Male or Female?

For many, many years I had a bona-fide preference for the female.  I always had girls and if I wanted to do a breeding, I would take them to a stud owned by someone else.  But when I decided to breed Blue Picardies, I knew I was going to have to get my feet wet and buy my own male to use as a stud.  Well, the jokes on me because I've discovered that boys are wonderful too!  In fact, Flint, my primary stud is bar none the sweetest, most easy going dog to walk the earth.  I adore him.

So my advice to perspective puppy buyers is not to get too fixated on the sex you are choosing but instead to focus on the qualities of the dog you are looking for and finding the best match for your family and situation.  You would think that all people are looking for the same thing in a puppy, but that's far from the truth.  When I take a deposit on a puppy, I ask lots of questions of my buyer.  Why do you want a puppy?  Why a Blue Picardy Spaniel?  What qualities are you looking for in an adult dog?  Do you work at home?  Do you have children?  What ages?  Do you have other pets?  Have you had a dog before?

Some people put the emphasis on the way the dog will look--beauty is important to them.  (As it is to me and why I chose such a lovely breed).  For others, they want a really fun, really safe, easy going dog for their kids to grow up with.  Some are looking for dogs to train for hunting.  Others are interested in a high-spirited, fast thinking dog for agility or obedience work.  Some want the excellent nose to use in search and rescue operations.  Some want a super quiet, super sweet puppy that will be able to go into service work at elderly facilities or library reading programs for young children.  Some want a constant companion who is funny and light hearted and a real character and don't mind a little bit of strong will to work with.......so many, many choices.  I work with my puppies every single day and come to know them really well.  I see the quiet butterfly girl and the boisterous boy and the hunter's nose all develop and do my very best to match them to the perfect home.

And all that being said, I can only tell you what I have experienced with my own dogs between the sexes.  The males are usually a bit bigger and have that extra "glamour" gene.  They are sturdy and statuesque and handsome, with broader chests and wider heads.  My boys are usually much less challenging to train and more likely to comply the first time I ask them to do something.  They are very, very sweet and affectionate and tolerant.  With the boys, a grumble is usually all you hear to get a situation handled.  They are goofy and fun loving and like a good roll in the green grass and the morning dew.  And they are equally content lying on the concrete or up on the canvas dog bed.

My girls are a bit more incorrigible.  They like to mix up the waters a bit.  They take some stronger boundaries at times because they want to be involved in everything, and think they have some input.  My females, especially the ones who have been mothers, tend to be a bit bossy and might revert to a stare down or a snap to get their point across to a younger dog.  Then all is forgiven and we move on--as long as it is clearly understood that they are in charge!  They are sharp and loyal and watchful, quick to pick things up and just as affectionate.  But the girls are more likely to paw at you if you stop petting them or "talk" to you in their excitement to get their point across.  Females are smaller and lighter in build but just as lovely in a softer, feminine way.  And they will always choose the best spots, like the princess on the pillow!

Both males and females are beautiful dogs; they are both affectionate and playful and bond with their owners.  Both are great with kids.  Both are athletic and love to run.  Both are sweet and love to snuggle.
Both can have personality plus.  Just like us, each brings their own uniqueness to life.