I'm looking for some educated opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of a male vs female working puppy, specifically in agility. I'm actively competitive in Agility, I'm looking for a GSD that will be competitive speed-wise with Border Collies in my division. There is already a nice GSD bitch in Texas which is competitive with these dogs, so I know it can happen <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have picked a breeder which I feel is reputable, I have researched the bloodlines and feel that these are nice strong working lines. I have read Ed's article on picking a puppy.

At 5 weeks, the breeder said there is a 'smaller' male that is 'light on his feet and likes to climb over everything'. She also said she has a larger than average female, that she didn't think would work out for agility. So basically at 7 weeks I will go see this litter, and I am really torn on this male/female thing. Do you feel that the females would be more agile and faster than the males?

Just an FYI. Last year #2 GSD in agility was a male and 50% of the top 10 GSD's in agility were male. My current GSD bitch was ranked #8, but I'm definately looking for something faster than her. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks in advance for your input.

Linda Black

Is the real reason that their are more males working in agility because they are faster or that most people seem to prefer a male to female for "work". Many people don't want to be bothered with heats cycles & possible temperment changes (although I see none with my girl so far with 2 cycles) etc that can effect females & therefore purchase males to work with. I can't imagine a larger, heaver, bulkier male being more agile than a smaller female. I can see where their stride length might be an advantage but I can't imagine that they could cut the turns as well & that is really where the time is made up on course. Of course there are always exceptions. I have a small to medium female GSD ( only 16 1/2mo) that I know could easily do agility. She is so fast that it is amazing. In fact she has played on agility equipment recently & loved it. With her speed, I know that she could be high in the ranks if I wished to persue that sport, but she is in training for Schutzhund. Which I think she loves much more. Just some food for thought. Good luck with you pup. Keep us posted.

Females will generally be smaller and could have an agility or speed advantage because of it.

Compete against the Border Collies in agility!?! That's what the're bred for isn't it? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Oops, I pressed the wrong button- wasn't finished my post...

The GSDs that I have seen in agility here in BC have either been in Specials or look as though they should have been. To me it was as though they really had to work to get over the 26" jump height, but most of them were built pretty heavy. I'm not familiar with any organizations other than AAC (sorry) but I would love to see a light, fast GSD make some smug border collie owners wake up and take notice.

A female would typically be lighter build, but that doesn't mean it can't be done with a male. Interesing bit of trivia- the top winning dog in the 26" Regulars at the 2004 AAC Nationals was actually an Irish Water Spaniel. So....go alternate breeds! Good luck.

Trouble getting over a 26" jump? WTF?!?

Were these GSDs you saw black and red by any chance?

I've got a nice working line GSD bitch that can clear a 5' fence without breaking a pant.

I've got a nice black and red male GSD that regularly kicks butt in agility. He is awesome. My little black and red female is like a cat, fast and very light on her feet. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hi Tara:

What is your males YPS and what level is he competing at?

It seems the consensus (at this point) is the females would be smaller and more agile and therefore perhaps a better choice for agility.

I think BC's are the OCD of the dog world and excel at most tasks they are given, typical "Type A" personality. I've seen the GSD bitch here in Texas beat out last years National Champion BC on a number of occassions on time alone.

Thank you all for your help.
Linda