SELECTING THE RIGHT SEX

Deciding on a female or male is a personal decision. Each sex has its own merits. Von Stephanitz preferred bitches. He felt that the female had a greater sensitivity to her handler and was more amenable to training. He felt she was “more independent, more reliable and more careful in nature and work.” He continued, “It is easier to train her, she grasps more quickly, her memory is more retentive, and she will, at least with an understanding leader, work more willingly and more carefully than a dog. A good bitch can be keen and sharp like a dog.” He stresses that both sexes work sheep equally well, a job that demands hardness and sharpness.

Others consider the male to have greater independence and self‑reliance. The United States Air Force dog program uses only males. William Koehler, a noted former army dog trainer and author, emphasizes concentrating on obtaining the best prospect for protection work whether it be male or female.

We have observed that, in general, it is more common to find males with the strength of character for Schutzhund than it is to find females of equal quality. This is one reason that a truly good bitch is so seldom for sale. However, a powerful male can sometimes be a difficult animal to live with and train, whereas even an extremely good bitch is normally a little sensitive to her handler and therefore relatively easily controlled.

In Germany the SV demands that all German Shepherd Dogs used for breeding, regardless of sex, pass at least a Schutzhund I or a herding test.