Male vs. Female Goldendoodles: Debunking the Myths
The Quick Answer: Is a male or female Goldendoodle better? Most families believe females are calmer, but experienced breeders know the opposite is often true. In the Goldendoodle breed, neutered males are typically more affectionate, "goofy," and devoted to their owners, while females tend to be more independent and ruling. At Ironstone, we recommend choosing the temperament, not the gender.
The "Female Preference" Myth
If you look at current waitlists, 70% of families request a female. Why?
Myth: "Males will mark their territory inside the house."
Myth: "Females are sweeter and more maternal."
Myth: "Males are aggressive."
The Reality: These traits are generally hormonal. Once a dog is spayed or neutered (which we recommend for all pet homes), the hormonal behaviors vanish, leaving only the dog's true personality.
The Case for the Male Goldendoodle
We often tell families: "If you want a dog to love you, get a male. If you want a dog to be loved by you, get a female."
Traits commonly seen in Ironstone Males:
Affectionate: Males are often described as "big babies." They tend to be more cuddly and physically affectionate than females.
Food Motivated: This often makes them slightly easier to train because they will work harder for a treat.
Bonding: They tend to bond quickly with the entire family, whereas females sometimes pick a "favorite person."
The "Marking" Issue: Male dogs only lift their legs and mark if they are intact (not neutered) and filled with testosterone. A male Goldendoodle neutered at the appropriate age will almost always squat to pee and has no desire to mark furniture.
The Case for the Female Goldendoodle
Females are wonderful, but they bring a different energy to the home.
Independent: Females are often content to lay on the other side of the room. They don't always need to be touching you.
The "Alpha" Trait: In a pack of dogs, the Alpha is almost always a female. They can be more stubborn and opinionated than the boys.
Smart but Calculative: A female often knows exactly what you want her to do, but she might decide whether she wants to do it.
Conclusion: Choose the Dog, Not the Parts
When you join the Ironstone waitlist, we encourage you to keep an open mind. If you pass on a puppy solely because he is a boy, you might be missing out on the most loving, devoted companion you have ever had—just like our own Charlie.
Read More: Wondering how we ensure stable personalities in both genders? Read our guide on [The Ironstone Temperament Standard].
