Male vs. Female Cockapoos: What Are the Differences?


Cockapoos are a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, with all of the adorableness of both breeds.

If you want to add one of these furry little friends to your household, you may be wondering whether or not you should get a male or a female Cockapoo. What are the differences, and are they substantial enough to matter?

Male cockapoos are affectionate, playful, and desire to please their owners. Female cockapoos are more independent, stubborn, and harder to train than their male cockapoo counterparts. When considering gender, It’s essential to consider the prospective cockapoo’s temperament to ensure a good fit for your family.

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between male and female Cockapoos, what makes Cockapoos such great pets in the first place, and how to choose the right Cockapoo for you. We’ll also look at some potential problems that male and female cockapoos can have and how to deal with them.

Do Male and Female Cockapoos Have Different Temperaments?

Like all dogs (and all species of animal, in fact), there are definate differences between male and female cockapoos.

Male and female Cockapoos possess very distinct gender qualities and temperaments. While gender differences in cockapoos tend to be less pronounced when spayed or neutered, gender distinctions in intact cockapoos are often more pronounced including increased aggression in males and extreme stubbornness in females.

Whether these differences are enough to sway you towards purchasing a Cockapoo of one gender or the other is really up to your personal choice. Still, it is important to be aware of the differences between males and females. 

Male vs. Female Cockapoos: A Side-by-Side Comparison

MALE COCKAPOOSFEMALE COCKAPOOS

* Very affectionate – they make great lap dogs.
* Very playful.
* Always eager to please
*.Larger than females.
* Easy-going and will get along with other people and animals.
* More submissive than females.
* Will mark their territory if not neutered.
* Higher chance of running away if not neutered.
* Can display aggression if not neutered.
* Can display unwanted humping behaviors if not neutered.
* More independent than males but still enjoy the attention.
* Easy-going and will get along with other people and animals.
* Can hump to assert dominance – they will want to be the pack leader if not properly trained.
* Can be prone to stubbornness.
* Can be prone to being spoiled.
* If not spayed, they will be in a season twice a year – a higher chance of running away during this period.
* Slightly harder to train than male cockapoos

Male Cockapoo Temperament

Male cockapoos can undoubtedly be defined by is their incredible levels of affection. Male Cockapoos love to be around their owners as much as possible and are the perfect lap dogs. When you are in the mood for a cuddle, they will be there, ready and willing.

Male Cockapoos are very playful and eager to please. These dogs are easy-going and get along well with standers and other animals in the home. Male Cockapoos tend to be much more submissive than females and are much less stubborn than their female counterparts.

Male cockapoos also tend to be larger than females. Males will grow larger in size, length, and weight. While this size difference is usually not substantial, it is something to be aware of.

Additional gender differences often reveal themselves when male cockapoos have not been neutered. A male Cockapoo that has not been fixed will mark his territory by urinating. While his marking behaviors can be prevented with proper training, it can be challenging to break a male dog of this territorial habit.

Males who have not been neutered may be more prone to run away in an attempt to find a female dog to mate with.

If you already have a female dog, a male Cockapoo will attempt to mate with her if he has not been desexed. An intact male Cockapoo is also more likely to display unwanted behaviors such as humping and roaming. Additionally, intact males are more likely to show aggression than female dogs are.

Female Cockapoo Temperament

Female Cockapoos are known to be more independent than males. This does not mean that they aren’t happy with a good amount of attention, but they are also happy to be doing their own thing.

Additionally, female cockapoos, regardless of if they are spayed, may hump people, objects, or other dogs. Mounting behaviors in female cockapoos can present a problem if they are not trained properly. Female cockapoos do this because they are trying to be the dominant member of the pack.

Female cockapoos get along well with other dogs, cats, and children. Because female dogs are alphas, they are less inclined to follow your instructions and may be harder to train than their male counterparts. While female cockapoos make great family pets, they are prone to stubbornness and domineering behaviors.

Female cockapoos want to be the boss! This bossiness can occur in female Cockapoos when they have not been appropriately trained (the importance of good training for your dog really can not be understated).

If your female cockapoo has not been spayed, expect her to come into heat twice a year. While she is menstruating, you may find her to be more temperamental.

Female cockapoos in heat that do not have access to a male dog may also attempt to run away more frequently to search for a mate. Be wary of this wondering behavior as you may wind up with an unexpected litter if you do not properly secure your dog.  

Are Male or Female Cockapoos Better for Homes with Children?

