what is a male dog called

If you’ve ever wondered what a male dog is officially called, the answer is fairly straightforward. A male dog is called a dog—plain and simple. In everyday language, the word "dog" refers to a male by default, while a female is more specifically called a “bitch.” This terminology goes back centuries and is still used in breeding and canine science today.

So while both male and female dogs fall under the word “dog” generally, if you’re referring specifically to a male, “dog” is the correct term.

Why Isn’t There a Special Word Like for Other Animals?

In some species, males and females have completely different terms—like rooster and hen, or bull and cow. With dogs, however, “dog” has always been used to refer to the male. The female version, “bitch,” was adopted from Old English and originally had no negative meaning. Over time, of course, the word “bitch” has taken on other uses in everyday language, which is why many people avoid it in casual conversation and just say “female dog.”

Still, in professional contexts like breeding, showing, and veterinary records, these terms are used clearly and without offence.

What About Puppies?

A male puppy is still just called a puppy. If you need to distinguish between a male and female puppy, you can say male puppy or boy puppy—but there’s no special word for a male pup. Once the dog matures, the general term "dog" is used again.

In breeding or kennel settings, you might hear terms like “stud” to describe a male dog used for breeding, especially one with pedigree. On the other side, a female used for breeding is often referred to as a “dam.”

Neutered vs. Unneutered Males

Sometimes, when people ask what a male dog is called, they’re also wondering if the name changes once he’s neutered. The answer is no—a neutered dog is still a dog. While his behaviour, hormones, and sometimes even appearance may change after castration, the terminology stays the same. Whether a male dog is intact or neutered, he’s still referred to simply as a dog.

In some cases, vets or breeders might note whether a male is “entire” (not neutered) or “castrated” for medical records or breeding purposes.

Summary

A male dog is simply called a dog. While “bitch” is the technical term for a female, most people today use “male dog” or “boy dog” for clarity and to avoid confusion. In breeding, a male used for mating may be called a stud, but for everyday use, the word “dog” does the job just fine. Whether they’re young or old, neutered or not, male dogs don’t get a special name—but that doesn’t make them any less special.