Poodle mixes are fast becoming some of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Although there are no guarantees, dogs mixed with Poodles tend to be intelligent, easy to train and shed less than many other breeds. That’s why we’ve created a list of the top 20 most amazing Poodle mixes (or doodles) just for you. There are many different doodle breeds to choose from, so you can look for the characteristics that you most desire. It is important to carry out thorough research before you take on any dog. To get you started, check out our guide below on the best Poodle mixes.
Top 20 Poodle Mix Breeds
Poodle mixes make great family pets. But because they are a crossbreed, it can be difficult to accurately predict the nature and appearance of their puppies.
Check out our top 20 list below, to see which poodle mixes you’d consider!
Cockapoo
One of the most established of the poodle mix breeds, the Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. This particular Poodle mix has been popular in the U.S. since the 1950s. Cockapoo puppies are now in great demand in many other countries.
As a loving and loyal family dog, Cockapoos are also easy to train! They generally shed very little, but their coat will need to be clipped. Because of their Cocker Spaniel heritage, they need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation to keep them happy. This popular Poodle mix can also be quite vocal. They’re sure to bark and make themselves known! Don’t worry, you can work this out of them with proper training.
Shepadoodle
The Shepadoodle, or a mix between the German Shepherd and Poodle, is one of the newer generations of Poodle mix breeds. This crossbreed is rare and not easy to find. They are more likely to be a larger dogs than some of the other designer pups in this guide.
You can expect this mixed breed to display either German Shepherd or Poodle characteristics. Perhaps a combination of both! Shepadoodles are intelligent and courageous, just like their German Shepherd parent. However, they can also be very high energy and slow to reach maturity. In terms of behavior, this can make them unsuitable pets for first-time dog owners and families with young children. As both dog parents are highly intelligent, they should be easy to train but will need firm and consistent handling to show them who is in charge.
Bassetoodle
Another rare mix is the Basset Hound and Poodle. Better known as the Bassetoodle! This breed is becoming increasingly popular. It is not surprising, as they have a sweet appearance and a friendly nature.
Due to their compact size, they are perfect for apartment living. They are calm and loving dogs who enjoy car rides and playing with children. Take care of their elongated backs, as they can be prone to injury if not properly protected. Bassetoodles only need moderate amounts of exercise, so there is no need to take them on very long walks. If you are looking for more options, check out our article on apartment dogs for tiny spaces.
Yorkipoo
This cute little Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Poodle. These small dogs will be lively and intelligent puppies who demand a lot of attention. Yorkipoos will happily live with children, but you will need to supervise them because of their small size.
When it comes to dog training, you can expect them to be quick learners. With a strong prey drive, they may need to be frequently controlled. This is one of the dog breeds that is prone to excessive barking, so be warned. They enjoy ball games in the backyard but can suffer from separation anxiety if you are away from home for too long.
Poochon
The utterly adorable Poochon (or Bich Poo) is the fluffy teddy bear of the mix breeds. It is a combination of the Poodle and the Bichon Frize. This particular Poodle mix has its origins in Australia, originally bred in the 1990s, and has been increasing in popularity ever since.
Puppies of this designer breed make great family dogs. Their distinctive curly coat and huge eyes are an irresistible combination. They are generally very accommodating and patient, but can also have sudden bursts of energy. On the downside, these designer dogs do not like to be left alone and can bark excessively.
Irish Doodle
The Irish Doodle is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle. It is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club but is an increasingly popular designer breed nonetheless.
As both parents are larger dogs, Irish Doodles are typically larger-sized mixes. These puppies can display elements from either of their parent’s personalities. You may get the calm nature of the Poodle or the high energy and mischievousness of the Setter. Either way, expect your dog to be intelligent and eager to please, which is always a winning combination.
Goldendoodle
As one of the most energetic and fun-loving of the Poodle mixes, the Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., so it is not surprising that this Poodle mix is so well-loved.
These puppies are super extroverted! Trust us, they won’t be shy. You can expect to have an outgoing and friendly dog who will get along with everyone they meet. They make superb family pets, but won’t be great as watchdogs. An adult doodle will need plenty of exercises to keep them happy.
Sheepadoodle
A combination of an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle may seem an unlikely pairing, but these puppies are beyond adorable! They look just like a panda, with a curly coat and an irresistible personality.
This doodle breed will need plenty of exercises, thanks to their Old English Sheepdog genes. They also need company and will not appreciate being left alone all day. One of the largest and most active of the Poodle mixed breeds, they would not be suitable around very young children.
