Dog or Bitch?

Many books advise that a bitch is an easier companion than a dog and whilst this may be true of some breeds, it is not necessarily the case with Wheatens. Whichever sex you choose with this breed you should remember that you are getting a terrier and you will get terrier characteristics to a greater or lesser extent. For example, some Wheatens will be prodigious cat chasers whilst others will yawn at the very idea of such exertion! With Wheatens it really does seem to depend on the individual animal, rather than its sex, as to how it responds to its family and other dogs. Some bitches can appear quite bossy and uppity compared to a more passive male.

The male Wheaten can be as loving and affectionate a companion to his owners as a bitch. Both can be very lively. Some people would never choose to have a bitch having once owned a male Wheaten, because they feel that the dog has more character.

Adolescent males (9 to 18 months) often become more aware of other male dogs and can see them as a challenge. Careful handling is required to see them through this stage as with any teenager. It is here that the benefits of training classes and extensive socialisation can be seen. Male dogs in general require more 'doggy knowledge' to train and are perhaps not always suitable for a first time dog owner.

Either sex, being a terrier, need firm handling from puppy hood - you should never assume, if you get a bitch, that she will be less wilful than her male counterpart. This is just not the case in this breed. It will depend to what degree the individual animal has a capacity for dominance - a dominant bitch may be hell to live with - a submissive dog will be a joy by comparison and vice versa.

You need to bear in mind your family and its requirements and capabilities when choosing the sex of your dog. The neutered animal of either sex is possibly easier to live with if you have very young children. (Do take advice from your breeder or the Club, before neutering as this is often done at too young an age.) For sure you will encounter difficulties with the in-season bitch if your children appear to suffer congenital inability to close doors and gates (as many do!), as, at the critical time of her season, the bitch my be anxious to be mated and may attempt to escape to achieve her objective.

Her seasons will happen, on average, every six months, irrespective of Christmas, annual holidays, family weddings, etc. You may also, depending on the location of your home, undergo a siege by the local roaming males - some of whom may camp out on your doorstep, contriving to get to your bitch by fair means or foul! Needless to say, none of these problems occur with the male.

Some general books on dogs suggest that the male will wander - well so may the female if she gets half the chance. The answer is that you train your dog, from the day you get it, that it goes out only on its lead with you until you reach a place where it can safely run off lead. Wheatens are great would-be Houdini's so you need a well-fenced garden for either sex.

Choosing whether to have a dog or bitch does, at the end of the day, come down to personal circumstances and preferences. If you are buying your Wheaten as a family pet, the sex of the dog doesn't matter one iota. As previously stated, with Wheatens the difference is usually down to the individual animal's temperament and not its sex. Both the dog and the bitch in this breed are wonderful loving companions.