Dogs: male or female. which choice?

I am planning on getting a small dog for my family when my husband deploys for Iraq. My daughters are four and six years old. Just curious which sex of dog is more sweet/affectionate/tolerant around kids. I'm planning on getting a smaller dog, possibly...

with a combination of any of these breeds: bichon/maltese/yorkie/shih-tzu. Is there much of a difference (their temperment) if they are spayed or neutered? I suppose some of it depends on the breed, but is there one sex that is known for being a 'better' choice for a pet? Thanks so much =)

yorkies are not very tolerant of kids, especially small ones. PUGS are VERY VERY good with young kids... in fact I just adopted one last night and am picking it up in augustand we have many young children at our house constantly. I would say a female would be better with the kids and since you have girls they would probably rather have a girl anyway.

pekingese are well tempered dogs and good with kids plus they are really small. female dogs are the best becuse male dogs tend to mark there territory where ever possible that means on your furniture and stuff(yikes)]

good luck
p.s
I hope your husband stays safe in iraq!!

Chihuahuas snap and arent good around smaller/younger kids they get nervous I would try a poodle they dont shed! Male/female are the same each dog has its own personality! I hope your husband stays safe in Iraq also!!!

I think shih-tzu's are very tolerent of children...Yorkies...NO...Chi's...NO...Yorkies are terriers and can be snappy with kids...Chi's are so fragile, that little ones can actually hurt them.

Go to the dog pound or shelter and look for a small, but sturdy built pup...(Westies are solid, and heavier boned, only 11 inches tall, but weigh about 15 to 18 lbs)... are the most patient of the terrier breeds)...

Either male or female, as temperment is different for every dog...don't pick shy, and don't pick the hyperest pup, either...stick to the middle of the road kind of pup. The one who is curious, but not bouncing all over you...anyway, both make great kids dogs. Spaying and neutering, do make dogs less likely to be territorial with toys, food, etc...the hormones are gone...PLUS, being fixed' keeps them home, and healthy...no getting hit by cars, chewed up by dogs...and testicular and breast cancer will never happen.

Have fun!!

phrannie

I would get a girl cause they get babys and they are so cute.u can play with the puppies.its so fun.

I would get a female german sheperd thats what I got and she is soft as a pillow but over protective of the family

Phrannie is the best. Her answer here is on point. She knows what she's talking about listen to her.

Phrannie sounds like she knows what she is talking about =)

I found a beautiful, sweet, calm pekingese (my profile pic) at the pound for my parents. Hopefully I will be so lucky this time around when we adopt a dog for us =) I would like to try to find one at the Humane Society or animal rescue...

I have heard nothing but great things about pugs being great family pets and good around children. I'll definitely keep them in mind. I have this vision of what I would like in a dog, which is small, sweet, calm, playful and fluffy. The pug is all of those things except for the latter. I will try to get over that.

some little dogs are not open to evey body but male dogs should be better for your family females are more energetic and not that calm but males are very calm

Ok.. Usually Smaller Dogs are wickeder if that word makes sense Lol but its not always the case, but I feel that males are usually more affectionate and Labradors are an excellent family dog, they are quite big but theyre not clumsy or wicked or anything like that ! but its true if your a nasty person your dog will be nasty so if you have a nice genuine affectionate family and you buy a PUPPY it should be Okay ! Good Luck xx

A female is a good choice for a first dog because you have less problem with marking in the house.

I definitely do not want to have to deal with a dog marking up my house... does that stop usually after they are neutered if they are male?

Well...I ended up going with a six month old male Teddy. He and Jack Sparrow hit it off immediately, thankfully! Hopefully he won't be a marker. He was neutered, so hopefully being a eunich (lol) will make him less inclined. Thanks for all of the suggestions!!!