Bordoodle
Highly prized as a companion dog, the Poodle mix with a Border Collie is a designer dog breed that is rapidly increasing in popularity. These mixed breed dogs combine the intelligence and energy of a Border Collie with the low shedding characteristics of a Poodle.
This fairly new designer dog breed is a medium-sized pooch with puppies that will have a curly or wavy coat. There are no guarantees that this Poodle mix will be low shedding, as it mainly comes from their Poodle parentage. They are highly intelligent but could have a strong herding instinct that you may need to keep under control. On the whole, they are one of the dog breeds that make a great family dog.
Maltipoo
The perfect Poodle mix for owners who live in apartments, the Maltese Poodle combination produces a small dog that is fast becoming one of the most popular mixed breeds.
Although the puppies and adults are active and energetic, they do not require a lot of exercises. Just a quick run-around will suffice! Thanks to their Poodle parent, they do not shed very much. They make excellent watchdogs and will readily bark. However, this can become a problem if you live in an apartment block with noise restrictions, or if you have sensitive neighbors.
Terripoo
The Terrier Poodle mix, also known as the Terridoodle, is the combination of a Terrier and Poodle. In this case, the particular terrier breed is the Australian Terrier.
The appearance of this Poodle mix is variable. For example, they can have black or brown noses. Some care is needed for their personality. Because of their Terrier heritage, you will need to supervise them around young children.
Shih Poo
The Shih Poo is a crossbreed of the Toy Poodle and the Shih Tzu. If you are a retired senior looking for a loving companion, this is one of the best Poodle mix breeds for you. This Poodle mix will produce small puppies who grow up into dogs less than 18 inches high. They could have curly hair, similar to the Poodle, or it could be wavy and straight.
Shih Poos are one of the Poodle mixes that may suffer from dental issues, so that is something to consider. As versatile dogs, they can live in any home environment. On the downside, they can show aggression towards other dogs and have a tendency to put on weight.
These puppies are likely to inherit some stubbornness from their Shih Tzu parent. With that also comes loads of personality and intelligence! If they don’t do what you tell them, it’s because they don’t want to, not because they don’t understand. Who doesn’t love a little bit of sass? As small dogs, they don’t need a great deal of exercise. However, they will be eager to accompany you on short walks.
Saint Berdoodle
The charming Saint Berdoodle is a larger Poodle mix breed that could have a wiry or smooth coat. Even though the Saint Berdoodle will have some Poodle characteristics, you have to remember that they are half St. Bernard, and therefore will not cope well in hot weather. The Saint Berdoodle is best suited to a colder climate.
They have a great sense of adventure and high energy, so you should lead an active, outdoorsy lifestyle if you take this dog home. Because of their size, they may not be suitable for families with very young children.
Cavapoo
By crossing a Poodle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you get the gorgeous Cavapoo! It is one of the most popular dog breeds around today. There are different types of Cavapoos, depending on whether a toy, mini or standard Poodle was crossed with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This is one of the Poodle mix breeds that are amazingly outgoing and thrive on attention. They are perfect for families with young children, but will not like being left alone. Their separation anxiety can result in destructive behavior like chewing on furniture. Everyone loves them, as they get along great with everyone, but this makes them a poor choice as a guard dog!
Bernedoodle
The goofy Bernedoodle is the laid-back Poodle mix breed that is sure to win your heart. It is a cross between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, growing to be medium to large-sized.
From their Poodle parent, they will inherit high intelligence. From their Bernese Mountain Dog parent, you will get a happy-go-lucky temperament that allows them to fit in with any family that is lucky enough to have them.
This is one of the newer poodle mix dog breeds. Not a great deal is known about them so far. In these mixes, Poodle characteristics may dominate or may not. However, it is thought that they are playful and affectionate dogs who adore their human family. Reports say that they are one of the most hypoallergenic Poodle mixes, which is very good news for allergy sufferers.
Schnoodle
The smart and active Schnoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer. Puppies can have coats in a variety of colors and are variable in size. They can adapt to living in small homes but would prefer somewhere larger with a backyard where they can play and let off steam. In addition, they are low shedders. However, their coat requires a lot of attention and is a commitment for their owners.
The Schnoodle likes at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, as they need both physical and mental stimulation. If this stimulation is lacking, then they can become destructive. This breed also makes an excellent guard dog. They are very protective of their human family and would gladly lay down their life for them. Who can ask more than that from their canine companion?
Havapoo
Also called a Poovaneese, this cross between a Havanese and a Poodle is a fluffy little bundle of adorable fun. Despite their playful and energetic nature, they are eager to please and very obedient. Most of the time, anyway!
