Help! We need to make a decision on our future puppy by tomorrow evening. Here are the two puppies selected for us:
Oliver Pancake…the breeder says he is more reserved and a cuddler.
Ginger Jelly Bean…the breeder says she is more independent and laid back.
GAH I want them both (which I am considering), but Mr. M may divorce me haha.
So, dear readers, what are your experiences with boy and girl dogs???
Help!
P.S. You can thank Mr. Mojito and Erin at Blue-Eyed Bride for their middle names!!





{ 101 comments… read them below or add one }
OMG SOOO CUTE!!!!!!!! I think I’d pick Oliver Pancake, but both look like adorable little pups! YAY congrats!!!!
They are BOTH adorable. I have two dogs, one boy and one girl, and I can say from experience that I will always get a male dog from now on. My male dog is so protective, caring, alert, loyal, loving, attentive, and cuddly. My female dog is more aloof, independent, silly, and introverted. She mainly cares about herself and what’s going on with her life while Jack is always wanting to be with me or someone in the family, is SO protective and loyal, and has the best personality.
I think they are both precious! I’m partial to Oliver Pancake myself – I like a cuddly dog. Pancake is the best dog name ever! We name our dogs after real people in my family, its kind of odd. I’ve had a Jo Cocker(spaniel), Walter Cronkite, Chairman Meow, Madeleine Albright etc.
I love Oliver….but I might be biased, since I have had a dog named Oliver for the past 13 years. I like cuddly animals, so I may lean more towards little Oliver Pancake than the independent Ginger (who is also extremely adorable!)
I would take them both home! Our male pup was a cuddler, but grew up to be independent and our female is a true lover and wants nothing more than to give anyone kisses. In our experience though, they are so happy with each other (may be because they’re pack dogs…). If I had to choose I love Ginger Jelly Bean’s markings. Good luck!
That Oliver Pancacke is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! Well, second cutest at least. I have to say, I have had the best experience with my little man. He is a different breed, but I think a baby boy is the way to go. Of course, if Mr. M is ok with 2, think how happy they would be to have each other to play with! If you need some ammo…I have heard that 2 are easier to train than 1…Good luck! You’ll be head over heels in love before you know it
They are SO cute it hurts! Those faces kill me! I’d have to say go with the boy (if you must only get one). I’ve had amazing luck with boy dogs. And, while my current cutie is a girl, she is so damn stubborn it drives me bananas. So, the boy gets my vote. Good luck!
BOTH. go big or go home Mr. M.
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Hilarious! Oliver Pancake’s little face– he’s saying, “Pick me, pick me!” I wish you could go visit them to decide.
I say think about what you want out of the dog. Will you be sad if you pick the girl and she doesn’t want to cuddle? Or will you get annoyed if the boy wants to cuddle all the time? Will Mr. M get jealous of the puppy? j/k
But… my opinion? Pick both or pick the boy.
Those little bitty dogs need to be cuddled and held!
I just read WaspyRedhead’s comment that Pancake is the best dog name ever. Todd is going to be so jealous!
I have always been told that unless you are really going to stay home full time with your dog, and not going to introduce it to a lot of new people, you want to go with a boy dog – and I have had really positive experiences with 2 boy dogs. You can’t go wrong, though!
I think Oliver Pancake is so adorable. I like his coloring better and the fact that he is a cuddler…awe!
Both names are so cute!
I have two daschunds, one is calm and laid back, the other is crazy and all over the place. I never had problems with the cuddler when she was a puppy, but the crazy puppy still trys to eat carpet and tear things up, we have to put her up even if we leave for 10 mins. They are both girls too. Depends on how much time you have to train them, if you have the time the crazy one will be fun, otherwise take the easy route and get the calm one.
Oliver Pancake is my choice – his face is just so precious and I love that’s he’s a cuddler! Nothing better than cuddling with a puppy! Can’t wait for more pics and stories of whichever pup you choose!
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Convince Mr. M to get both. That way they have each other when you are away.
