Choosing between a male and a female Poodle is definitely challenging. Although both sexes can make great family companions, they each exhibit traits that are only suitable for specific owners and families.
Male Poodles have a stronger drive to please their owners, making them more sociable, playful, and easy to teach. Female Poodles are typically more headstrong, independent, and determined than their male dog counterparts.
If you want to learn more about male and female Poodles than the overview above, check out the rest of this guide. This guide compares the sexes in terms of appearance, temperament, behavior, and many more!
Physical Differences
Male Poodles
The male Poodle exhibits the defining characteristics of the Poodle breed, such as its curly, hypoallergenic coat and lean and athletic physique.
In general, male Poodles have dark oval-shaped eyes, a long pointed nose or a teddy bear-type nose, and floppy ears. They are squarely built, and they carry themselves proudly.
Moreover, the shoulders of male Poodles are smoothly muscled. Their ribs are well-sprung, and they have a deeper chest than the females.
As for coat colors, they are pretty much the same as their female counterparts. You will see them in apricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, red, etc.
The Poodle family includes the Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes. Male Standard Poodles typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds and stand between 24 and 32.5 inches. Their length is between 24 and 32 inches.
On the other hand, male Miniature Poodles weigh 15 to 17 pounds and stand between 10 and 15 inches. With the Standard Poodle being the largest and Toys being the smallest, Miniatures make up the middle of the pack.
Moreover, the male Toy Poodle dog weighs around 4 to 6 pounds and stands 9 to 11 inches. In spite of its small stature, the Toy Poodle is considered to be one of the great aristocrats of the dog world.
Female Poodles
The only distinction between male and female Poodles is their weight. Female Standard Poodles weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, while female Miniature and Toy Poodles are about the same height and weight as males.
Note, however, that some female Poodles may be bigger or smaller depending on the food they eat (they are known to be picky eaters) and the exercise provided by their owner.
As for other physical features, expect that the female Poodle could be mistaken for a male and vice versa. Female Poodles also have curly coats, floppy ears, and dark oval-shaped eyes.
They can come in over 30 coat colors, including black, phantom, and parti.
Check out this video to learn more about their general differences:
Temperamental Differences
Male Poodles
Generally, you can count on the constant presence of male Poodles. They thrive on affection and need to be close to their owner at all times.
A male Poodle would prefer to put on a show for their favorite person rather than be the center of attention for many.
Male Poodles are friendlier and more gregarious than their female counterparts. They retain some of their Poodle puppy characteristics until adulthood. Nevertheless, they socialize well with both humans and animals.
Aggression can be exhibited by an intact male Poodle just like other male dogs. They may also hump and urinate in random locations to mark their territories.
This can also be traced to the fact that the breed was originally bred as a hunting dog.
Aside from all these, male Poodles are also extra sensitive to stress. While this may seem like a bad thing, this also makes the males perfect service dogs and therapy dogs.
Female Poodles
Unlike males, female Poodles aren’t that attached to a single person. They are very independent and distant but can also show affection from time to time.
It is observed that female Poodles linger around humans, but they prefer not to be touched. They also don’t like pleasing anyone, including their owners. In other words, they couldn’t care less about their surroundings, unlike males.
Although females also do well as family pets, their willful and stubborn nature often disappoints Poodle owners. Moreover, they aren’t that welcoming to strangers, so you have to be cautious when entertaining visitors.
Despite the seemingly disappointing temperament of the females, they are still great dogs with excellent traits. For instance, they are not prone to stress, unlike males.
If there are significant changes to the lives of their whole family, such as a new baby or a new home, they deal with it fairly well.
Behavior and Training
Male Poodles
A male Poodle dog is easier to socialize and housebreak than a female Poodle because of its eager-to-please nature. It will do anything to gain the approval of its trainer, especially if it is its owner.
If you need to train a male Poodle, you should be physically prepared, as this pupper doesn’t run out of energy. You should also establish a routine as it may mistake training for playtime.
As for general behavior, the male Poodle is amiable. It only becomes a problem if it isn’t neutered, as it tends to hump and pee to mark its territories.
All these can be resolved with proper socialization, so ensure that your pup receives one either from you or the breeder.
