Introduction
The question of which gender of dog is more affectionate is an interesting one for many pet owners. Dogs are known for being loving, loyal companions, but there can be noticeable differences between male and female dogs when it comes to demonstrating affection.
Understanding if there are general tendencies between the genders can help pet owners make more informed decisions when selecting a new dog and have appropriate expectations when raising and caring for their pet. It may also provide insight into the underlying reasons behind certain behaviors.
While individual personalities play a large role, there are some average differences between male and female dogs that point to females being a bit more openly affectionate in many cases. Hormones, mothering instincts, neutering, breed traits, socialization, and other factors can all contribute to this tendency.
Differences in Hormones
Research has shown that differences in hormones between male and female dogs lead to some differences in affection and bonding behaviors. According to a 2019 study published in PMC, the hormone oxytocin plays a key role in social bonding between dogs and humans. Female dogs tend to have higher levels of oxytocin, which encourages motherly bonding behaviors.
Male dogs, on the other hand, have higher levels of testosterone. This makes them more independent and less likely to engage in bonding behaviors compared to females, according to the PMC study. Testosterone levels drop in neutered males, making them more likely to bond closely with their owners.
Overall, the different hormonal makeups of male and female dogs lead females to display more outward signs of affection and bonding toward their owners. However, individual personalities and socialization also play key roles.
Mothering Instinct
Female dogs often exhibit a strong maternal instinct to nurture and care for puppies. This instinct is driven by hormones and emotional factors, as mother dogs experience a flood of oxytocin and prolactin when giving birth and nursing their puppies (Petreleaf, 2022). These hormones promote bonding between the mother and her offspring. The instinct manifests in nesting behaviors before birth, attentively cleaning and feeding newborn puppies, and protecting the litter from any perceived dangers.
According to the AKC, mother dogs are extremely protective and attentive with their puppies during the first couple days after giving birth. After this initial bonding period, mother dogs will allow other people and animals to approach the puppies as they become more confident in their role (AKC, 2021). Even after the puppies are weaned and separated from their mother, female dogs may continue to exhibit mothering behaviors such as allowing puppies to nurse, grooming, and playing with young dogs.
This strong maternal instinct in female dogs often translates into increased affection and attentiveness with human owners as well. According to Quora users, female dogs tend to be very patient, gentle, and affectionate with their owners, just as a mother would be with her puppies (Quora, 2022). The motherly behaviors of licking, snuggling, and protecting all demonstrate a female dog’s natural inclination to nurture those she bonds closely with, whether puppies or human owners.
Neutering Effects
Spaying and neutering dogs can affect their behavior and personality in various ways. According to Precious Pet Care San Diego, “After neutering, your dog will be healthier, easier to train, and more affectionate.”
Specifically for female dogs, spaying often increases affection due to the decrease in female hormones like estrogen. As reported by Many Pets, “After spaying or neutering, one of the most noticeable changes in both male and female dogs is a decrease in aggression.” This is because the dog’s sex hormones that influence territorial behaviors are reduced.
For male dogs, the effects of neutering are more mixed. Santa Cruz Pet states that “While male dogs who are neutered do experience an increase in aggressive behaviors right after the procedure, neutering can make them much less likely to roam or mark territory.” Some owners report their male dogs became more affectionate and less aggressive after neutering.
Breed Differences
Certain breeds tend to be more affectionate and cuddly than others. According to Southern Living, some of the most affectionate dog breeds include Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, Brussels Griffon, Staffordshire Terriers, and Newfoundlands https://www.southernliving.com/culture/pets/most-affectionate-dog-breeds.
Labrador Retrievers in particular are known for being extremely loving, gentle, and cuddly dogs. Their friendly nature makes them one of the most popular family dogs. Male and female Labs alike enjoy giving and receiving affection from their owners.
Looking at breeds by gender, Reader’s Digest notes that male golden retrievers, bulldogs, and poodles tend to be more affectionate and cuddly than their female counterparts. However, this can vary a lot between individual dogs, regardless of breed or gender https://www.rd.com/list/affectionate-dog-breeds-that-love-to-cuddle/.
