Is my theory correct?

[DemiSheep]

This is related to the "who does your dog favor" thread. Do female dogs prefer male humans and male dogs prefer female humans? This seems to be a pattern I've noticed over the years.

[pkcrossley]

interesting question!

unfortunately i can't give any sensible response because i've never had a female dog. so the question raises another question: do female humans prefer male dogs and male humans prefer female dogs? now, i think i have an answer to the second: in my observation, human males have no preference for female dogs. they seem to prefer male dogs (and identify with them in odd ways). when i see a female dog, it is usually in the company of a family or of a woman.

having said that, i think dogs do powerfully distinguish between male and female humans, and i think their initial impulse is to prefer females, though after a period of acquaintance they may find it easier to respond consistently to a male voice. a few dogs have early, unhappy experience with male humans, and they may have to get over that. and then we have little terriers who instantly see big, low-voiced males as a challenge to which they have to respond.

of course there are some humans of either sex to whom dogs will never warm.

[Lynn in TN]

I can't say that Kelly prefers male or female. I also can't say that my 2 sons and DH prefer male or female dogs. They seem to love Kelly more than any dog they have been around (the DH only had male dogs when growing up and didn't treat them like he treats Kelly) It may just be the breed they like best. They're not very happy with my Mother-in-Laws female Pom. Neither am I for that matter. I do prefer female dogs and of course I am a female myself. Male dogs make me uncomfortable and always have. Kelly's favorite person in our house is my oldest son but he never fusses at her, lets her chew up his stuff, the list goes on, When we have guests she prefers my sister out of all of them probably for the same reasons she prefers my oldest son, she would let her get by with murder.

This topic is interesting. I can't wait to see what others post.

[Jeff N Oscar]

I have 2 males, not by choice, just by chance. I don't really have preference, I don't think I do anyway. My two biggest thoughts about male vs female are; males mark everything they can hike a leg/or squat over if situation calls for it, and females are more serious/less playful. NOW I am sure there are exceptions right her in this group, I am just saying that's what goes through my mind when I think of each sex.

So I guess I am going to have to get a female dog next and do some hands on research..... it's in the name of science hubby

OH THE ACTUAL QUESTION... ha forgot to address that side, Do dog prefer the opposite sex human? not sure, but I think it comes down to how they are treated and individual spirits.

[Sam I Am]

A friend and I were actually discussing this subject a while back. And we both agree, at least in our experience, that female dogs gravitate to male uprights, while male dogs are more in favour of female uprights. Our Scottie was a female and my DH was her absolute world! I fed her, took her for walks but her "Dad" was her rock. Jock is my dog and he makes it known also to my DH very clearly that I belong to him.

[Hagar]

I can't add anything to whether female dogs prefer male uprights. But, I'm a widower and it's just Renny ("fixed" male) and me at home.

One thing I've noticed since Renny was a puppy, he's 6 now,is that he absolutely LOVES women. Any woman! It can be somebody we meet on a walk,or any woman who comes in contact for any reason. His groomer and the veterinary assistants are fair game. Fortunately most women we meet like dogs and don't mind an enthusiastic greeting.

[dianer]

Hmm I think there is a trend in the direction you stated. Leo's favorite person is my daughter and Cassie prefers my husband. Although I must state that she also loves to greet little girls on her walks, the more the better. When sleeping on the bed both dogs are on my side, probably because I move less in the night.

[Dayvo]

One thing I've noticed since Renny was a puppy, he's 6 now,is that he absolutely LOVES women. Any woman! It can be somebody we meet on a walk,or any woman who comes in contact for any reason. His groomer and the veterinary assistants are fair game. Fortunately most women we meet like dogs and don't mind an enthusiastic greeting.

I'm a single man with a fixed male and what Hagar said about Renny goes for Robby too.I've even been (jokingly) accused of training him to react that way.

[Idaho Cairns]

Not in this house. I think the Cairns "favor" the person who takes them for walks most often, carries treats in their pocket more often, throws the ball most often, and who goes to bed the earliest so then can cuddle most often and that would be, (DRUM ROLL!)---my wife. Self interest, not biology has the biggest role, as usual, with the preferences of a Cairn Terrier.

[hheldorfer]

I'll jump in with my two cents. We have one male (Ziggy) and one female (Buffy), both of whom I chose, held on the ride home and pampered mercilessly during their first few days with us - until I had to go back to work. DH is home with the dogs all day and, with the exception of an early morning walk from me and some playtime in the evening, does all the fun stuff with the dogs - dog park, car rides, etc.. Buffy became completely and deeply bonded with DH from the beginning and, I believe, thinks of him as a god. Ziggy arrived about a year after Buffy and, although he also bonded with DH, he often prefers my company. If I go to bed early he wants to go with me, while Buffy insists on staying up with DH. If I go downstairs to do laundry he wants to come along.

But either of them prefer me when they have an aching paw, itchy eye, or if they're just not feeling well.

[janis]

Not in this house. I think the Cairns "favor" the person who takes them for walks most often, carries treats in their pocket more often, throws the ball most often, and who goes to bed the earliest so then can cuddle most often and that would be, (DRUM ROLL!)---my wife. Self interest, not biology has the biggest role, as usual, with the preferences of a Cairn Terrier.

As always I would agree with Idaho! But, with Kirby I have to throw in the one with food in their hand.