““The Most Asked Question in Our Adoption Office (and My Honest Take on It)””

If you’ve been around Smeraglia for a while, you probably remember the days when I was on the phone with nearly every single client. I loved it—those one-on-one conversations, sharing my heart, and matching families with the perfect puppy. But as Smeraglia has grown, I’ve had to take a step back from the daily calls (as much as I miss them!) so I could focus on leading our team and dreaming up even more ways to serve our amazing community.

These days, my daughter Natalie and our incredible Adoption Specialist team are doing a beautiful job in the office, guiding new families through the process. And while I may not be answering the phones personally anymore, I still check in with them often (you know I can’t help myself!). The other day I asked, “What’s the number one question people ask?” and without missing a beat, Natalie said:

👉 “People always ask what the difference is between male and female puppies.”

Ohhh, that question! It’s been around since the beginning, and let me tell you—I’ve been answering it for decades.

👦🏻👧🏻 Male vs. Female: Is There Really a Difference?

First off, here’s a little context: at Smeraglia, we have three signature breeds:
•   English Goldendoodles
•   Teddy Bear Schnoodles
•   Teddy Bear Twoodles

And within each breed, we have different sizes, generations, and even occasionally breed from the parent dogs (always English Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Schnauzers). So when someone asks “What’s better, male or female?” the answer is… it depends!

But let me share some patterns I’ve noticed over the years—and keep in mind, these are just fun generalizations, not hard rules.

🦁 The Boys: Big, Blocky, and a Little Bit Babyish

Males often carry the breed standard better than females. Think of a lion—the males are just… well, majestic. Blockier heads, stockier builds, and that classic, striking look that melts your heart. They tend to be a little more laid-back, a little more go-with-the-flow. Sometimes they’re like big teddy bears who just want to be your shadow.

And yes, I’ve often said, “My boys would wait for me to get up and check the door, while my girls were already halfway there barking ‘Who’s here?!’”

💁🏼‍♀️ The Girls: Smart, Sassy, and a Bit Nosy

The females are usually more alert and curious—I like to call them “nosy Nellies.” They want to know what’s happening, who’s arriving, what’s going on outside. They’re a little quicker to observe and a little more independent, but just as loving and loyal. Some of my favorite dogs ever have been girls with big personalities and even bigger hearts.

✂️ Spay, Neuter, and the Truth About Temperament

But here’s the thing—at Smeraglia, our puppies are spayed or neutered early, which means we’re taking away most of those hormonal tendencies that typically define “male” or “female” behavior. Once that’s out of the equation, what really matters is:

❤️ Temperament.

We’re matching you with the right puppy for your family, not just based on gender. Some of our snuggliest, goofiest dogs are females. Some of our most intelligent, eager-to-please dogs are males. You really can’t put them in a box.

That’s why we focus so deeply on individual temperament testing, matching your lifestyle, your energy level, and your goals with the perfect pup—whether it’s a future service dog, a therapy dog, or a snuggle-up-on-the-couch best friend.

🌟 The Bottom Line

So… boy or girl?

I say: don’t overthink it. Fall in love with the dog, not the gender. Trust us to match you with a pup that’s been carefully evaluated and chosen to fit your life, your family, and your heart.

💌 Ready to Begin?

If you’re thinking about adding a doodle to your family, we’d love to help you take that first step. Reach out to our Adoption Team today—we’re here to listen, answer your questions, and begin the beautiful process of matching you with the perfect puppy for your life. Your best friend might be just a conversation away.

Sincerely,
Sherri 🐾