should the dog be and what the differences might be between a male and a female dog. While most people know the difference between gender in humans, gender differences in canine companions are not as widely understood.

Gender Differences in Dogs

Gender differences in dogs manifest in a few key ways. Female dogs tend to reach physical maturity quicker than their male counterparts, meaning they are smaller and lighter in size when reaching adulthood. On average, males will be larger than their female peers across most breeds. Additionally, female dogs tend to be more vocal than males, meaning they might bark or whine more often.

While both male and female dogs can be aggressively territorial and protective of their environment, females will generally remain that way for life, whereas males are likely to become less protective with age. Furthermore, male dogs have greater impulse control than female dogs, meaning they have the capability to stay focused on tasks for longer periods of time.

Unique Needs of Female Dogs

Unique to female dogs are their reproductive needs. Unspayed female dogs will go into heat every six to eight months and must be attended with particular care and attention during this time. During the roughly three weeks that a female is in heat, her bleeding can irritate an owner’s carpets, she may become anxious, bark excessively, and may try to escape the house in order to find a mate. Therefore, owners of female dogs that are not fixed should be prepared to send them away during the female’s heat cycle, or risk the consequences that come with it.

Additionally, female dogs must not be spayed before they are physically mature after the age of 6 months. If spayed too early, they may suffer physical complications in adulthood and a compromised immune system.

The Answer

In conclusion, the gender of a dog is a key decision that must be made when acquiring a new pet. Female dogs are typically smaller in size than males, possess a higher vocal range, remain more protectively territorial for life, and have specific reproductive needs. The answer to the question of what is a female dog called? Is simply “female dog” or “girl dog”.