In a competition between male dogs for a female, which hormone is significant?

The significance of testosterone in a competition between male dogs for a female lies in its role in promoting aggressive and competitive behaviors. Testosterone is a key hormone responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and is involved in driving mating behaviors and dominance displays. In the context of dog behavior, higher levels of testosterone can lead to increased aggression toward other males and more assertive courting behaviors when vying for the attention of a female.

While estrogen, prolactin, and progesterone play important roles in reproductive processes and behaviors, they are more directly associated with female physiology and reproductive cycles rather than male competition. Estrogen is primarily involved in the female reproductive cycle, prolactin has a role in lactation and maternal behaviors, and progesterone primarily prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. In competitive scenarios among males, testosterone is the hormone that significantly influences behavior and outcomes.