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Honestly - sex doesn't really matter IMO.
And if you aren't planning to show, why pay more for a show quality dog over a pet quality dog? Pet quality just means that the dog doesn't have the "perfect" breed apperance/representation to be able to be successful at show.
I'd say male but that's cause our male dog is way more easy going.
Get pet quality if you're not planning on showing - otherwise you'll just pay more. Usually there can be very minor things that would keep a dog from being show quality (larger nose or ears, even coloring) but it only means that they are slightly off breed standard. Even within the standard there are more "preferred qualities" (example: For Poms the standard weight is 3-7 lbs but SHOW standards are 4-6lbs).
hmmm i have two female dogs... so i cant imagine having a male. they are the sweetest most lovable little biatches ever!!! hehe... and as far as show or pet quality... you are going to pay more for show quality just because they may have perfect markings or perfect body structure... alot of times to an untrained eye... you cannot even tell the difference between show and pet quality animal.... i would definately go with pet quality if you dont plan on showing the dog.
I've always been told that male dogs bond to females and female dogs bond to males. That was until my dog met FI. He loves him more than me now. But that's neither here nor there. I tihnk male dogs are more relaxed than female dogs. As for show vs pet...go for pet.
I started with a male. I'm getting a female next.
People wall assign certain characteristics to males and females. In the end, I just decided that I'd eventually have both, but start with a male. Just personal preference there. Plus, I had a boy name already picked out. :)
@Jeannine @ Small Chic: It's so funny you say that because my DH has his little heart set on naming the dog "Willard". So I think we might lean a little more towards a male for that reason :)
An example of a non-show quality dog...
If dalmatians have a really big patch of black spot, it is considered a "defect" to the breed & not show quality. My dog has this on her ear & it doesn't make her any less of a dog, just (if I had her papers) she wouldn't be able to compete in dog shows. IDK what the requirements are for bulldogs, but it would mean it didn't have any disqualifying marks or be "too small" or "too big" (thou its hard to tell what they will grow into) for the breed requirements
Sorry the pic is so huge! Couldn't resize it :(. See how her ear is like one big black spot? Show quality dals have individual spots on their ears.

Another thing to keep in mind about the sex. When I picked out my dog, I had originally said I wanted a female. When I got to the breeder, my dog picked me...he's a boy. None of the girls wanted anything to do with me, but that male puppy did not leave my side from the minute I walked in.
Usually male dogs are more manageable after they're neutered.
I prefer male dogs (maybe they really do prefer girls??). I am so jealous you are getting a bulldog, post tons of pics after he/she arrives!
I love female dogs. I have always had them and have had very good experiences. But I think personality (that which varies from dog to dog) matters most.
I would get a show quality dog. Why not? I have a dog with champion lines and she is gorgeous. (Although I would love any dog.)
I think you should get a male, pet quality. I can tell the difference between my (male) Jack who has papers compared to the ones who don't. Some things are visible but most people will not notice if your dog is "show quality" and someone already pointed out, you'll pay a lot more.
Males are much more easy-going and contrary to what people believe, less inclined to fight. Females really are bitchy, I hate to say and they definitely do not get along with other females at all. Then again, temperment obviously dictates some of these traits. I'm just generalizing and going by my own experiences and what I've observed.
But congrats on your choice-I came thisclose to getting a bulldog. Love them. Dying for a Frenchie too:)
@missyjane77: That's a good point, I do have to specify the sex when making my deposit in order to be assigned a number though. For example, there are already 3 deposits in for females, so I would get 4th pick if I were to make the deposit today.
I used to be all pro male dogs - but I just love my female dog so much, and will only have females from here on out. They are just so prissy, I love it!
But in all honestly, I think you should show up and see which dog really gravitates towards you.
I totally agree with @serabell: about how simply a dog can be frowned upon as a "show" quality dog. Australian Cattle Dogs who are shown shouldn't have a patch over their eye or ear. It does nothing to their build, but doesn't look right according to breed standards. I'd go with pet quality as they usually don't cost as much and if someone really wants to show them, I'd rather know they could get it from a reputable breeder because I didn't need it. If that makes any sense. lol
As for the male/female...it really depends on personal preference. I have 2 male "bigger" dogs (about 20 lbs each), but our next dog will be a female small dog (yorkie). This is just what I've always wanted and haven't been able to get yet. lol
Also, usually females are more expensive (usually $100 to $300 more)... because the females can be bred & you could sell the pups, but that's if you're going to breed your dog.
Some breeders require you get the dog fixed if its a pet quality, some don't. If a show dog is fixed, they're disqualified from dog shows.
I prefer female dogs, all females I've had are sweet & cuddly & amazing, all males I've had are more independant. However, I got the males as adults & the females as pups so it could just be how they were raised. Temperment largely depends just on the dog itself, & also how the pup is raised by the owners.
I'm surprised so many people are saying the males are more easy going!
Between DH and I and my parents we currently have 4 dogs - 3 females and 1 male and the females are all more easy going and get along better with other dogs than the male.
I don't know anything about bulldogs. So I can't really help. But I have a male miniature schnauzer :) I didn't have the option of show quality v pet quality. But I could've shown him if I wanted because he meets the AKC requirements. Males are more rambunctious and act like puppies far longer than females (this is for schnauzers... not sure about other breeds).
If I were you, I'd go to Barnes & Noble, get some coffee and sit down with the books about bulldogs. That was my fun thing to do before purchasing my mini! :) You can find out all kinds of things!
Get a pet-quality dog, but don't go to a "pet quality" breeder. Still go to a reputable/show breeder.
A reputable breeder usually won't sell a "show dog" to someone that isn't planning on showing; and usually they'll have a contract that you have to show it at least a certain number of times; the breeder will also remain as a co-owner on the dogs' papers, and you are not allowed to breed the dog without approval and help from the dog's breeder.
A good breeder will sell a "companion dog" to have as a pet, and it should should come with a spay/neuter contract.
Good info here: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/1breeding.php
A litter bred for show will never have all "show-quality" dogs, there will always be a mix of pet-quality and show-quality. So your dog might not be ideal for showing, but can have AKC Champion brothers and sisters.
Pet quality doesn't mean the dog is inferior in any way as a companion. It just means the dog isn't ideal for showing. It may have incorrect markings, be too big or small, have a crooked tooth, not have a good topline (straightness or shape of the dog's back), etc.
===
As far as male versus female; many breeders recommend if you're a female human, get a male dog, and visa versa. But really it comes down to the individual dog's personality.
There are special things to deal with both ways. Males can mark, even if they are neutered as puppies some still mark; be on top of this right away or you'll have a problem for life. Unspayed females you have to deal with heat cycles and risk of pyometra. And females aren't called b!tches for nothing; if you have multiple dogs it's usually a female that is "alpha".
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Beekeeper
Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post - I really appreciate all the input!
After much thought, DH and I have decided to get a bulldog (I know this is not what I was originally thinking). I've contacted the breeder and she wants to know if I want a male or female, show quality or pet quality.
While I don't plan on showing, I want to know what the difference is between the two. Also, in general, is it better to have a male or female or does it depend?
Any input you can provide is much appreciated!