I say go for both because while you are both at work having just one…he or she will get lonely! But, if you have to choose…I say Oliver. I think it is important to have a cuddler – especially if he is a small breed. That little ball of love is going to be your baby and you will want to cuddle with him as much as possible. I still have high hopes for Ginger though. I think you could probably make her into a cuddler – especially if she sees Oliver getting more attention because he is willing to cuddle!
I don’t have a blog…but I am a long-time reader and love your story! I actually have 2 CKCS’s (a black & tan and a blenheim) and I have to say that it’s amazing to have 2 of these dogs at a time! I am not sure if you were being at all serious when you said you were considering that but they bring out the best of each personality in each other! Our blenheim (Henry) is a cuddler (which is wonderful!) – he’s a boy too, and many say that this is a trait that runs in boys of this breed. Lucy (our black and tan) is a little bit aloof and independent. She sort of does whatever she pleases but also loves being around people and getting attention. She’s developed a habit where she will carry up to 3 of her little stuffed animals in her mouth at a time (we are under the impression that she believes they are her babies)…and whenever we mention going for a walk or going outside, she runs to get at least one of them. Either way… you can’t go wrong! Enjoy whichever one you pick (or both..). I am a dog-lover and have had a few different breeds throughout my life – or rather, my parents have… (Goldens, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands..)..but I can honestly say that Cav’s are the BEST dogs! I’ve loved my other dogs to pieces…but there’s nothing like a Cavalier!
I have a both a boy (6 yo) and girl (7yo) rat terriers. The girl is K-RAZY! She’s so full of energy, loves to play, very independent, does her own thing, and does not care to cuddle unless it’s bedtime because she’s incapable of sitting still that long. The boy is so laid back and chill, is a cuddler, and wants to do nothing more than be petted or chew on his bone. They’re complete opposites but they seem to balance each other out and they’re best friends. Both of those puppies are sooooo cute! Are you sure Mister won’t let you get both? Puppies need friends! Maybe after you get one trained in about a year you can get another one.
both! Both! BOTH!!!!!
I volunteer to puppy-sit ANY TIME! I miss dogs so much. They are PRECIOUS!
Get BOTH!!!!! They will provide great company and playmates to each other!!
I LOVE both of those names! If I was forced to choose I would go with Oliver Pancake. I think he looks so sweet! As far as picking between male and female, we went through this when we got our dog. My parents have always had girl dogs, but we were leaning toward a boy. My mom’s reasons for not getting a boy were: they hike their leg to pee and hump. Well, my mom’s girl dog humps sometimes, so I don’t think that is a good reason. As far as hiking the leg to pee…my boy dog does not do this. I was told as long as you get them neutered as soon as it is allowed you don’t have as many problems with these two things. I’m glad we went with a male. I love saying, my boys, referring to the hubs and the dog.
I’m sure you will be happy with either one!
I vote Oliver Pancake!!! He is just delicious looking! I’ve always had male dogs, so that’s my preference, but not because of any particular reason. Take lots of pictures of your puppy and show us! I wish my hubs would let me get a puppy (sigh).
How will you ever choose? But if you must … I vote for Oliver with the sweet face and cuddly nature. I’ve only had girl dogs, but this little guy is hard to resist! When my fiancé and I get a dog (hopefully within the next year!), we’ll probably go with a girl, even though our boy names are far better: Otto or Lager. Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be happy with either puppy … or both
I say BOTH=) But, I just think Ginger is adorable!
Oliver is my pick. He looks like a cuddler
OMG!!!! Sooooo cute!!!
We’ve always had boy dogs. We’ve never had a girl dog-just girl children;)!
They are both beyond adorable!!! But, I’d definitely go with Oliver Pancake.
Love the names!:) Good luck!
OMG-hichever one you don’t take, I will
They are both gorgeous
I would say girl but only because my girl is so cuddley and my boy is so independent but a lover when he wants to be!! But sounds like these two are opposite of mine!! They are beautiful girl, I can’t wait to see which you get!!
