• About
  • Contact
  • Cookie
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Change the purpose of use

Tnhelearning.edu.vn - Various useful general information portal

  • Photo
  • Bio
  • How To
  • Tech

How to Determine the Sex of a Dog

October 12, 2023 by admin Category: How To

You are viewing the article How to Determine the Sex of a Dog  at Tnhelearning.edu.vn you can quickly access the necessary information in the table of contents of the article below.

Determining the sex of a dog is an important skill for any dog owner or breeder. Knowing the sex of a dog is not only crucial for identifying its appropriate name but also for understanding its reproductive health, behavior, and overall care. While it may seem straightforward, determining the sex of a dog can be challenging, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the anatomical differences between male and female dogs. In this guide, we will explore various methods and techniques to accurately determine the sex of a dog, including visual examination, behavior observation, and veterinary assistance. By understanding the intricacies of dog anatomy and utilizing the right tools, dog owners and breeders can confidently and correctly identify the sex of their canine companions.

X

This article was co-written by Ray Spragley, DVM. Ray Spragley is a veterinarian and owner/founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York. With experience working in a variety of institutions and private organizations, Spragley’s expertise includes the non-surgical management of superior anterior cruciate ligament tears, spinal disc disease (IVDD), and pain management in inflammation. Osteoarthritis. Spragley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany University and a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) working at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and a Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) of Chi University.

There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 60,551 times.

We can determine the sex of an adult dog quite easily by observing their body and behavior. However, for dogs younger than 6 months, this will be more difficult. To determine the sex of a puppy, you will need to look closely at its body to distinguish the type of genitalia. You can also rely on their behavior to distinguish, but based on physical characteristics will be more reliable.

Table of Contents

  • Steps
    • Be careful when examining newborn puppies
    • Examination of external genitalia
    • Be aware of behavioral differences
  • Advice

Steps

Be careful when examining newborn puppies

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 1

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 1

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f5/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-1-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/f/f5/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Wait a few weeks before testing. The older the puppies are, the easier it will be to check their sex. You should wait until the dog is at least 3-4 weeks old before conducting the test, at which time the accuracy will be higher. [1] X Research Source

  • It is easiest to wait until the dog is 8 weeks old, after 8 weeks of age, the male dog’s external genitalia has become quite obvious.
  • If the puppy still has the umbilical cord, look about 1 cm behind the umbilical cord to see if you can see the penis. For about the first few weeks after birth, a puppy’s penis looks like a small lump in the middle of its belly. Unlike male dogs, female dogs do not have external genitalia on their abdomen.
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 2

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 2

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f7/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-2-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/f/f7/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Pick up the dog carefully. Newborn puppies are very soft, so you need to be very gentle when picking them up. Before touching them, you need to wash and dry your hands; Remember to be gentle and hold your dog carefully to avoid accidentally injuring them. [2] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source

  • Make sure the mother dog is comfortable when you touch the puppy. Some mother dogs can become very aggressive when strangers touch their pups.
  • If the puppy or the mother dog seems worried, return the puppy to the mother dog and have it checked another time.
READ More:   How to Make an Outline
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 3

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 3

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5d/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-3-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/5/5d/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Keep the puppy warm. You should check the sex of the dog in a warm place to avoid catching a cold, and make sure your hands are warm when holding the puppy. If they get cold, they will get sick very easily. [3] X Trusted Source American Kennel Club Go to Source

  • You should also only check your dog for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keeping your dog outside for too long will make it too cold.
  • If the puppy begins to tremble or whine, you should return it to its mother or put it in a warm nest.
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 4

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 4

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1f/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-4-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/1/1f/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Place the puppy on its back. You can spread a clean, soft towel on a stable surface for the dog to lie on, or hold the dog in your hand and examine. Carefully lift the puppy and place it on its back to observe its belly.

