I have currently have two of each, and I've had both throughout my lifetime. I've loved both genders equally, but for different reasons.
I found a pretty good, clear-cut article about males v. females:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/common/sex.html
Go check it out, and then see how your household compares. Here's mine:
Flicka (2yr Golden Retriever)
She's extremely affectionate, very stable-tempered, not always female traits. However, she was easier to train then my male, and is very clever about getting her way.
Pepe (4yr Chihuahua X)
He's affectionate, but on his own terms. He'll come up and lay on his back in my lap (like a baby), but when he's had enough, he'll leave. Sometimes "enough" is five minutes, sometimes it's an hour. He has mood swings, he's grumpy one day, and sweet as sugar the next. However, he was harder to train and engages in power struggles with the other dogs.
Nala (18mos Black Lab)(Foster Dog)
The epitome of a female. Independant, aloof, smart as a whip (too smart lol).
Valentine (1yr AmStaff)(Foster Dog)
The epitome of a male, almost. Very affectionate, a total clutz, very sweet tempered always. However, he isn't likely to start a fight with anybody, he's very submissive. He rolls for my Chi. He lets my cat boss him around, and he weighs five times as much as she does.
The "pack order" in my house goes like this: Myself, Flicka, Pepe, Nala, Lilly(the cat), Val.
Everyone thinks its so funny that the AmStaff is at the bottom.
Well, just thought I'd share.
-Rosefern