My vote: GET BOTH!
I LOVE girl dogs and husby has only had boy dogs. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. They are both so cute! I can’t wait to see which one you decide!
I like Ginger Jelly Bean’s coloring. Right now I have a male dog who is completely high strung, but I think that’s because he’s still just a year old and doesn’t realize he’s a beast at 90+ pounds. My parents have my female dog and she’s high strung, too- if she gets out the fence, she’s running for days.
However, I have never had a little dog like these, so I don’t know if that would make a difference!
seriously.. get both! I cant pick just one, they are both precious! I love both names
Ginger Jelly Bean. I like her coloring better:)
They are so cute! Oliver is begging to be loved on… I’ve never had a boy dog, but I’d have to go with Oliver. We have a 5 year old female shepherd mix who is just a full on cuddle mess. If you do end up with Oliver and he is a big snuggler, just plan on always having a little shadow follow you around!
Oliver Pancake!!!! Who does not LOVE that name!!!
I have never been a fan of boy dogs, but that sweet little face is just too hard to resist!
Since you can’t get them both, I vote for Oliver.
There’s nothing better than a little cuddler dog!
OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!! OLIVER!!!
does that count for more than one vote?
They are both just precious!
I’ve had girl dogs all my life, and I have no complaints. My girl (lab/hound mutt) is very clingy, but very loving and loyal. My parents recently got a boy dog (Lakeland Terrier), and he’s so clingy it’s obnoxious. Both are adorable, but if I was only picking one I’d got with Ginger Jellybean!
I’ve had boy and girl dogs, and I can’t say there was a difference in sex… it probably had more to do with breed (male golden retriever versus female dachshund – the golden was amazing, dachshund was also a great dog, but she liked to run away when she was little). Pick from a hat (or take both)!
I couldn’t choose between those two… so cute.
My favorite is Ginger–i used to have a Ginger myself and then we got her a sister, Nutmeg (Meg for short) and we called them our Spice Girls!! One warning, our experience with girl dogs is that they seem to wander more than boy dogs if ever given the chance.
Go for Oliver Pancake! He looks more like our Ernest Tucker (Ernie) that we have. I just LOVE Cavaliers.
Ginger!!! So cute and they say owners pick dogs like themselves and for me, independent and laid back fits the bill. Good luck!
I definitely prefer boy dogs to girl dogs, but that’s just me! I think that they are both adorable
Swooning over the boy
so stinkin adorable!!!
I dont have a blog! But I too am a follower! I would go with both!! Like many people have mentioned, they are suppose to be MUCH easier to train together. I have a small male chihuahua who is two and has been nothing but the most loving, loyal, and devoted dog. But, when he was younger he was super hyper and loved when I spent the summers at home with my parents other dogs.
Hi! I have commented before about the puppy situation, as I have a black/brown cavalier named Oliver (so yeah, I am a little bit biased)! All cavaliers are AWESOME, but here is what I’ve been told: female dogs LOVE you, and male dogs are IN LOVE with you. That may explain why Ginger is more independent. Luckily, I don’t think you could go wrong, they are both adorable
I think I’d have to go with Oliver Pancake even though they are both way too cute! I love a cuddler. I’d take both!
BOTH!! We have a girl – which is what I would tell you to pick if you went with just one for the sole reason that I don’t like to deal with visible dog genitalia – but we are DYING for another dog to keep the first company and because we are suckers for puppies.
BOTH – you won’t regret it!!
Oh my goodness, they are too adorable!! I think the boy is so cute, definitely the first one you notice. And who doesn’t love a cuddler??
As for boy vs. girl dogs, my grandmother was a dog breeder, and she always suggested to young couples getting their first dog to go for a girl. They are (as a rule here!) easier to train, more social so you don’t feel bad leaving them for your jobs as much, and are overall much better to take care of as a “first dog”. That being said, that little boy’s big eyes just scream “take me home!!”. Can’t wait to find out which one.
