Poodle often comes off as ideal breed when it comes to cross-breeding. These dogs are known to create unique hybrids, with distinct physical characteristics, when crossed with other housedogs.
Additionally, crossbreeding poodles also helps to reduce the likelihood of inheriting certain genetic disorders found in purebred parents. From miniature and toy to standard dogs, poodle hybrids come in a range of varities.
Here are 15 of the best doodle dogs that every dog owner should know:
1. Labradoodle
- Height: 21-24 Inches
- Weight: 50-65 Pounds
- Lifespan: 12-14 Years
- Coat Colors: Cream, Gold, Red, Black, Chocolate, Apricot, White
Labradoodles are an ideal breed to raise as therapy and service dogs; they have a unique combination of traits inherited from Labrador Retrievers and Poodles.
Additionally, their friendly, gentle, and intuitive nature makes them excellent at providing emotional support and comfort. As empathetic dogs that is sensitive to human emotions, they are highly social and form strong bonds with people.
Labradoodles are also highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in tasks that require obedience and specialized training. Their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat is an added benefit for individuals with allergies. The blend of these characteristics make Labradoodles can perform a variety of tasks, from guiding the visually impaired to providing companionship and emotional support to those in need.
2. Goldendoodle
- Height: 20-24 inches
- Weight: 50-75 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Coat Colors: Cream, Apricot, Red, Black, Chocolate, White, Gray
A hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, the Goldendoodle was first bred in the 1990s in North America and Australia. This hybrid combines the unique characteristics of parent breeds the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the friendly nature of the Golden Retriever. This combination aimed to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog suitable for individuals with allergies.
The Goldendoodle quickly gained popularity due to its versatile characteristics. It is known for being highly social, affectionate, and excellent with families, children, and other pets. The breed's low-shedding coats are also a significant draw for those looking for a pet with minimal allergens.
3. Bernedoodle
- Height: 23-29 Inches
- Weight: 70-90 Pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, White, Brown, Tri-color
The Bernedoodle is often characterized by its curly or wavy texture of the poodle and the thicker fur of the Bernese Mountain Dog. This hybrid coat is usually dense and may vary in length and curliness.
Despite being low-shedding, Bernedoodles still require regular grooming to keep their coat in optimal condition. It’s recommended to brush them at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and tangles. Regular grooming also helps manage shedding, even though it's minimal.
4. Aussiedoodle
- Height: 14-23 Inches
- Weight: 25-70 Pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat Colors: Blue Merle, Red Merle, Black, Red, Tri-color
Aussiedoodles tend to grow a strong attachment to their families, which often makes anxious when left alone. As a mix of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle, they are highly social and intelligent dogs that thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. Their need for constant companionship can lead to distress when left alone for extended periods.
When isolated for too long, Aussiedoodles may exhibit behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, digging, or other destructive actions. They might also become anxious or depressed, displaying signs such as pacing or loss of appetite.
To mitigate separation anxiety, gradually accustom your pet to stay alone, provide engaging toys or puzzles, and consider training to help them feel more secure.
5. Sheepadoodle
- Height: 18-27 Inches
- Weight: 60-80 Pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, White, Gray, Bi-color
The Sheepadoodle is relatively rare compared to more common Doodle breeds. The cross between the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle is considered iconic due to the less frequent combination of these two breeds compared to others like the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Additionally, the Old English Sheepdog is not as commonly used in breeding programs, which contributes to the Sheepadoodle’s limited availability.
Sheepadoodles are medium to large-sized dogs. They typically stand between 18-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 60-80 pounds. The largest Sheepadoodles can reach up to 30 inches in height and weigh over 90 pounds. The biggest recorded Sheepadoodle to date is around 32 inches tall and weighs approximately 100 pounds, though such sizes are exceptional.
6. Cavapoo
- Height: 9-14 Inches
- Weight: 12-25 Pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 Years
- Coat Colors: Cream, Fawn, Chocolate, Gold, Chestnut, White
Originating in the early 2000s, this mix was bred primarily to create a companion dog with a hypoallergenic coat and gentle, affectionate nature. The goal was to produce a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle hybrid that is not only charming and easy on the allergies but also excels as a family pet.
Cavapoos are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them highly trainable. They quickly learn commands and adapt well to various training methods. Their sociable and friendly disposition makes them excellent companions for families, including those with children and other pets.
7. Cockapoo
- Height: 10-15 Inches
- Weight: 12-24 Pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, White, Buff, Red, Brown, Sable, Tri-color
Cockapoos is considered a luxury breed due to a series of factors. First, their breeding involves two purebred parents the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. Additionally, the demand for Cockapoos is high due to their appealing traits Breeding costs, including health testing and care for the parent dogs, also contribute to the higher price.
The cost of these dogs depends on factors like the breeder's reputation, the puppy’s lineage, and geographic location. Cockapoo puppy price ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 and many owners find these dogs worth the investment due to the breed’s affectionate nature, low-shedding coat, and trainability. The breed's quality often leads to a rewarding companionship, justifying the higher initial cost for many families.
8. Schnoodle
- Height: 10-26 Inches
- Weight: 20-75 Pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, White, Brown, Gray, Silver, Apricot, Cream
Schnoodles is an active breed that needs daily exercise of at least 30 to 60 minutes to stay healthy . The dog's physical activity should be split into multiple walks and play sessions. Engaging them in activities like fetch, agility training, or interactive games helps burn off their excess energy and keeps them mentally stimulated.