Female Poodles
Female Poodles are endearing, witty, and affectionate but not to the same extent as typical male Poodles. They are also more reserved and less sociable than males.
On the same note, female Poodles exhibit alpha behavior due to their independence.
This self-reliance becomes a disadvantage when it comes to obedience training these female dogs because they are resistant to following instructions.
You should establish from the very beginning that you are the alpha if you want them to obey you. Also, use positive reinforcement and treats as rewards.
Although you have to pack a lot of patience when training female Poodles, it is also very rewarding when they start following your commands.
Their independence, matched with proper behavior learned through training, makes them better family companions.
Health Differences
Male Poodles
Both male and female Poodles are generally healthy canines with a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.
However, male Poodles are prone to certain health issues, including luxating patellas, Von Willebrand’s disease, Addison’s disease, mitral valve disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and corneal dystrophy as they age.
Male Poodles must be neutered not only to prevent unwanted behaviors but also to improve their health. To illustrate, neutering is proven to lessen the likelihood of male canines developing testicular cancer.
Aside from neutering, it also pays to provide your male Poodle dog with age-appropriate food. Giving them supplements and engaging them in enough activities can also prolong their lives.
Female Poodles
Female Poodles, just like their male counterparts, are generally considered to be healthy canines.
However, female Poodles are susceptible to the same ailments as their male counterparts, including eye disorders and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
You should consider spaying your female Poodle if you want to reduce its likelihood of suffering from pyometra, breast cancer, metritis, and other uterine infections.
Moreover, a female Poodle that has been spayed will not experience the discomfort of going through the heat cycle and will be more behaved than usual.
As is with other breeds, provide your female Poodle with a proper diet and enough exercise to avoid frequent hospital visits.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Poodles
Male Poodles are said to be more trusting, loving, and playful than their female counterparts. Thus, it is more likely that they will get along well with other canines and pets that live with the entire family.
However, if they feel like a pet is competing with their owner’s attention, they may still show unwanted aggression despite their loving nature.
Socialization and proper training are especially important for male Poodles as this can prevent them from exhibiting unwanted behaviors toward other pets.
Female Poodles
Female Poodles are known for showing dominance and independence, which can be a challenge when they share their home with other animals, particularly other working dogs.
If females are not spayed, they are prone to display aggressive behavior toward males in heat when they reach sexual maturity. They frequently attempt to “boss” other pets around since they are alpha dogs.
While this may seem cute and all, the female’s tendency to be dominant may mean that there is always tension among the animals in your household. Prepare for chaotic chasing as well as yapping if this occurs.
However, in a multi-pet household like mine, proper socialization training still works to manage this particular behavior in female Poodles. My five-year-old toy Poodle, Kendall, started off being territorial and dominant.
However, the situation improved with proper obedience and socialization training. She may still not be as friendly as other amiable breeds, but she is now more independent and is never reactive nor aggressive with the rest of the dogs at home.
With Children
Male Poodles
Male Poodles, in particular, are wonderful pets for families with kids since they are outgoing, energetic, and gentle.
However, because of their need to please their owners, they may disregard children who wish to play with them.
Despite this, they get along fine with kids and even seek out their attention to run and play with once their owner is not around.
Moreover, they form close relationships with other family members if they socialize with them at an early age.
Female Poodles
Female Poodles maintain a greater distance from children and may not appreciate being stroked and hugged in the same way males do.
Nevertheless, when females are socialized with kids, they become more tolerant and patient with them than their male counterparts.
Note, however, that a female Poodle’s interaction with a young child should still be supervised, especially if it is not spayed.
A female Poodle is highly independent and would want its alone time. It may accidentally hurt your child in order to find solitude, so it may not be a great first dog.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Poodles
Male Poodles
Having male Poodles as pets comes with several benefits. To begin, their devoted, sociable, and loving nature makes them a winner in the companionship department.
Add that to the fact that they get along well with kids and other animals. They will definitely make the perfect family pet.
Moreover, your male Poodle won’t start any fight with other dogs at the park. It rarely exhibits aggressive tendencies and gets along well with other dogs as well as other animals.