My boys are so sweet and I think so much easier than some little girl dogs I know =)!! I love Oliver Pancake and I think you would enjoy him and his cuddling!!
I’m so excited that you’re finally getting one! They are both adorable. I think it’s so funny in your comments because the majority say get a boy, but I’ve always heard that girls are better, which is why we picked Olive. We LOVE having a girl! I had always heard boys were more hyper, and that they tend to “mark” things more. I actually like Oliver Pancake’s coloring better though. What to do?! Either way you’re going to love having your own little baby! I have to say also, that now that I’m going to be working outside of the house, we are considering getting a second Yorkie so that Olive won’t be lonely. If you could talk Mr. M into it…then get them both!!
I can’t wait to see which one you choose!
I love Miss Ginger. Her coloring is beyond beautiful!
My puppy is a girl and she is 4 months, my mom got a male in the fall so he is about 10 months now. The boy is very cuddly and sweet but he is a lot more timid/scared of other dogs. My little girl is MUCH more independent and not as cuddly. She is also more brave and started doing things like jumping off the couch, going down stairs etc…waaaaay earlier then my mom’s dog.
Based on my expirences boys are normally sweeter and girls are more independent and bold….but I love having both. In fact I am tempted to get a little brother for my girl!
They’re both so adorable, but I’d definitely go with the more independent one. I hope there are lots of puppy pics once you make your decision!
Oh my gosh! They are ADORABLE!
From experience: Boys are WAY sweeter! I will only ever get boys from now on! They are so so sweet and caring. The girls just do their own thing!
& Mr. Pancake is cuter!!
xoxo Goodluck!
They’re both precious! My pick is Oliver Pancake. My dogs are cuddlers and I love it. Good luck deciding. Btw, what breed are they?
I would go with Oliver Pancake! They’re both so freaking cute though, it’s hard to choose!! I have 2 male dogs and I looooove it. They’re like 2 silly little boys and are like best buds, and even though they’re teeny (they’re mini dachshunds) they like to protect the heck out of us and their home. Meanwhile, my mom has a female dachshund and she’s pretty much NOT nice. Bitchy is the perfect description. LOL.. She’s only into what she’s doing and always tries to fight my dogs for any treats or toys they have. So all in all, I’d go with the boy. Besides, what momma doesn’t want a cuddly little boy right?
I know I love it!!
What a hard choice! I love a cuddler, though, so I’d pick Mr. Oliver Pancake. I think I’d also want a dog that wanted to please me, which from your comments would seem to be Oliver.
Good luck!
Awe, I would want them both as well. I really like the name Oliver. But I also love our dog who is a girl dog. Tough decision.
Both are so cute! We have two male shih-tzus, and one is very independent and likes to do things on his own time. The other is complete opposite. He wants to be around someone 24/7 and loves to snuggle.
Good luck! (or get both! we did!)
They are so adorable! We have a female dog so obviously I am biased about gender, but our dog is also a super cuddler and I love it, so if you like cuddlers definitely go with the boy. Or both
Oh wow! You have a terrible decision to make! They are both adorable!! Since you are asking for opinions on girl/boy dogs my take is this, if you are going to get them fixed, it is up to you, you should go see the puppies if you can and choose the one that comes up to you. If you can’t go see them or you AREN’T going to have the dog fixed pick the girl! We had a male dog and waited a little while before we had him neutered and even though he was completely house trained, one day he just started to pee on EVERYTHING. His little “friends” were with him for about 3 days after that episode.
The girl for sure and you want the laid back type of doggy! She’ll be a cuddler once she falls in love with you!
I’d pick Ginger Jelly Bean – simply for the fact that I prefer female dogs. Easier to train & you don’t have to worry about the whole “lift your leg to pee” thing.
Both are uber cute!!!
Only my experience, of course -
We have a female mini dachshund who is VERY independent, and she never cuddles with me! She is fun to play with and she can keep herself occupied easily (doesn’t beg for attention), but sometimes I just want her to come sleep with me on the couch and she rarely does it.
