How to Identify a Puppy's Gender

Determining sex can be difficult.
i Puppy image by AttitudeAngel from Fotolia.com

Identifying a puppy's gender is important: You do not want to end up with a dog of the sex you didn't want because someone told you wrong. This is crucial if you already have a dog and do not want to add another whose gender may cause problems.

Step 1

Lay the puppy on its back carefully on your lap or other stable surface, cradling its head and body in your hand.

Step 2

Locate the umbilical cord stump. It will be in the middle of the dog's belly. Depending on the pup's age, it may be difficult to find; it may appear as a small dot.

Step 3

Look in a straight line down from the umbilical stump toward the dog's back legs. Look for a small raised area, almost like a tiny button, approximately 1/4 inch below the umbilical stump. This is a penis. Your puppy is male.

Step 4

Look between the dog's hind legs if you found no penis bump on the belly. There will be a small, leaf shaped area with a slender vertical opening. This is the vulva, indicating a female puppy.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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