Male vs Female Schnoodle: Which is Better?

Are you considering getting a Schnoodle? You might be wondering if a male or female Schnoodle dog is the better option for you. Well, look no further. Male vs Female Schnoodle, which is better?

In general, male Schnoodles are often more affectionate and sociable, although they may present aggressive traits. Female Schnoodles calm down a lot more as they age, and they are far more independent and territorial, but they may also be more skittish and wary.

Though it is worth noting that the personality of any dog depends on a variety of factors outside gender.

In this article, I will dive deeper into some of the characteristics, both in personality and physical, that can be associated with each gender of the Schnoodle. We will also look at how desexing a dog can affect these gender characteristics.

Boy cuddling Schnoodle Dog
Boy cuddling Schnoodle Dog

Characteristics of Male Schnoodles

There is often a misconception that male dogs are inferior to female dogs. In some cases, breeders will often charge slightly less for male dogs.

However, it is very difficult to say whether one or the other will be better for everyone.

Here are some characteristics of male Schnoodles to help you decide if they are the better option for you.

Affectionate/ Attentive

Male Schnoodles are often more affectionate than females. Male Schnoodles love to spend time around their people.

They hate being alone more than their female counterparts and will often suffer more from separation anxiety.

This makes the male Schnoodle great if you are planning to train them as a service dog or an emotional support animal. However, if you sometimes want some time away from your dog, leaving it to play in the backyard by itself for an hour or two, then this is likely not the best option for you.

Outgoing

Male Schnoodles are also far more outgoing than their female counterparts.

They love to go right up to strange people and other dogs. They are very friendly and often do not hesitate.

This can be seen as both a positive and a negative characteristic.

Male Schnoodles may not be warned off by another dog growling at them. This, combined with their overly energetic nature, can sometimes cause fights initiated by the other dog.

If you have guests often though, the male Schnoodle will thrive in social situations and will rarely have a problem with other people giving them affection, after an initial bout of barking of course.

Food-Driven

Although the Schnoodle breed in general seems to be very food driven, the males are particularly bad.

Again, this can be seen as both a positive and a negative attribute.

Male Schnoodles are very easy to train because they will do anything for a treat. They also do not get bored with their food as often as some other dogs might.

This does mean that it may take more effort to train them not to eat food that has been prepared for humans though. And you may have to put more effort into monitoring and managing the weight of your male Schnoodle.

Aggressive

Like all other male dogs, male Schnoodles may express some tendencies towards aggression. This may not always be the case, and will also depend on a variety of other factors.

But, aggression is definitely more prevalent in male Schnoodles than in females.

Schnoodle with coarse and wiry hair
Schnoodle biting a stick outside the house

Characteristics of Female Schnoodles

Female Schnoodles are no different from the female breeds of many other dogs. They have some characteristics which may make them more suitable for certain families than for others. 

Independent

Female Schnoodles are definitely more independent than their cuddly male counterparts. This does not mean that they will not want to accept love from their owners.

In my experience, independent, female dogs love to get attention. But, when they are done, they like their alone time too.

They may be more happy playing alone in another room. My independent dog likes to sleep in her crate and will stay there even if I move to a different room.

If you like a dog that is happy to spend a little bit more time on its own, a female Schnoodle might be better for you. But, if you have little kids who will fawn over the dog 24/7, barely giving it enough space to breathe, a male Schnoodle is probably more suitable.

Stubborn

It is not clear why, but female Schnoodles seem to portray the stubbornness of the Schnauzer far more than their male counterparts.

This can make them difficult to train, especially if they are your first dog. If you need something that will want to obey all of your commands the moment that you say them, then the female Schnoodle is likely not the best option for you.

However, it is important to remember that female Schnoodles will still not be nearly as stubborn as a purebred Schnauzer.

Territorial

Female Schnoodles tend to be very territorial. This is likely due to their herding heritage, combined with a lack of confidence in their interactions with other people and animals.

This skittish territorialism can lead to the female Schnoodle being very vocal when new people enter your home.

Although, they are less likely to be aggressive than male Schnoodles, even in situations like these.

Schnoodle playing on the field
Schnoodle playing

Physical Differences Between Male vs Female Schnoodle

Along with their personality, there are some physical differences between male and female Schnoodles that may make one more suitable for your family than another.

Size

One of the most obvious differences between male and female Schnoodles is their size.

The average size of the litter will largely depend on the genetics of the parents. However, the females tend to be under the average weight while males tend to be above it.

As an example, Standard Schnoodles, which are created by breeding a Standard Poodle with a Standard Schnauzer, will generally weigh about 30 to 50 pounds (13.6 to 22.7 kg). In a case like this, the female Schnoodles will weigh less than 18 pounds (8.2 kg) most of the time, while males will weigh more than 18 pounds.

I have had a female dog before. I knew that the puppies in the litter would average between 40 and 85 pounds (18.1 to 38.6 kg). She was 40 pounds on the dot at two years old. Likewise, many males from the litter weigh between 80 and 90 pounds (36.3 and 40.8 kg).

There are some exceptions, of course. But you should carefully consider what size would be more suitable for your lifestyle before deciding whether to get a male or female Schnoodle.

Related: How Big Will a Schnoodle Get? (Size and Weight Guide)

Heats

The biggest physical difference between male and female Schnoodles is their reproductive system.

Female Schnoodles will go into season when they are fully matured. This will often attract dogs from quite some distance.

If you do not intend to spay your female Schnoodle, you should be prepared to deal with this unwanted attention. This may include keeping her in your home for extended periods of time.

This also means that you will have to deal with a mess. There are products such as diapers designed for dogs.

Likewise, if there is a female dog of any breed in your area that is in heat, you may have to struggle with keeping your male indoors all day. It may not be as messy, but male Schnoodles are sometimes more fervent than females in their attempts to get to a potential mate.

Schnoodle on deck
Schnoodle on deck

Differences Between Desexed Schnoodles

Personality

Desexed Schnoodles, especially those who are desexed early enough, will not portray some of the characteristics associated with their gender.

For example, male Schnoodles that have been neutered are far less likely to develop aggression. Female Schnoodles that have been spayed will remain energetic for longer and may not be as territorial.

This is one reason why some people are adamant about desexing your dog while it is still young.

The gender characteristics might not decrease if they are desexed after reaching maturity.

Size

A Schnoodle that is desexed before maturity might not be quite as broad as one desexed after. This is because it lacks the critical hormones for that final stage of growth.

In some breeds, it may also have an effect on joints, although the Schnoodle is still too new for there to be any clear information on this.

This is one reason why some people are against desexing your dog until after it has reached maturity.

What to Get if You Already Have a Dog?

The gender of your current dog may influence whether you get a male or a female Schnoodle.

Some male dogs may fight one another. The same may be true for female dogs.

Although it is not always the case, as a general rule it can be assumed that two dogs of opposite genders would get along better than two dogs of the same gender.

If you have a male dog, perhaps consider getting a female Schnoodle. If you have a female, consider a male Schnoodle.

It is, however, important to consider how your current dog has interacted with other animals historically, and whether or not they are desexed.

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