Are you thinking about adding a four-legged companion to your home and torn between a male and female dog? While female dogs offer countless wonderful traits—loyalty, affection, and intelligence—it’s important to consider the full picture before making a commitment. In this post, we explore the disadvantages of having a female dog, including potential health issues, training challenges, and behavioral dynamics. We’ll also cover the unique pros and cons of owning two female dogs, so you can make the most informed decision for your home and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
More Expensive to Spay
One of the most commonly cited disadvantages of having a female dog is the cost of spaying. Compared to neutering a male dog, spaying is a more invasive and complex surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus and ovaries (ovariohysterectomy). As a result, it typically requires general anesthesia, longer recovery time, and more advanced veterinary care—all of which add to the cost.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that spaying is not only costlier but also carries a higher risk of surgical complications compared to neutering. Despite this, spaying has long-term health benefits, such as reducing the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) and mammary tumors, which are common in unspayed females.
While the initial expense may seem steep, it’s often considered a worthwhile investment in your dog’s long-term health. However, the upfront cost is still a drawback for many pet owners.
More Likely to Get Pregnant
Unlike their male counterparts, female dogs can become pregnant if left unspayed. Female dogs go into heat approximately every six months, and during this estrus cycle, they can attract male dogs from miles away. If you’re not vigilant, you could end up with an unexpected litter of puppies—and all the challenges that come with it.
An unplanned pregnancy doesn’t just bring additional responsibilities like prenatal care, birth complications, and finding homes for the puppies. It can also expose your female dog to serious health risks during pregnancy and delivery. According to PetMD, female dogs can experience dystocia (difficulty giving birth), which sometimes requires emergency veterinary intervention.
Unless you plan to breed responsibly, spaying your female dog is highly recommended to avoid the physical and financial consequences of accidental litters.
Increased Risk of Health Problems
Another key concern is the higher likelihood of reproductive-related health issues in female dogs. Unspayed females are at greater risk for:
- Pyometra – A life-threatening uterine infection that can develop after heat cycles. If untreated, it can be fatal. VCA Animal Hospitals estimate that nearly 25% of unspayed female dogs will develop pyometra by age 10.
- Mammary Tumors – Over 50% of mammary tumors in female dogs are malignant. Spaying before the first heat drastically reduces this risk, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- False Pregnancy – Hormonal fluctuations after a heat cycle can lead to behavioral changes and symptoms such as nesting, lactation, and anxiety.
These health concerns make veterinary check-ups and early spaying crucial, but they also represent an ongoing concern and possible financial burden for owners of female dogs.
Potty Training Can Be More Challenging
While every dog is unique, some pet owners report that female dogs can be slightly harder to potty train than males. Hormonal shifts during the heat cycle can lead to inconsistent behavior, regression in training, or indoor accidents.
Additionally, female dogs may urinate more frequently due to smaller bladders or during heat cycles. While males are more prone to territory marking, females are not exempt—particularly if they are unspayed. The Humane Society emphasizes that consistency and routine are key, but the hormonal aspect can add complexity.
This isn’t a universal rule, but it’s something potential owners should keep in mind when training a young female dog.
Physical Strength Differences
Although it varies by breed and individual dog, female dogs are often smaller and less physically strong than males of the same breed. This may not be a concern for every owner, but if you’re looking for a dog to perform physically demanding tasks—such as sled pulling, guarding, or intensive agility work—it’s a factor to consider.
That said, many female dogs excel in obedience, agility, and therapy roles, where focus and responsiveness are more critical than brute strength. So while this may be a “disadvantage” in some specific scenarios, it depends heavily on your expectations and lifestyle.
Owning Two Female Dogs: More Challenges?
Some pet owners are drawn to the idea of having two female dogs, hoping they’ll keep each other company and form a close bond. While this is certainly possible, owning two females does bring potential complications:
✅ Pros:
- Female dogs are often more nurturing and social, making them great companions for each other.
- They may develop a sister-like bond, especially if introduced at a young age or raised together.
❌ Cons:
- Territorial Disputes: Female dogs can be more territorial, especially when both are unspayed. This may lead to dominance struggles or even aggressive behavior.
- More Expensive Spaying: As previously noted, spaying is more costly than neutering. Spaying two dogs doubles that cost.
- Increased Risk of “Littermate Syndrome”: If the dogs are close in age, they may bond too closely with each other, leading to behavioral issues such as anxiety or lack of independence. Preventive Vet provides insights into managing this condition.
Behavioral issues can often be managed with proper training and socialization, but it’s critical to be proactive if you’re considering multiple dogs of the same gender.
Emotional and Hormonal Variability
Unspayed female dogs may exhibit emotional changes during their estrus cycle, including restlessness, clinginess, or even irritability. Some pet parents find this emotional fluctuation difficult to manage, especially if the dog becomes anxious or agitated during her heat.
According to Purina, dogs in heat may also try to escape the home or act out in unusual ways. This can lead to stress for both the dog and the owner, especially in multi-pet households where intact males are present.
Should These Disadvantages Stop You?
Absolutely not. The purpose of highlighting the disadvantages of having a female dog isn’t to dissuade you, but to help you make an informed decision. Female dogs are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and make wonderful pets. Being aware of the potential challenges allows you to plan for them.
Quick Summary of Disadvantages:
| Disadvantage | Notes |
|---|---|
| Higher cost of spaying | More invasive surgery, longer recovery |
| Risk of pregnancy | Requires constant supervision if unspayed |
| Health concerns | Pyometra, mammary tumors, hormonal imbalance |
| Potty training | May be slower due to heat cycles |
| Physical strength | May be less muscular than males |
| Two females | Potential for territorial conflict |
Final Thoughts: Is a Female Dog Right for You?
Bringing a dog into your home is a long-term commitment filled with love, training, responsibility, and joy. Female dogs offer affection, loyalty, and companionship—but they also come with specific needs and challenges.
If you’re ready for the commitment and informed about the realities of ownership, a female dog can be a beautiful addition to your life. Whether you’re adopting a puppy or rescuing a senior, knowledge and preparation make all the difference.
Always consult with your veterinarian about reproductive health, behavioral issues, and the best time to spay your dog. The more informed you are, the better choices you’ll make for both you and your furry companion.
Read more – Are Having Two Dogs Better Than One? Pros and Cons
