What is a Male Dog Called? A Guide to Male Dog Terminology
We are all used to calling our canine companions "dogs," but what terms are used if we want to make a distinction between male and female dogs? Are there specific terms for the boys and the girls?
The answer is yes. Actually, there are several terms that are associated with male dogs depending on what they are used for and their reproductive status. Let's discover some of them.
A Male Dog is Called a "Dog"
We all know that the word dog is used to depict any dog regardless of gender, but did you know that actually the word "dog" is also used to depict a male dog? Many find this surprising!
As odd as it may seem, this language convention is traditional and has its roots deep down in history.
Despite the term dog being used as a general term for the species, in the realms of breeding and canine reproduction to term "dog" can be used to specifically refer to a male dog.
Did you know? The term dog can also be used to depict a male fox or a male wolf.
Stud
A stud is an intact male dog specifically used for breeding. It's similar to the term "stallion" used in horses. The term is often used in breeding circles.
You may see ads of dogs "available for stud" meaning that they are available for breeding with a female dog in heat.
"Stud fees" refers to the price owners of a female dog may pay to allow the male dog to mate with her.
Sire
A sire is a male dog that has contributed to giving life to a litter of puppies. In layman terms, a sire is a "father." You may stumble upon this term in the world of dog shows or dog magazines with many ads about dogs.
Examples of usage are: "champion-sired" puppy" meaning that the puppy's father has earned the title of a champion.
While father dogs are known as sires, mother dogs are known as dams.
Intact Male Dog
An intact male dog is simply a dog who is still "entire," meaning that it still has his testicles and is therefore able to reproduce.
Intact male dogs are known for engaging in a variety of male- typical behaviors such as urine marking, roaming, and fighting with competitor males for territory and when there is a female dog in heat.
Neutered Dog
A neutered dog is a dog who has had its testicles surgically removed. This is done by the vet through a surgery known as "castration."
Another word for neutered dog is "castrated dog."
Once neutered, a male dog can no longer sire a litter of puppies.
Cryptorchid Dog
A cryptorchid dog is a dog who only has one testicle. Testes typically descend into the scrotum by 6 to 16 weeks of age in puppies. However, descent can occur as late as 10 months of age, but this time frame is rather abnormal.
The condition of having only one testicle is called cryptorchidism. A cryptorchid dog can still reproduce as usual.
Typically, late testicular descent and undescended testes are a heritable defect.
When the dog has two retained testicles, he is known as being bilateral cryptorchid or "double cryptorchid dog." In this case, the dog is sterile and not capable of reproducing.
What is Sexual Dimorphism in Dogs?
Sexual dimorphism in dogs refers to the physical differences noticed between male and female dogs. In dogs, sexual dimorphism is more prevalent in certain dog breeds compared to others.
According to veterinarian Dr. Bonnie V. G Beaver, physical differences between male and female dogs starts when dogs are still in the womb.
Male dogs are exposed to a testosterone surge which generates male characteristics, therefore puppies not exposed to this surge will be females.
Sexually dimorphic differences are quite subtle in young puppies, but tend to become more noticeable after the onset of puberty.
Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or behavioral advice. If your dog is acting sick or aggressive please consult with a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
