Wise Woofs would like to note that scientific studies on the same subject can have conflicting results due to inadequate sample sizes, methodological approaches and missing data. Inconsistencies in results are apparent when examining studies on the effect spaying/neutering has on canine aggression and studies about which gender is more aggressive. Regardless, context is important and this article seeks to inform some of the more common, stereotypical aspects related to gender and aggression.
Certain aggressive responses are natural in both male and female dogs. With that said, repeated aggressive behavior should not be ignored. Especially given how the field of canine behavior and training has improved over time.
On a broad level, males and females exhibit aggression differently. The sex differences between male and female dogs are rooted in their biological and evolutionary heritage. Their behavioral temperaments are influenced by traits that improve reproductive fitness.
The sex of the dog makes a difference in the likelihood of conflict and in the likelihood of improvement with behavioral treatment. Conflicts involving males are easier to resolve than conflicts involving females.
It is suggested that intact male dogs have a higher rate of aggressive incidents because of their relative boldness when compared to female dogs. Intact males are more likely to attack people drawing attention from the public and researchers. In behavioral studies, large aggressive males are studied more than other groups because of the potential danger they present.
Male dogs are more aggressive towards people. They give more warning and threaten more often than female dogs. Bites directed at people usually involve issues of leadership and control. They are six times more likely than females to cause fatal bites in humans. A closer look at the statistics on fatal dog bites reveals only twenty-five percent of cases had reproductive status information available. Seventy-five percent of the data on this statistic is missing and requires an objective lens when considering.
Sexually intact male dogs are two and a half times more likely to attack than neutered dogs. Male dogs display aggressive behaviors toward both male and female dogs but occur more frequently towards other males.
Sex hormones have an effect on behavior. These hormones counteract stress hormones. After spaying and neutering, there is a loss of hormones to various degrees depending on the sterilization method used which can create behavior changes.
Neutering Increases
- Inter-dog aggression
Neutering Decreases
- Owner-directed aggression
- Fear-related aggression
- Biting incidents
When comparing female dogs to males, they are more territorial and more intent on exercising dominance. Their fights last longer, and injuries to other dogs are more severe. They are mostly aggressive towards other female dogs and give less warning before attacking.
Sexual aggression is associated with mating behaviors and is most likely to occur around a female in heat. Intact females compete for breeding privileges with male dogs by exhibiting dominant behavior that can include fighting other female dogs. As a precaution females in the same household are often separated during their heat cycles. Pregnant females closer to giving birth and those experiencing pseudopregnancies also display increased aggression as a survival mechanism to protect their offspring and the space they inhabit.
Spaying female dogs does not eliminate the entirety of aggressive behaviors. Studies have shown that ovariohysterectomies are associated with an increased risk of aggressive behavior. An ovariohysterectomy suppresses the production of estrogen and progesterone, these hormones combat stress hormones like cortisol. Because of this, spayed females are known to display higher levels of aggression compared to reproductively intact female dogs.
Spaying Increases
- Possessive Aggression
- Owner-directed Aggression
Spaying Decreases
- Inter-dog aggression
- Sexual aggression
- Maternal aggression
Even in large-scale studies, the cause-effect relationship between spay/neutering and behavior is difficult to determine. That is because sexual hormones are a small part of what influences aggression. Aggression is also attributed to factors like age, breed, general health conditions, diet, lifestyle, socialization and household dynamics.
Overall, there are differences between the sexes when it comes to aggression. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our other articles related to canine aggression here.