Given that male Poodles tend to be quite loving, once you get the attention of these dogs, training them will be a breeze. Be wary, though, as they tend to be more demanding and attention-seeking.
Male Poodles are also affected by behavioral changes that come with age. They can be aggressive when not neutered, so they may pose risks to you and your family members.
Also, they’re more attuned to stress and have a heightened capacity for empathy. That means they are not suitable for stressful situations.
Here is a recap of the pros and cons of male Poodles:
| Pros | Cons |
| Very friendly and affectionate | Attention seeker |
| Highly trainable | More prone to stress and anxiety |
| Safe around kids and other pets | Can display undesirable maturation-related sexual behavior |
| High sense of empathy | Very demanding |
Female Poodles
Female Poodles make wonderful house pets, but beyond that, there are still a number of benefits associated with owning and caring for one of these canines.
The female Poodle dog is significantly calmer than the male, which is the primary distinction between the two. Because of this trait, it is an excellent family dog during tense situations.
You should not, however, anticipate that the female Poodle is as attention seeker as the male Poodle. Nevertheless, it is still a great dog for owners with busy schedules or who prefer solitude.
Females tend to be more intellectual and self-reliant than male Poodles. However, they can be defiant and refuse to do what they are told because of their independent side.
Female Poodles tend to have dominant nature and are frequently standoffish if they have not been trained or spayed. It is difficult to establish a good relationship with them in some cases.
Surprisingly, they can also be more possessive of their territory and apprehensive of unfamiliar people.
Here is a recap of the pros and cons of female Poodles:
| Pros | Cons |
| Sound personality | Can be stubborn |
| Highly intelligent and trainable | Alpha dog behavior |
| Independent | Less affectionate |
| Great as therapy dogs | Territorial |
Should You Get a Male or Female Poodle?
Do you still need help deciding what Poodle gender to get? That’s to be expected, considering that male and female Poodles are both extremely intelligent dogs and are desirable as household pets.
Female Poodles are ideal if you are a reserved adult and don’t have much time to cuddle up with your pet. They are low maintenance as compared to males.
Moreover, females are also not prone to stress, so if you are expecting a baby or planning to move to a different city, they can handle the changes pretty well.
Another great thing about female Poodles is their independence. If you are after a pet that is smart and a little bit stubborn, it is definitely the one to get.
Meanwhile, get a male Poodle if you have a large family or a lot of pets because it is highly sociable. It will be the best friend of everyone, including other canines.
It is also the best choice if you want a dog that will be entirely dedicated to you since the male Poodle is known to be attached to only one family member.
Its trainability is enhanced by its desire to please, and it will shower you and your family members with endless affection.
All that being said, keep in mind that every dog is unique, and the training and socialization you provide your new puppy will have a significant impact on the kind of dog it grows into.
Male and female Poodles, given the correct upbringing, both make excellent companions and working dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Poodles Calmer?
Female Poodles are often calmer than males, but they can also show dominance and be stubborn due to their independent nature.
Female Poodles are fantastic dogs to have around, especially during stressful situations, because of their adaptability. They are ideal therapy dogs as they don’t get anxious as much as male Poodles do.
Are Male or Female Poodles More Affectionate?
Male Poodles are definitely more affectionate than female Poodles. However, they also tend to be more forceful about it. They won’t leave your side and seek attention from you despite your wishes.
If you prefer your personal space and quiet time, a male Poodle may not be the right dog for you.
Are Male or Female Poodles Easier to Train?
Although both are very intelligent dogs, training a male Poodle is much easier than training a female. Males want to please their owners more, so they tend to follow commands relatively well during training.
Female Poodles can be challenging to train because of their dominance despite their high levels of devotion and attentiveness.
It is best to immerse them in obedience training at a young age, especially if you plan to use them as service dogs or give them a therapy job.
Final Thoughts
Male and female Poodles are equally adorable. Both can be a wonderful addition to your home. However, it is still essential to understand the specific traits of each gender.
As established, go for a male Poodle if you are after a clingy home buddy. Meanwhile, if you want a more independent pet, you would jive well with the female Poodle.
We want to hear your thoughts on which of the male and female Poodle is better! Leave us a comment below.