If you have children and are looking for an excellent family dog, look no further than the cockapoo.

Both male and female cockapoos are well-known for being great family dogs and are equally suitable for children of all ages. While male cockapoos tend to be more affectionate and loving, females are often more independent and demand less attention than male cockapoos.

There is no specific reason to pick one gender of cockapoo over another. You may lean more towards a male Cockapoo because they are known to be more affectionate, but a female Cockapoo will be loving enough as well.

Bringing a Cockapoo home to a household with children requires some careful thought, however.

Ensure your children know how to interact with a dog safely, as even a breed as friendly as a cockapoo can snap when pushed too far by a child. 

Should You Get a Male or a Female Cockapoo?

The best way to choose a Cockapoo puppy is to spend time with the litter if possible. You will get to know the puppy’s personality better that way – remember that a dog’s personality can be as unique as a human’s.

Choosing between a male or female cockapoo will depend on your own preferences. Female cockapoos are less interested in love and attention, while males are more friendly and devoted to their owners. Although differences between males and females exist, both genders behave similarly when spayed or neutered.

That being said, there are situations where it is best to go with one gender of dog over the other. Depending on the makeup of your household, in some cases, it does pay to be more selective. Let your puppy choose you, and you will know the right one when you find them sitting in your lap.

You Are a Single-Person Household

This is the primary situation where the specific gender of your Cockapoo really will matter because different pairings of dogs can get along better than others

Most experts agree that when getting a new dog to join your family, it is best to get one of the opposite genders to the one you already have.

This is because they will usually get along well without incident. After all, neither is fighting to be the alpha of their gender. However, if you plan to get both a male and female dog, ensure that your pets are properly spayed and neutered, to prevent a surprise litter of puppies. 

You Are a Senior

Like the other entries above, gender does not matter too much when choosing the right cockapoo. if you are a senior. Finding a dog that has an agreeable temperament is the most important factor.

There may be some benefit in choosing a female Cockapoo if a senior is less mobile, as female Cockapoos are easier to housetrain, and are more independent. However, if you are looking for a steadfast lap dog, a male Cockapoo may be a better choice for seniors.

You Are a Household With Other Pets

This is the primary situation where the specific gender of your Cockapoo really will matter because different pairings of dogs can get along better than others

Both male and female cockapoos get along well with other animals when properly trained. Cockapoos are intelligent, loving dogs that thrive on social interaction and bond well with other housepets. When considering a cockapoo, ensure your dog is easygoing, and not prone to becoming excited or stressed in new situations.

Most experts agree that when introducing a new cockapoo to join your family, it is best to get one of the opposite gender to the one you already have.

This is because they will are more likely to get along well without incident. After all, neither dog is fighting to be the Alpha of their gender.

However, if you have a male and a female dog, you should ensure that your pets are properly spayed and neutered because, otherwise, you may end up with some surprise puppies. 

Shared Traits That Make Male or Female Cockapoos Great Pets

Regardless of the gender you choose, there’s no doubt that Cockapoos make for great pets! This breed is specifically designed to cause as little irritation as possible to those with allergies while also maintaining a friendly and affectionate disposition. Cockapoos are generally seen by those who own them as one of the best breeds of dogs.

Here are just some of the reasons people love owning Cockapoos and why you’ll love being an owner as well!

Male or Female cockapoos make great pets because:

1. Cockapoos Are Very Friendly

When you do any Google search about Cockapoos, one thing that comes up time and time again is just how friendly the breed is, and it’s true. If you want a friend for life, you have one in a cockapoo. They will always want to be around you and usually get along well with other members of your family, including children and pets. 

2. Cockapoos Are Great for People With Allergies

Look, Cockapoos are not entirely hypoallergenic (no animal is), but they do shed less than most other dogs as a result of their poodle genes. Additionally, cockapoos are relatively odorless, so you will not have to worry about any unpleasant dog smell invading your house.

3. Cockapoos Are Very Intelligent

Since cocker spaniels and poodles are both intelligent breeds, their cockapoo offspring are also incredibly smart. This intelligence means that cockapoos are not only easy to train but quick to learn as well, making them a joy for any owner who appreciates an obedient dog.

4. Cockapoos Are Good With Children and Other Pets

As mentioned above, cockapoos are friendly little dogs. This easy-going nature also means that if you introduce a cockapoo into a household that already has another pet or has young children, you should not have many issues.