We also have a male doberman who is the sweetest, cuddliest thing. He’s huge and looks like a scary monster, but he’s the one who will sleep with me (and try to crush me) and is very loving.
And, I had always heard that girls were easier to potty/house train that boys, but that wasn’t my experience. My boy hates getting in trouble, so he learned really quickly! My independent snotty little girl couldn’t care less if I yell at her.
Oh, how I love them both though!! You will love either one you choose too!
Wait, one more tip – our doberman’s black hair can be seen everywhere! I’m constantly cleaning up! So that might be something to think about with that black hair on the Ginger Jelly Bean.
I have a Cavalier, too!! A ruby male named Finnegan (Finn for short). They are such a rarity but seriously the best dog out there… I recommend the boy– he’s a real cutie and you’ll be happy to have the devoted cuddler rather than the independent girl (harder to housetrain we’ve found!) Congrats on your new addition!!
Well I love the Lil boy!! He is just darling and his eyes r just screaming for u to pick him!! But I think u should get both! But Ryan would divorce me if I got two puppies at once but since their related they are already Bff!! Gosh I love them! Will u keep the same names??
They’re both adorable but I must confess…I’m quite smitten with Oliver Pancake (love that name!)
Oh wow, they are both so precious! My husband and I got a female goldendoodle puppy 3 months ago and she is the love of our lives. We both work full time and she has done just fine. We trained her very quickly (with the help of classes at our vet) and she is very affectionate. I am actually shocked to see the comments about girl pups not being as sweet…I had no idea! Let’s just say that I know firsthand what loves they can be.
Good luck!
Well they are both precious! I am leaning a little toward Miss Ginger Jelly Bean but thats just because I’m partial to girl dogs and am a big fan of her unique tri-color markings!
You’ll just know when you meet them. When I picked out my springer puppy I had the pick of the litter and the breeder wanted me to get the female with the best markings, etc. I took one look at that puppy and just did not have a good feeling so I picked “Female #5″ instead and have been so happy.
There’s lots to say on the whole boy vs. girl dog thing. One is easier to potty train. One is more protective. One cuddles more. My female springer was easy to potty train (I used the bell on the door handle technique), LOVES to cuddle (she can’t stand it if she’s not touching me), and is SUPER protective (more than my parents German Shepherd). Just see how you feel when you meet them – they are both super cute!
Can’t wait to see this blog filled with lots of cute pictures!
Have you been shopping for any puppy necessities yet?
Are these King Charles Spaniels? My husband’s mom breeds them as well. So cute! I couldn’t pick even if I wanted to.
Oh my goodness! I don’t know how you’ll ever choose. They’re both precious! My vote is for Oliver Pancake.
The boy, look at that sweet little face. OH my. The boy!!!
If you don’t plan to have kids get both! that way they have each other when you are not around!
They are both too cute!! I couldn’t decide, but I know that I want one!
Ohmahgosh! They are adorable. I’ve always had boy pups and the name put me over the edge… Oliver Pancake! Love it. (But wow you can’t go wrong there
)
They are both adorable! My cousin just got this kind of dog…a little boy and he is the SWEETEST thing ever!!!
oliver pancake
I love Oliver Pancake – too cute… I love that hair color. I would want both to though
What kind of dog are these?
Boy animals are less tempermental but more independent. I have one of each and obvs love them both, but I think I’d go with a boy. Plus Oliver Pancake is so freaking cute! Oh that face!
Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you pick.
oh they are both adorable! and i LOVE their names!!! so cute! if i had to choose i would have to say sweet little cuddly Oliver Pancake! hope you’re doing well=)!!
ummm how do you pick?? they are both SO cute!!
