Honestly, all ive had is females, and they were all awesome dogs/hunters.
All the males ive met are more relaxed, although both need tons of excercise, i believe the females to be more fierce(just my experience)
Same with grandmas elk hounds, the females do the trick(but really maybe its just how they are raised??? Im not sure)
And yes, when you get a new buddy, keep up on the meat? makes a nice tough healthy dog