It's up to you. I'm hoping to show my next dog and will be getting a bitch (I have no choice with Winston in the family, as male Dobes shouldn't live with other males...that, and I just prefer almost everything else about females..). In my opinion, one gender isn't better than the other in general. It depends on which you prefer. Bitches will lose their coat when they're in heat, and as was stated above, it can be very messy. Especially with a long coated breed. They also tend to 'lose their brains' and won't focus on anything for a few weeks except finding a male. Likewise, if an intact male senses a bitch in heat, he will also lose his brains and it can be hard to get him to relax and stop looking for her. Intact males also tend to mark a lot (usually not in the house though). Having an intact dog, no matter what gender, can be a lot more difficult at times than if that dog were altered. All of that being said, a male would probably be the better choice for you and will also be easier to aquire.