They may exhibit signs of boredom and restlessness without adequate exercise. Additionally, lack of exercise can lead them to behavioral issues and they can become destructive, chewing on furniture or digging, as a way to channel their pent-up energy. So, these dogs need regular physical activity is essential for their overall well-being, helping to prevent these negative behaviors and ensuring they remain happy and healthy.
9. Maltipoo
- Height: 8-14 Inches
- Weight: 5-20 Pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 Years
- Coat Colors: White, Cream, Apricot, Black, Gray
Maltipoos are known for their vocal tendencies due to their alert and spirited nature. Naturally, these dogs breed inclined to bark as a form of communication and to express their enthusiasm. Due to high level of energy and intelligence they can bark frequently.
These dogs bark to alert their owners or assert territorial behavior. They may bark out of boredom or frustration if they lack sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Additionally, Maltipoos can exhibit excessive barking due to separation anxiety when left alone.
However, it is achievable to train this dog to bark less with consistent effort. The techniques, such as rewarding quiet behavior and redirecting their attention with commands or toys, can help manage their barking.
10. Yorkipoo
- Height: 7-15 Inches
- Weight: 3-14 Pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, Tan, White, Cream, Apricot, Gray
Yorkipoos is a friendly and temperament dog, but they have certain behavioral tendencies that may be perceived as temperamental if not addressed. Their alert and energetic nature can lead to excessive barking, particularly at unfamiliar sounds or people. They can be victim of anxiety if left alone from the strong bond of the owners.
To manage these issues, early socialization and consistent training are crucial. Introducing Yorkipoos to various environments, people, and other animals helps them become well-adjusted and less reactive. Implementing positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding calm behavior and redirecting attention during barking episodes, can reduce excessive vocalization.
For separation anxiety, gradually increasing alone time and providing engaging toys or puzzles can help them feel more secure. The regular exercise and mental stimulation plays a key role in keeping them balanced and content.
11. Boxerdoodle
- Height: 15-25 Inches
- Weight: 40-70 Pounds
- Lifespan: 10-14 Years
- Coat Colors: Brindle, Fawn, White, Black, Tan
Despite being a friendly dog, the Boxerdoodle is often skipped due to the health issues it inherits from its parent breed. These canines have common health concerns, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. They may also suffer from skin allergies due to their Poodle lineage, leading to itching and discomfort.
To maintain optimal health and well-being, regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection of these conditions. Maintaining a balanced diet and providing regular exercise helps manage weight and supports joint health. Monitoring for signs of bloat, is crucial.
Additionally, routine grooming can help to manage skin allergies and keep their coat healthy. Proactive care and attention to these factors contribute to a healthy, happy Boxerdoodle.
12. Shihpoo
- Height: 8-18 Inches
- Weight: 8-18 Pounds
- Lifespan: 10-16 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, White, Gray, Brown, Apricot
Developed in the 2000s, the Shihpoo is hybrid of Shih Tzu and Poodle. The primary objective of this mix was to combine the Shih Tzu's affectionate nature with the Poodle's hypoallergenic coat. The Shihpoo was bred to create a small, family-friendly dog with a low-shedding coat and a friendly disposition.
This dogs are tend to grow small, standing about 8-15 inches tall and weighing between 10-20 pounds. They are generally well-behaved, known for their friendly, playful, and affectionate nature. Their intelligence, inherited from both parent breeds, makes them relatively easy to train, though they benefit from consistent socialization and positive reinforcement.
Additionally, Shihpoos are adaptable pets that thrive in various living environments, making them popular choices for families and individuals alike.
13. Whoodle
- Height: 12-20 Inches
- Weight: 20-45 Pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, Brown, White, Red, Silver, Cream, Apricot
Whoodles are highly trainable dogs with an above-average intelligence and eagerness to please. Their Poodle lineage contributes significantly to their cognitive abilities, helping them to excel in training sessions.
Early training is crucial for these dogs. it's best to start as soon as a Whoodle puppy is settled into their new home, ideally around 8-10 weeks of age. Early socialization and basic command training can help them to develop into well-behaved and confident adults.
These pups can understand and respond to a wide range of commands, often learning basic obedience commands as well as more complex tricks with consistent training. Their intelligence comes from their Poodle parent, while their enthusiasm comes from the Wheaten Terrier.
14. Huskydoodle
- Height: 13-22 Inches
- Weight: 45-60 Pounds
- Lifespan: 10-14 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, White, Gray, Cream, Brown, Sable
Huskydoodle is a social and outgoing breed that boasts the characteristics of the Siberian Husky and Poodle. Huskies are renowned for their friendly, sociable nature and love for interaction, while Poodles are intelligent and adaptable.
This combination results in a dog that is both personable and eager to engage with people and other pets. This makes them excellent companions in various social settings, including individuals and families.
However, Huskydoodles can be considered high maintenance. because their thick, double coat requires regular grooming to manage shedding and prevent matting.
15. Saint Berdoodle
- Height: 24-30 Inches
- Weight: 110-200 Pounds
- Lifespan: 8-12 Years
- Coat Colors: Black, White, Brown, Red
Saint Berdoodle are excellent pets with an affectionate and gentle nature. They recieve the friendly and easygoing temperament of the Saint Bernard and the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle.
Additionally, these dogs are large dogs stands 24-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 70-120 pounds, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Due to their large size, they require ample space and regular exercise.
Berdoodle are not bred to be left alone for long periods as they may suffer from separation anxiety due to their strong attachment to their families. So, it is essential to provide them with plenty of companionship and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-adjusted.
