08/02/2026
Snakes, snails and puppy dog tails! Why So Many Families Overlook the Boys 💙
If I had a dollar for every time the phone rang and someone said, “We’re looking for a little girl,” our Cavaliers would have an even larger toy collection than they already do.
When I ask why they prefer a female, the answer is almost always the same:
“I’ve always heard male dogs mark everything.”
It’s such a common belief that most people never stop to ask whether it’s still true.
The funny thing is, many of those memories come from decades ago when it wasn’t nearly as common to neuter family pets. Those dogs were often reaching adulthood with all of the hormones nature intended them to have. Today’s companion Cavaliers are raised in a very different world.
After many years of breeding and living with Cavaliers, I can honestly say this:
If you’re choosing between a male and a female solely because you think the female will be cleaner or easier to live with, you may be passing up your perfect puppy.
Some of the sweetest Cavaliers we’ve ever had the privilege of sharing our lives with have been boys.
They’re the ones who seem happiest simply being with their people. They’ll happily trail you from room to room, curl up beside your chair while you read, and look at you as though you’re the most fascinating person they’ve ever met. If you’re looking for a devoted little shadow, don’t be surprised if it’s wearing a blue collar.
Over the years, something else has happened that’s been interesting to watch.
Families who originally insisted they would “only ever have a girl” often come back years later with a very different request:
“We’d really like another boy this time.”
Why?
Because they discovered what so many experienced Cavalier owners already know. Boys are often wonderfully affectionate, delightfully easygoing, and completely devoted to their families.
Of course, every puppy is an individual. We’ve known cuddly girls and independent boys, too. Personality will always matter more than gender.
House training is another concern we hear about regularly.
At Castlemar, we spend a tremendous amount of time giving our puppies an excellent start before they ever leave for their new homes. We believe good habits begin early, and we’re always grateful when families write to tell us how quickly their new puppy settled into the routine. That’s one of the nicest compliments we can receive.
A well-raised, well-trained, neutered male can be every bit as clean and mannerly in the home as a female. Good breeding, thoughtful early training, and consistency make far more difference than whether your puppy is a boy or a girl.
So why are little girls usually reserved before their eyes are even open while our boys patiently wait for someone to discover them?
Honestly, we think it’s because of an old myth that’s simply been handed down from one generation to the next.
The families who take home our boys often discover something unexpected.
In fact, if I were choosing a Cavalier strictly as a companion, I would never hesitate to choose a boy.
They didn’t “settle” for a male.
They found exactly the dog they never knew they wanted.
So if you’re searching for your next Cavalier, don’t let an outdated stereotype make the decision for you.
Meet the puppies.
Watch their personalities.
Let the right one choose you.
You just might discover that your perfect companion has a little blue bow instead of a pink one.
— Cavaliers of Castlemar