  • You should only hold the dog on its back when it is small and obedient.
  • Don’t forget to support the dog’s head while holding it on its back.
  • If your dog is lying on a towel, use a warm towel. If necessary, place the towel in the dryer for a few minutes before laying the dog on it. Do not use cold, hot or damp towels.
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 5

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 5

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8e/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-5-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/8/8e/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Distinguish between penis and umbilical cord. When determining the sex of a puppy, many people often mistake the umbilical cord for a penis. They all look like a small lump on a dog’s belly, but the dog’s umbilical cord (umbilicus) is located just below the rib cage, and the penis is further down, between the hind legs. [4] X Research Sources

  • Furthermore, note that both male and female dogs will have at least one abdominal bump as they both have navels. Male dogs will have another lump between the navel and hind leg. Male dogs, on the other hand, have only one hole under the tail, while female dogs will have two.
  • It’s best to ask your veterinarian, breeder, or other canine specialist for help if you want to determine the sex of your dog at a very young age.

Examination of external genitalia

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 6

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 6

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8a/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-6-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/8/8a/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Find the male dog’s external genitalia. You’ll look between the dog’s belly and tail for the penis and scrotum. In adult dogs, these parts are clearly visible, but in puppies they are very small and almost non-existent. [5] X Research Sources

  • The scrotum is located just below the anal opening, almost midway between the hind legs.
  • Male dogs that have been spayed, no longer able to reproduce, will no longer have a scrotum.
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 7

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 7

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d4/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-7-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/d/d4/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Find the female dog’s external genitalia. If the puppy is a bitch, you’ll see the dog’s vulva when it’s on its back. Gently separate the dog’s hind legs until you can locate the vulva. Above the anus, between the hind legs, you will see a leaf-shaped part, which is the bitch’s vulva. [6] X Research Source
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 8

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 8

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5c/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-8-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/5/5c/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Recognize the signs of a pregnant dog. To determine for sure that the dog is a bitch, you can observe if she is pregnant or not. Pregnant dogs will have a large belly, even though the diet is unchanged, and will give birth.
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 9

READ More:   How to Limit Seeing Your Facebook Friends Without Unfriending

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 9

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0b/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-9-Version-2. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/0/0b/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Avoid using other physical characteristics to determine a dog’s sex. You will tend to want to rely on other characteristics to determine the sex of the dog; However, male and female dogs are not much different or very difficult to tell unless you are an expert in your breed. These very vague differences are also not the same in different dogs, so it is best to distinguish male and female dogs based on other characteristics. [7] X Research Sources

  • For example, both male and female dogs have nipples, so assuming that dogs are female dogs based on nipples alone may not be accurate. [8] X Research Sources
  • Also, due to species characteristics, dogs can have large or muscular bodies without necessarily being male. The body size of female dogs and male dogs usually does not have much difference.

Be aware of behavioral differences

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 10

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 10

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/dc/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-10-Version-3. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/d/dc/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-10-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Observe the urinating habits when the dog is at least 6 months old. Both female and male dogs when young have the same way of urinating. However, after 6 months of age, most male dogs will lift their paws when urinating and female dogs will remain in a squatting position. [9] X Research Source

  • During the first few weeks, puppies will not be able to control their urination, so you cannot use urine to determine the dog’s sex at this time.
  • Even when puppies are strong enough to stand and control their habits, they will all squat to urinate for about the first 2 months of life.
  • Many puppies need to be 6 months old to develop adult dog peeing habits.
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 11

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 11

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0b/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-11-Version-3. jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/ images/thumb/0/0b/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is- a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Notice the behavior of marking the territory. When male dogs are about a few months old, they will begin to exhibit territorial marking behavior. This is a behavioral sign that can be used to distinguish the sex quite clearly, since female puppies do not have this instinct.