5. Cockapoos Come in Four Different Sizes

Not only are Cockapoos just small in general, but they also come in four different sizes, so you can easily find a pet that fits with your living arrangements.

The four sizes for cockapoos include:

  • Teacup Cockapoos are the smallest and are under 10 inches (25 cm) tall, and weigh less than 7 pounds (3 kg).
  • Toy Cockapoos are roughly 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) tall and weigh between 7-12 pounds (3-5.5 kg).
  • Miniature Cockapoos are one of the most commonly bred variants of Cockapoos. They are roughly between 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall and weigh between 13-25 pounds (6-11 kg).
  • Standard Cockapoos, the other most commonly bred type of Cockapoo. They are usually between 16-22 inches (15-56 cm) tall and weigh between 25-40 pounds (11-18 kg)

6. Cockapoos Always Love To Play

For a Cockapoo, playtime never has to be over if you don’t want it to be. They will happily play any game for hours on end, which is particularly good if you have children who love nothing more than a game of fetch with their pup.

Common Problems Owners of Both Male and Female Cockapoos Face

Any dog can have problems if not properly trained, and cockapoos are no exception. However, some of these issues are similar for both male and female cockapoos.

Knowing about these problems and how to manage them will ensure that you have the best possible experience when you bring home your furry Cockapoo friend of any gender.

Male and Female Cockapoos Can Suffer From Separation Anxiety

Cockapoos are an out-going dog breed, meaning that if they are left alone while you are at work, they can feel incredibly lonely and like they have been abandoned. This can then develop into separation anxiety, where your Cockapoo can display negative behaviors like barking and other destructive behaviors. 

Male and female cockapoos are prone to separation anxiety as a result of their friendly, outgoing natures. Cockapoos can display negative behaviors such as howling, barking, and being destructive when left home alone. Owners can remedy separation anxiety in cockapoos using crate training or even doggy daycare.

There are several ways to deal with this. If your male or female cockapoo is the only pet in the household, crate training can provide relief from the problem, as can ensuring that your dog has stimulating toys (such as KONGS Classic Dog Toy found on Amazon) to keep them occupied when you are gone. 

Another way to deal with separation anxiety is to provide your pup with some company. This doesn’t mean you have to get another dog; however, you can make use of services such as doggy daycare or arrange for your cockapoo to spend some time with a friend who has a dog.

If you need some help training your Poodle to be less anxious, there are plenty of online courses that can assist you as you teach your dog new things at home.

I found the Brain Training for Dogs online training program to be extremely helpful when training my dog, Angus. I really liked the private member’s area where I was able to connect with other dog owners to get solutions to issues I had with his training. I would highly recommend this course and I know it can help you too! Check out their website here to see if this course is right for you.

Male and Female Cockapoos Require Moderate Grooming

Cockapoos have dense, silky coats that don’t shed and don’t smell, but they also require a fair bit of upkeep. A cockapoo’s coat should be professionally groomed every three months, and regular maintenance weekly to ensure a healthy coat.

Cockapoos also need to be brushed weekly to keep their coat in good shape; they need their nails trimmed, their hair cut from above their eyes, their flop-ears to be cleaned regularly, and they need their teeth brushed often.

Yes, it’s a lot of work, but it’s certainly worth it. A groomer can take care of most of it for you if you don’t have the time. 

Male and Female Cockapoos Have a Lot of Energy

It has been mentioned in this article time and time again that cockapoos love to play.

That playful nature has a potential downside, however, as cockapoos are full of energy all of the time and therefore need to be provided with ways to burn off that energy (otherwise, they can develop bad habits like barking or destroying things). 

Making sure that your Cockapoo is provided with a variety of stimulating toys to play with can help ensure your cockapoo doesn’t engage in destructive behaviors to relieve its excess energy. 

Walking your cockapoo each day is essential. You will need to walk your pet for at least half an hour a day, but depending on your cockapoo’s personality and energy levels, it may require more exercise than this.

Final Words

Cockapoos are a wonderful breed of dog. Loving, playful companions, you will never have a dull moment with one in your family. While there are some differences in male and female cockapoos, most of these differences only occur in dogs that are not spayed or neutered.

Regardless of gender, a cockapoo will make a great furry friend. Just make sure to train them properly and give them love, attention, and a way to burn off all of their seemingly endless playful energy.  

Must Have Products For Poodles And Doodles

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Lemonade Pet Insurance: Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. Lemonade is a great company, and I can’t recommend them enough!

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Brent Hartman

I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need.

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