Pairing female/male vs female/female

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I have a question about choosing a puppy and gender. It's always said to pair a male with a female whenever possible. Because I had always heard that it made me automatically tell my breeder I was interested in a male first. But is that really the case with Doodles as well, since they are such friendly and outgoing dogs? And because Hattie is so young herself? There are five for me to choose from, three females and two males.My breeder has never done temperament testing before but wants to try it with this litter, so I really don't expect professional results. However, what if the females turn out to be the ones that are Beta dogs and the males are the Alphas? Should I take a female in that case?

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I have no personal experience with this and this is only hearsay but I have always heard it's more difficult with the 3rd female but the 2nd female or male is not a problem.

There are many hear who will know the truth obviously....it will be interesting.

The best thing though is you are going to get a cute one for sure whatever the sex.

:-)

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

I think it depends on the dogs.  We have three males between the ages of 1-1/2 and 4 months and they all get along very well. The older two are 3 months apart in age and the baby is a little over 4 months old.   They play well, sleep together etc.  However, we were very cautious about the last two to make sure that we were working with personalities that would mesh.  Now it wasn't all roses and sunshine at the beginning as it took everyone time to figure it out (about 2 weeks).  However, the "working it out" wasn't fighting, it was just keeping distance etc.  I don't think our breeder (we worked with the same one for all 3) did official testing or if she did, it wasn't a topic of discussion.  However, she knew the puppies (has been breeding doodles for years), had spent every day with them since they were born and knew their personalities. She was totally spot on each time.  Good luck! 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

A similar response was needed recently in another discussion.  I think..... it said.....

• Male -Male
• Male-Female
• Female-Female

But is that really the case with Doodles as well, since they are such friendly and outgoing dogs?

Sandy, dogs are dogs.  Doodles are dogs, so keep in mind and not all are friendly.  We have many doodles on DK who do not like other dogs, their own siblings, human males, etc

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Me personally, I would take the male.  That is just my personal preference.   I have seen a Alpha female on several occasions.  Whoa! 

And I do understand you wanting to know this question as I have often wondered how I would handle this myself.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That info on Google almost certainly applies to intact dogs, not spayed/neutered pets. Breeding females will also often kill another female's puppies if they can get at the litter, as any breeder will tell you- yes, even doodles.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

My friend just got a 3rd dog....she has 2 ALD's a Male, Female, same parents 6 months younger and now they rescued a female mix ALD - the older Male, Saffron, plays and plays with her, the middle dog Sophie tolerates her. No fighting but she clearly doesn't like the new one, Sky.

So here you have Male, Female, Female - little one likes both but middle one not so much the little one.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have had females together, males together (like right now) and mixed.  It doesn't matter.  Currently the only female in our extended family of dogs runs the guys ragged.  She just does what she wants and the boys all let her.  There is never any fighting about it.

[Adina P]

Temperament testing isn't as black/white as "beta" vs. "alpha" -- it tells other temperament characteristics and even that isn't a precise science.  I think you'd be fine with either one, especially since you're not bringing them home as a pair and they won't be intact breeding dogs.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I have heard if the puppy has early spay/neuter there isn't much difference between the males and females.  I have one of each.  All females are not "beta" and all males are not alpha".  I think you should pick a puppy whose temperament works with Hattie.  How about taking Hattie with you to pick out your puppy?  See who chooses you both.  In general, I too have heard that same sexed dogs often have issues.  The breeder told me (unscientifically) that if she could only have one dog in her lifetime she would get a male...they are such Momma's boys.  That turned out to be true and it's a good thing Seda didn't demand too much attention because Webber wanted it all.  After a couple of years it doesn't seem to matter that much who gets a hug first.

Good luck :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The male-female versus two of the same sex thing is more of an issue when you're dealing with bringing in another adult, IMO. With puppies, most adult dogs will accept either sex equally well, especially a spayed/neutered adult.

I have known way more "alpha" females than males in my life, but that may just be my experience. There's a non-PC saying about this: "Why do you think female dogs are called bitches?" LOL 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I really don't think that's necessarily the case.  All the dynamics can change when a new dog is introduced. 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

LOL Being the owner of a female I concur with the non-PC comment.