My little boy is a sweetheart, but on his own terms
. He cuddles and gives me hundreds, thousands of kisses, but only when he wants to. Sometimes he will cuddle with me and sometimes not. But he is a really independent dog. He likes to do his own thing most of the time, but he always checks that I am there while he does his thing. He is also very aloof with other people and even me sometimes. When we have company, he doesn't really like them to touch him (but I blame that on his terrible, horrid, pathetic breeder).
But, he loves men. I think it is because he is used to women. He absolutely loves my brother and my sister's boyfriend. He was thick as thieves with my ex. But he only really listens to me.
Hope this helps. And... the extra equipment won't matter as soon as you see your pup. I didn't want a boy for the same reason, but you get used to it very quickly and treat it just as you would your own skin baby.