So precious! I love Oliver – he looks like a cutie and I love a cuddler. Our breeder told us that the difference between male and female dogs is that the male wakes up in the morning, and looks at you like “what are we doing today?” and the female looks at you like she’s saying, “ok, this is today’s plan I have for you.” Of course, our breeder was gay, so maybe he has a thing against women anyway…hee hee hee…
Well, for some reason Oliver Pancake is really sticking out to me. What a cutie. I am so jealous, and if we ever get a puppy, we will definitely look into this breed. They are so cute. I can’t wait to see which one you pick and hear all of the puppy stories.
I honestly would go with a male. My parents always had male dogs and they are awesome. We currently have two females and a male, the girls are bitches… no pun intended. Very high maintenance and tend to be more skittish.
I looked into this breed. Both are darling! I have a male papillon and the breeder told me that males want to please their owners and females want their owners to please them. This is so true! Our previous female was like this, as is our female now. Also, I have two. I don’t know that I will ever do it again. One is so much easier. I was also told that if you have two puppies from the same litter, they will bond to each other, rather than to you. I don’t know if this is true–take it with a grain of salt! Our two are not from the same litter. We also have a older female lab mix who was a rescue. Good luck!
Both or Oliver Pancake
So frickin’ cute.
Ginger Jelly Bean! I am typically a fan of boy dogs (ours is a black lab mix, Charlie) but independent is a key word when choosing a pup. We love that Chuck, as he is sometimes called, plays very well by himself. Since Mr. Mojito won’t allow two little loves I would say to go with the one who seems the most independent. I do love having my little man love in my life though… nothing is better than coming home to both my boys snuggling on the couch. Can’t wait to see who you bring home!
Get them both. Seriously. My mom got two mini schanuzers several years ago and they are the best of friends, keep each other company, etc. We have a cocker spaniel and I wish for anything we had gotten his sister now that I am looking back on it.
They’re both so cute! But I think I’d go with the second. Partly looks, partly because I would want to have a dog that’s a little bit more independent
They are both adorable! We have a little girl now and she is so much fun.
if it winds up that you have to pick only one, then I’d pick Oliver Pancake.
I have had a male and female Schnauzer, and I have to go with a female. The boy is very protective, and he would growl at my brother-in-law and my ex husband! He isn’t as easy going with children either! The other thing about the male is that he would hike his leg up anywhere, but out in the grass. My Mother wanted to kill him! The female was more laid back, and good with children! The first dog reminds me of Charlotte’’s dog, Elizabeth Taylor from SATC. They are both adorable dogs! I vote for both, but if you have to choose Oliver is the cutest I think!
OLIVER PANCAKE! Love the name! A boy will be closer to you; a girl will be more independent. I have both…and I LOVE my little boy!
OMG I need and want them both!! I say Oliver Pancake….I don’t wanna choose tho!
Get them both!! Tee hee. I’d go with the cuddler. I’m a sucker for a cuddly dog. Oy boy dog is sooo his mama’s boy and I love it. Our Ella is an independent little brat–he’s hilarious, but, she’s her own little creature and could care less about me and the husband. You could always get one and then I could take the other–just sayin’.
They are both adorable! I say when in doubt, get both!
Growing up we always had girl dogs, but since then I have had 2 mails and I loved them both! In my experience, one isn’t necessarily “better” than the other. I think it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a cuddler, go with the male.
I say get a male dog. They get along much better with other dogs while female dogs tend to be less friendly.
I like Oliver Pancake!
Umm… I can’t choose! Get both. They are SO CUTE!
Oh my! Oliver Pancake is the cutest thing I’ve EVER seen! Maybe even as cute as my babies! Plus, his name is Oliver Pancake!!!
However, choosing a puppy is extremely difficult so I say, get both. Oliver will need a sister!
girls only! one word – humping. in my experience, boys, even neutered ones, still hump. anything. ick. good luck.
I’ve had both and I find boy dogs much less tempremental. I’ve never had a problem with the typical boy dog humping, though I’ve always had them neutered!
OH MY!! They are just presh!!
Puppy fever!!!!! I have to restrain myself since now I want to go & get another puppy! Oliver Pancakes looks like an old soul! It’s so hard to choose, but you’ll know in your gut!