MALES VS FEMALES
MALE VS FEMALE DOODLES: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
So, you’ve done your research and have decided that a doodle is right for you! But should you get a male or female? Below are some questions we are frequently asked.
Q #1. IS A MALE OR FEMALE BETTER?
The simple answer - neither is better than the other! I’m sure that isn’t the answer you were expecting, but just like humans, dog personalities can vary greatly and it doesn’t always have to do with their gender.
Two of the biggest factors that do play a role in a dog’s temperament is their parents personality’s and how they are raised.
KEY DIFFERENCES IN MALES & FEMALES
So, while gender doesn’t exactly play a huge role in the dog’s temperament, below are two key differences in males and females.
Size: In general, males tend to be larger that females in both height and weight. This may be something to take into consideration if you are wanting a dog that will be smaller or if you live in a smaller space. However, one of the many awesome things about doodles is that they come in several different sizes! ;)
Heat cycles: Females that are left intact typically go into heat every 6-8 months and can last 2-4 weeks. Aside from the mess, it’s also important to keep a close eye on your girl during this time in order to prevent any unwanted litters. Males can be very persistent and it’s not uncommon for males to “travel” for miles when they smell a female in heat. Some females may also get moody during a cycle.
FACT OR MYTH?
Below are some of the most common assumptions that we hear from potential families, but are they a fact or myth?
Assumption #1: Only male dogs hump.
Did you know that humping is not always sexual and is actually another way for dogs to engage in playing or showing their dominance? It’s also not something that is gender specific; both males and females may participate in this behavior.
Conclusion: False
Assumption #2: Male dogs will mark in the house.
In my experience, most neutered males don’t mark, especially if they were neutered by the time they hit their sexual maturity.
Conclusion: False
However, intact males do have a tendency to mark - especially if they live with other intact dogs.
Assumption #3: Males are harder to house train.
Generally speaking, neither a male nor a female is easier to housetrain. Both are smart and with training and guidance can learn relatively quickly. With that said, an intact male over 6 months old (or closer to sexual maturity) can be harder to house train and may develop the marking behavior.
Assumption #4: _________ is more affectionate, independent, etc.
More often that not, I hear “we only want a female because ___” and that blank is usually filled with things like “because they’re more affectionate, they’re easier to train, they aren’t as aggressive, and the list goes on!
As I mentioned above, the dog’s gender actually plays less of a role in these personality traits than you think, but rather is more about their individual personalities, how they are raised, etc. Some are going to be more affectionate and people oriented, while others may be more independent, but that doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not they’re a male or a female.
Conclusion: False
Q. #2: I ALREADY HAVE A DOG, IS IT BETTER TO GET THE OPPOSITE GENDER?
This is a tougher question because I have seen all sorts of combinations work out - male/female, female/female, male/male, even a combination of the two (or all the same gender) with a 3+ dog household. As a general rule of thumb, most recommend opposite genders to prevent either dog trying to establish their dominance, but I have found that it is more about the current dog’s temperament and how they interact with dogs of the same or opposite sex. If your dog tends to do well with one gender over the other, then I recommend the one they typically get along with better.
I don’t typically recommend having two of the same gender if you plan to keep them intact, but that doesn’t mean that it is certain they won’t get along. I have several guardian families with the same sex with zero issues.