If you are looking for a small dog that is easy to train, then this pup could be a great choice for you. They are well-suited to living in smaller homes, although they will need a daily walk in the park or a run in the yard. Otherwise, they don’t need a lot of exercises, and their sweet nature makes them popular pets for retired people looking for a comfortable pooch companion. They are okay guard dogs, as they will let you know when a stranger is approaching your door but will lick them enthusiastically once they get inside.
Jackapoo
The Jackapoo is one of the friendliest Poodle mixes that you can find. This charming combination of a Jack Russell Terrier and a Poodle produces puppies that are very affectionate and friendly towards other dogs and children. They always have black noses and brown eyes, but their coats are variable.
They will not require a lot of grooming, though their exercise requirements are high. Be prepared to provide them with around an hour of exercise each day. The Jackapoo can have a stubborn streak and is likely to bark excessively. Both traits can be tackled with appropriate training regimes introduced at a young age. This small breed has a knack for jumping fences, so you may need to dog-proof your yard to prevent any escape attempts.
Pyredoodle
The Pyredoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Great Pyrenees. This is one of the larger Poodle mixes, as the dogs can grow up to 100 pounds! Most of the time, your Pyredoodle will be a quiet dog, but they will bark to alert you to nearby danger. They can be especially protective of the children in your family. As you can see, they are big dogs with even bigger hearts!
They will require quite a lot of space and food. In terms of grooming, one brush a day will be sufficient. This breed needs an hour or more of exercise every day. They can have a stubborn streak, so firm and consistent training is needed.
Sheltidoodle
The Sheltidoodle or Sheltipoo is a Poodle and Shetland Sheepdog Mix. This breed is one of the most intelligent of the Poodle mixes, as both parents are very clever dogs!
These mixes have a varied appearance. Breeders never know what they are going to get! Eyes can be blue or brown, noses can be black or brown, and coats can be anything from white to red with multiple combinations.
In terms of temperament, you can expect a well-mannered and responsive dog that is very easy to train. They become totally devoted to their human family and therefore are prone to separation anxiety. They can be reserved with strangers and have a moderate protective instinct. Early socialization is vital. Without it, their instinct to herd other dogs and animals can become an issue. They would prefer a home with a yard where they can run freely.
Poodle Mixes: Facts and Figures at a Glance
Size and weight can vary greatly and mainly depends on the characteristics of the parents. A standard Poodle will produce pups that are larger than those of a Toy Poodle. Always ask questions about your mix’s Poodle parent. Check out this table of the average sizes for the most popular Poodle mixes.
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FAQs:
Q: What is the calmest doodle breed?
A: The personalities of Poodle crossbreeds can be very variable. The standard Poodle personality is calm and friendly. Many of their pups inherit this trait. However, Poodles can be crossed with a wide variety of dog breeds and some of these are calmer than others.
The types of doodles that tend to be the calmest are the Bernedoodles – a cross between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bassetoodle, the Cavapoo, and the Havapoo are also known for their calmer temperaments.
Q: Are all poodle mixes hypoallergenic?
A: Hypoallergenic dogs are highly prized by people who have allergies. However, there is actually no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog. Allergies are caused by dander – flakes of skin and hair that are naturally shed by a dog. All dogs will do this; it’s just that some do it more than others.
Most of the Poodle mixed breed dogs would be described as low shedding and hypoallergenic, thanks to their Poodle parentage. Poodle mix breeds that have been combined with a high shedding dog, such as a Golden Retriever, may not be low shedding at all! So watch out for that.
Q: Are Schnoodles good family dogs?
A: When Poodles cross with a Schnauzer, you get a lovely family dog. Otherwise known as the Schnoodle! They are one of the best mixes to choose as a family dog and are usually medium-size if the cross is with a standard Poodle.
These pooches are very loyal and affectionate. They are also great around children of all ages. They are intelligent and easy to train, too. This breed would suit a family that is at home during the day. They hate to be left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety.
Q: Do poodle cross breeds bark a lot?
A: Barking is one of the issues that you will come across with Poodle mixes. All of these mixes have some toy, mini or standard Poodle genes in them and could therefore be quite vocal!
This may be a trait that you like (if you want them to alert you) or that you may hate. It can vary, depending on what breed was mixed with the Poodle and which genes your pup inherited.
Poodles tend to bark when they are bored or when they are left alone. This is something that you can help with some training. Take steps to tackle separation anxiety and always provide your pooch with plenty of entertainment.