  • The territorial instinct is especially strong in puppies that have not been spayed and will decrease significantly after spaying.
  • Puppies begin to show territory at different ages, but most will begin between 2 and 6 months of age.
  • Dogs often mark territory when they urinate quickly in different places, especially when they urinate intentionally after smelling each of them closely.
  • Dogs urinating only once or twice are not usually territorial, although they may stop to sniff a variety of places during a walk.
Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 12

Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 12

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cf/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-12.jpg/v4- 728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cf/ Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-12. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Observe for signs of heat in the female dog. Female dogs that have not been spayed will enter heat twice a year. The first estrous cycle will occur when the dog is 6 to 10 months old, each cycle will last about 3 weeks. Signs of a bitch in heat include behavioral changes, breast tenderness, and vaginal discharge. [10] X Research Source

  • Bitches often exhibit restless and clingy behavior when entering heat. [11] X Research Source
  • Female dogs in heat will have clear, brown or bloody vaginal discharge depending on the time of the breeding cycle.
  • Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 13

    Image titled Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy Step 13

    {“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2a/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-13.jpg/v4- 728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2a/ Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy-Step-13. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
    Do not rely on personality or general behaviors to determine a dog’s gender. Both male and female dogs can be equally affectionate, defensive, hyperactive, and calm. These personality traits say nothing about their gender. [12] X Research Source

    • For example, even the behavior of jumping up to mate, often thought to be common in male dogs, is exhibited in female dogs. [13] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
    READ More:   How to Find Open Licensed Songs and Music on Jamendo
  • Advice

    • Frequently holding puppies under 3 weeks of age can cause them to have too much human breath. If the puppies smell too much like “human smell”, the mother dog may abandon them. At the same time, holding puppies too much also puts them at greater risk of catching colds and getting sick.
    • Remember that both male and female dogs have breasts, so you can’t rely on this to distinguish their sex.
    X

    This article was co-written by Ray Spragley, DVM. Ray Spragley is a veterinarian and owner/founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York. With experience working in a variety of institutions and private organizations, Spragley’s expertise includes the non-surgical management of superior anterior cruciate ligament tears, spinal disc disease (IVDD), and pain management in inflammation. Osteoarthritis. Spragley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany University and a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) working at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and a Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) of Chi University.

    There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

    This article has been viewed 60,551 times.

    We can determine the sex of an adult dog quite easily by observing their body and behavior. However, for dogs younger than 6 months, this will be more difficult. To determine the sex of a puppy, you will need to look closely at its body to distinguish the type of genitalia. You can also rely on their behavior to distinguish, but based on physical characteristics will be more reliable.

    In conclusion, determining the sex of a dog is an essential skill for dog owners, breeders, and veterinarian professionals. It allows for proper identification, breeding, and healthcare management. By understanding the physical and behavioral indicators, it is possible to determine the sex of a dog accurately. However, it is essential to consult professionals for a definitive determination, especially in younger or non-standard dogs. It is crucial to maintain a respectful and gentle approach while handling dogs during the sexing process to ensure their comfort and well-being. Overall, learning how to determine the sex of a dog is a valuable skill that can enhance the understanding and care provided to our beloved four-legged companions.

    Thank you for reading this post How to Determine the Sex of a Dog at Tnhelearning.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.

    Related Search:

    1. What are the physical characteristics to look for when determining the sex of a dog?
    2. Can a veterinarian accurately determine the sex of a dog?
    3. How does the behavior of male and female dogs differ?
    4. Are there any DNA tests available to determine the sex of a dog?
    5. What are the best ways to determine the sex of a puppy?
    6. Can spaying or neutering a dog affect its sex characteristics?
    7. Are there any breed-specific traits that can help identify the sex of a dog?
    8. How does the age of a dog affect the ability to determine its sex?
    9. What are the common mistakes people make when determining the sex of a dog?
    10. Are there any online resources or videos that demonstrate how to determine the sex of a dog accurately?

    Related Posts

    How to Create Curved Text in Photoshop
    How to fall asleep faster
    How to Install FBReader to Read eBooks

    Category: How To

    Previous Post: « Top 999+ Penelope Cruz Wallpaper Full HD, 4K✅Free to Use
    Next Post: Top 999+ Aesthetic Sketches Wallpaper Full HD, 4K✅Free to Use »

    Copyright © 2025 · Tnhelearning.edu.vn - Useful Knowledge