How to Tell a Male from a Female Dog: A Comprehensive Guide
Determining the gender of your dog is a basic but important skill when getting a dog or choosing a pet. Whether they are puppies or adult dogs, male and female dogs have certain differences in behavioral and physiological characteristics. The following is a summary of structured data and methods on dog gender differentiation among hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Comparison of physiological characteristics

| Features | male dog | bitch |
|---|---|---|
| reproductive organs | Penis and scrotum (may not be obvious in puppies) | Vulva (located below the anus) |
| body shape | Typically larger and more muscular | Relatively smaller, with softer lines |
| Marking behavior | Frequent urination with legs raised | Urinating while squatting |
2. Comparison of behavioral differences
| behavior | male dog | bitch |
|---|---|---|
| territoriality | Stronger and easier to mark territory | weaker |
| Estrus performance | Easily agitated, chasing bitches | Bleeding (about 2-3 weeks) |
| Aggression | More likely to be aggressive towards other male dogs | Usually docile (except during nursery period) |
3. Puppy gender identification skills
1.Observe urinating posture: When the puppies are 3-4 weeks old, the male dog will start to raise his legs and the female dog will maintain a squatting position.
2.Check abdomen: Gently lift the puppy's tail, the male dog's penis and scrotum (may not have descended) are located below the anus, and the female dog's vulva has a longitudinal slit.
3.Professional confirmation: If it is difficult to distinguish, you can contact a veterinarian or breeder for assistance.
4. Common misunderstandings
1.The "nipple judgment method" is inaccurate: Both male and female puppies have nipples and cannot be used as a basis.
2.The difference in body shape is not absolute: In some dog breeds (such as poodles), the male and female are similar in size.
3.Personality cannot be 100% distinguished: Individual female dogs may also display territoriality.
5. Changes in gender characteristics after sterilization
| Project | After male dog is neutered | Female dog after neutering |
|---|---|---|
| reproductive organs | Scrotum atrophy, penis retained | Vulva shrinkage, no periodic bleeding |
| behavior | Marking behavior decreases | No longer attracted to male dogs |
Summary: By combining physiological characteristics, behavioral habits and professional examination, the gender of dogs can be accurately distinguished. If you still have questions, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian for authoritative guidance.
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