Individual Personality
While gender may play a role, each individual dog has a unique personality regardless of whether they are male or female. Even puppies from the same litter can have vastly different personalities, despite sharing the same parents and early life experiences.
According to research, puppies from the same litter frequently have different personalities due to a variety of factors. These include:
- Different fathers – Littermates may have different sires if the mother mated with multiple males.
- Birth weight – Heavier pups tend to be bolder and more explorative.
- Hormones – Testosterone exposure in utero can influence personality.
- Life experiences – Subtle differences in how each puppy is treated can shape personality over time.
The combination of genetic and environmental influences means affection levels can vary widely, even between puppies from the same litter. While patterns may emerge between genders across breeds, each dog is an individual. Their personality and capacity for affection depends on much more than gender alone.
Socialization
Early and frequent socialization is crucial for dogs to develop affectionate and friendly personalities. Puppies that are exposed to a variety of people, places, sights, sounds, and other dogs during a sensitive period of development from 3-16 weeks old tend to become more confident, less fearful, and more socially adept as adult dogs (Source). Well-socialized dogs that have had many positive interactions with people are likely to be more affectionate and attentive toward their human companions.
Some research indicates that female puppies may receive slightly more socialization on average than males, perhaps due to perceptions that they are easier to manage (Source). More socialization opportunities could lead to enhanced sociability and affection in adult female dogs compared to males. However, individual personality differences play a major role as well.
Anecdotal Evidence
Many dog owners have stories and quotes that touch on the affection levels of their male and female dogs. Here are a few examples:
“My female labrador Ruby is the sweetest and most affectionate dog I’ve ever had. She loves to cuddle up on the couch with me and will happily give kisses and nuzzle my hand all day if I let her. I can’t imagine a more loving companion.” (Source)
“I have a male golden retriever named Buddy who is super affectionate and attached to me. As soon as I get home, he runs over and wants to be petted and played with. He loves affection more than any other male dog I’ve had.” (Source)
“My female pug Daisy is the sweetest little cuddle bug. She’ll curl up on my lap at any chance she gets. My friend’s male pug isn’t nearly as snuggly and loving. I think Daisy’s extra affection comes from being a female.” (Owner anecdote)
“I have both a male and female German shepherd. I’ve noticed my female is much more affectionate overall. She’s always coming over to nuzzle and lick me and enjoys being petted more than my male dog.” (Owner anecdote)
Scientific Research
There have been several scientific studies that have examined differences in affection levels between male and female dogs.
One study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at the behavior of over 7,000 dogs during interactions with their owners. The researchers found that male dogs tended to show more attention-seeking behaviors and initiate more physical contact like nudging, pawing, and leaning on owners. In contrast, female dogs were more likely to respond to owner-initiated actions like petting. This suggests male dogs may be more affectionate in terms of seeking affection from their owners.1
Another study in the journal Biology Letters analyzed the behavior of dogs interacting with strangers during the Puppy Love program. They found that male puppies showed more physical engagement and initiation of play with unfamiliar people compared to female puppies. The scientists concluded male dogs could be more sociable and demonstrate more affiliation behaviors like affection toward strangers.2
However, some studies have found few major differences between male and female dogs when it comes to affection and attachment to owners. Much seems to depend on early socialization, training, and the individual personality of the dog.3
Conclusion
While there is some debate over which gender of dog is more affectionate, the research and evidence suggests that it ultimately comes down to the individual personality of each dog. However, there are a few key points that can be summarized:
Female dogs tend to display more mothering behaviors and affection due to hormonal differences. They are evolutionarily driven to nurture and bond with their owners and puppies.
Neutering, especially in male dogs, can increase affectionate behaviors. Intact males are more likely to roam, mark territory, and be aggressive.
Certain breeds are known to be more affectionate, such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. Breed characteristics play a role in personality.
Early positive socialization and training is key for developing an affectionate temperament in any dog. Dogs that are shown love and affection from a young age are more likely to reciprocate it.
While gender and breed trends exist, individual life experiences shape each dog’s personality. Some males may be more affectionate than some females. The best indicator of an affectionate dog is observing their unique personality.
The takeaway is that affection in dogs depends on many factors. While females may be predisposed to it, proper socialization, training, and bonding can help ensure any dog becomes a loving, devoted companion.