We are expectant doodle parents (just got word that the litter has arrived). We might have a choice of what gender (among other things) puppy is ours but most likely it'll be male. Have heard different things about gender, some have told us that male puppies/dogs are harder but have also heard that with labradoodles (esp after being fixed) its less of an issue. Would love some thoughts from the community.
I would choose gender LAST. I had dreamed and hoped for and BADLY wanted a cream, female puppy and out of the litter of only FOUR...one of the cream females was super energetic...one was super shy. The one with the best temperament was the HUGE, RED, male. So I picked by temperament and have never regretted it. Rosco is the perfect dog for me and I had wanted to do therapy with him and it has worked out excellently. A good breeder will help you choose by temperament (if not make the choice for you) and coat (if you have allergies)...but temperament FIRST. With this mix of dog and spay/neuter, there's not much of a difference between genders.
Adina - that's funny. We picked Toby because of his lovely placid nature too - and look what Rosco and Toby have both done. Gone through/going through periods of miserable nipping, wild behaviour. But since Rosco turned out so well, I have all the hope in the world for Toby. :)
When I picked out Toby he was literally a wet noodle in my arms. Looked at me with those gorgeous dark brown eyes, and I just knew. He isn't so much a wet noodle anymore - more like a jumping bean with teeth!
I have one of each and agree with Adina that temperament is more important than gender. In terms of who's easier to handle as a puppy/adult dog, I don't think you can generalize and say one gender is more difficult than the other. Of all the dogs I've ever had, I'd say that Lilo has been the toughest dog to raise and train because of her superior intelligence, and abundant creative energy. The easiest dog I ever had was a huge male German shepherd, who was mild as a lamb and very very gentle.
You can always talk to the breeder and discuss your preferences and personal circumstances, so that they can recommend the right puppy for you. Good luck !!
I have my first male dog after 50 years of living with dogs, and I couldn't be happier with his temperament. I truly don't think gender has much to do with behavior, although I did have one bitch who definitely lived up to her name, LOL!
when i found izzy, i had it set in my mind that i wanted a female, i guess for no other reason that i have only ever had 1 male dog, the rest had been females...
i did no research, i had no doodle kisses to lean on....i called my vet and asked "how do i pick a puppy?" i had no clue!! i told our vet what i wanted the puppy to look like and that i wanted a female...yadda yadda yadda...she told me to "stop,FORGET everything that that i had just said and to FORGET everything that i think i want in this puppy!" go in there with a very open mind, sit and play with the puppies, watch them and talk to the breeder. explain to them what kind of a dog you want or are able to handle". ask a lot of questions what you plan on doing with the puppy/dog...are you and your family active or are you home bodies..i am sure you can figure out what to ask them. i did just that and they gave me izzy. he felt her personality was best suited for us. and the breeder hit the nail on the head!! SHE IS PERFECT FOR OUR FAMILY!!
so when i went to pick out tucker i did basically the same thing...but i did cheat a little...
i desperately wanted a chocolate pup, they had 5 chocolate's and 6 black puppies... so when i went to pick one i had him only show me the chocolate's so out of 5 puppies i let tucker pick us...he was the laid back pup that played but not instigated nor was he the one being bullied by all the others...he went right to out toddler and was good with her..i flipped him over tickled his tummy and tugged on the fur on his toes..no problems..
so here i am today with 2 very different dogs 1 male and 1 female... both i love to death and if someone said pick one, i couldn't because i don't think i ever picked them to begin with, i think they picked me. so my advice is like the others..see what happens when you get there, and don't worry about male or female they both are GREAT!
Permalink Reply by Ali on November 18, 2008 at 8:21pm
I have a female doodle, but lived with a male mutt that my roommate rescued for 2 years. We recently found out that he is mixed with some kind of mean terrier that is very protective of their owners, hates kids and other people, and all this other bad stuff, etc. But with the people he knew he was the most loving and cuddly dog ever, and I still adore him to this day. Of course with a doodle it is different, and they are known to be loving. So I say you are good with any gender. Go with the puppy you connect with and feel is right for you.
I agree here with everyone...pick by temperment...let the breeder know what you would want in your dog....and how much time you want to spend working with and training the puppy.
Thanks to everyone! This is such helpful feedback. My husband and I are so excited--we can't wait for our first visit and selection and will definitely keep everyone posted.