Male vs. Female Goldendoodle: Pros & Cons to Help You Choose the Right Puppy
- Kara
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
We get asked this question a lot. Choosing a Goldendoodle is exciting, but deciding whether to bring home a male or female can leave many future owners stumped. While both offer that lovable, teddy-bear personality Goldendoodles are famous for, there are subtle differences in temperament, size, and maturity between the sexes. Whether you’re interested in a Mini, Petite, or Toy Goldendoodle, understanding these traits can help you choose a puppy that fits your family, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can find your perfect doodle match.
For males, they are affectionate and social. You might have heard the term "velcro dogs." This can definitely be true as they always want to be with their people! They often keep that goofy, puppy like energy well into adulthood. They are eager to please! This is great when it comes time to training. The cons are the marking behavior. We suggest neutering as soon as your vet says it's ok (not before 6 months of age). Usually if you neuter before they start this behavior it does not become a problem. They do have more roaming tendencies if a female nearby is in heat and they can have higher energy levels early on.
Females often mature faster and can be easier to train. They are more attentive during training. They tend to be more independent. Some females are happy to have their own space and aren't as clingy. The cons are that unspayed females will have heat cycles twice a year (mess, mood changes, and attracting males) until they are spayed. Also, the cost of spaying is usually a bit more than neutering the male. Some females can be more selective with affection and less clingy.
Male Goldendoodles
Pros:
Affectionate & loyal – Males often act like “velcro dogs,” following you everywhere and craving cuddles.
Playful energy – Many keep a puppy-like zest for life longer than females.
Eager to please – This can make training sessions fun and productive.
Cons:
Marking behavior – Especially in intact males, though early neutering and training can reduce this habit.
Higher early energy – Some males stay excitable into their first few years.
Roaming instinct – Unneutered males may try harder to escape when they sense a female in heat.
Female Goldendoodles
Pros:
Mature faster – Females often become calmer and more focused at a younger age.
Slightly smaller size – Especially noticeable in Toy or Petite Goldendoodles.
Great focus in training – Many females pick up commands quickly.
Cons:
Heat cycles – Occur twice a year if unspayed, bringing potential mess and behavioral changes.
Independent streak – Some females can be less clingy than males.
Same-sex dominance – More common between females than between males.
Temperament is shaped more by socialization, genetics, and environment than by sex alone. We have amazing feedback on both sexes so I always tell people there really isn't a wrong choice and it comes down to personal preference.
If you want a more “snuggly shadow” dog → lean male
If you want a slightly calmer dog sooner → lean female
In multi-doodle households, opposite sexes usually mix best
We always evaluate our puppies and pass on our observations to the families so they have an idea of each puppies traits. We do our best to make sure everyone gets exactly what they are looking for.