- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you’re a regular at the dog park, you’ve probably seen a few different types of Doodle dogs, even if you didn’t recognize them!
“‘Doodle’ is a cute and catchy way to describe any dog that is half-poodle,” says Helle Brandrup, a certified veterinarian with Neurogan Health. “Over 40 breeds have been successfully crossed and bred to date.”
Most people opt for a Doodle when they like the personality of a specific breed with the low-shed coat of a Poodle, explains Steiner. What’s more, Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds. Many Doodles inherit their smarts from their poodle side, so they’re often easy to train.
Many types of Doodles exist—and they all have different temperaments, health concerns, sizes, and upkeep needs. Plus, since Doodle crosses combine two breeds, you never know which breed your dog will resemble most.
Before you bring a cuddly new puppy home, it’s important to understand as much as you can about them! Read on to learn about 15 popular Doodles and discover if they’re a good fit for you.
Labradoodle
Labradoodles are the original Doodle hybrid. These dogs, a mix of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle, come in miniature, medium, and standard sizes, depending on the size of their parent dogs.
They often have a Labrador’s friendliness and high energy levels and can be great with kids, provided they get the right training and socialization as puppies.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles cross a Golden Retriever and Poodle. They can come in various sizes, from toy to standard, depending on their genealogy.
While all dogs are individuals and may not have the exact same personalities, Goldendoodles have a reputation for their active demeanors, intelligence, and will to please. They’re also very friendly, so don’t expect a guard dog!
Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles are a cross of an Australian Shepherd and Poodle. These bundles of fluffy energy and intelligence need pet parents who can devote plenty of time to exercise and mental stimulation.
They’re always up for going along with their families on excursions, from hikes and camping to everyday trips to the grocery store,” says Riley Steiner, certified Good Dog Breeder of Aussiedoodles and Bernedoodles and owner of Steindoodles Kennel.
Cockapoo
A Cockapoo is a mix of a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. So, while this breed may not have “Doodle” in its name, it still falls under the Doodle umbrella.
These medium dogs generally weigh up to 25 pounds. They’re typically affectionate and easy to train, but expect them to be vocal!
Cavapoo
Cavapoos cross a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle. These generally friendly dogs tend to be intensely loyal to their humans, but they’e also happy to socialize with strangers. Most pet parents also find them to be a little less vocal than Cockapoos.
Yorkiepoo
A blend of a Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle, Yorkiepoos are toy-sized dogs that typically weigh between 3 and 14 pounds. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking for a pint-sized pup.
Yorkiepoos can be playful and loving “velcro dogs” for families. On the flip side, they may be more likely to develop separation anxiety, which makes consistent training important (just as it is for any breed).
Havapoo
Havapoos are a mix of a Poodle and a Havanese—two very smart dogs! They draw their intelligence, playfulness, and loyalty from both sides of the family tree. They can weigh anywhere from 7 to 30 pounds and can thrive as suburban or apartment dogs—just as long as they get plenty of attention and affection!
Sheepadoodle
As you might guess from the name, Sheepadoodles cross a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. These fluffy Doodles have a friendly and affectionate disposition from their Sheepdog side and the intelligence and athleticism of a Poodle.
If you prefer a larger dog, these Doodles may be a good match: They can weigh up to 80 pounds!
Bernedoodle
Breeders cross a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle to get the Bernedoodle.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are famously good with kids—in fact, these dogs are often called “gentle giants.” Steiner says many Bernedoodles are similarly patient and affectionate.
Their Poodle heritage means they have plenty of energy, while their Bernese Mountain Dog heritage means they might stay a little more mellow.
“They can keep up with the family but are also ready to relax,” Steiner says.
Shihpoo
The Shihpoo crosses a Shi-Tzu with a Poodle. These Doodle breeds are fairly small, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. They love to play and spend time with their families and do well with other pets as long as they get proper socialization and training.
Shihpoos do tend to bark more than some other breeds, so prepare to get their feedback on everything!
Irish Doodle
The Irish Doodle has a striking coat that combines a Poodle’s curls with the luxurious red of the Irish Setter.
Irish Doodles are active dogs who love outdoor adventures. They’re very smart, but many do have a stubborn side. They’ll thrive with experienced dog parents who devote plenty of time to training!
Schnoodle
The Schnauzer’s larger-than-life personality meets a Poodle’s curly coat in the Schnoodle. These dogs come in a full spectrum of sizes from miniature to giant. Schnoodles of all sizes have a reputation for their loyalty—and for stubbornness.
If you want a dog who sticks close, they may be a good match, since they want to spend as much time with their people as possible.
Maltipoo
Maltipoos cross a Poodle with a Maltese. These dogs can weigh between 3 and 20 pounds, so they’re fun-sized bundles of fluff. They have a goofy side, love to play, and want to be included throughout your day—and they can be quite vocal about their desires!
Poochon
The Poochon (or Bichon-Poo, if you prefer) combines a Bichon Frise with a poodle to create the ultimate “velcro” lapdog. While they’re small dogs who love a cuddle, they also have plenty of energy. In other words, they need vigorous play sessions every day!
Whoodle
Whoodles cross a Poodle with the Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier.
These dogs are social, friendly, and have a lot of energy to burn. They thrive with active families want an adventurous companion.
What To Know Before Getting A Doodle Dog
Many people choose Doodle dogs because they have a reputation for being “hypoallergenic”—but that’s not always the case.
“While many Doodles inherit the Poodle’s low-shedding, curly coat, which can help reduce allergen exposure, there is no guarantee that every Doodle will be truly hypoallergenic,” says David D’Angelo, pet nutritionist and founder of Pet Food Reviews.
If you have allergies, it’s best to spend time around the Doodle you want to adopt first to make sure they don’t trigger your allergies, or talk to the breeder or shelter about a possible trial period.
It’s also important to fully understand a Doodle’s grooming needs, which many pet parents underestimate! According to one study survey, Doodle pet parents were twice as likely to underestimate their dog’s grooming needs than pet parents of other breeds.
Doodles require routine grooming, including daily brushing and frequent haircuts, or their coats will become tangled,” Dr. Brandrup says.
How To Choose The Right Doodle
When choosing the right type of doodle for your family, consider their the personality and energy level of their non-Poodle side. For example, Steiner says that Aussiedoodles tend to have an Australian Shepherd’s high energy levels and adventurous spirit, while Bernedoodles are more laid-back, like Bernese Mountain Dogs.
That said, not all individual Doodles will resemble their parent breeds.
One study found that first-generation Goldendoodles were more likely to be fearful of strangers and other dogs than either purebred Golden Retrievers or Standard Poodles. Labradoodles had higher rates of separation anxiety and non-social fears than Labs and Poodles, though those rates were lower than observed in Miniature Poodles.
Like all dogs, Doodles need plenty of positive training and socialization from an early age to grow up confident and content!
How To Find A Doodle Dog
The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize Doodles, since they’re mixed breed dogs.
As with many other “designer dog” breeds, irresponsible Doodle breeding is unfortunately fairly common. In fact, Wally Conron, the breeder of the first Labradoodles, later lamented that his creation led to a surge of backyard breeding and puppy mills.
If you want to bring a Doodle into your family, you’ll want to make sure you choose one from a reputable breeder or rescue. To identify a quality breeder, consider the following criteria.
- Genetic testing: Steiner says all breeders should genetically test their dogs before breeding a litter. It’s also a bonus if a breeder performs additional testing through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to assess a dog’s joints, heart, and eyes.
- Limited litters: The breeder should keep yearly litters to a minimum to avoid overbreeding parent dogs. A reputable breeder will not always have puppies available, and they may have a waiting list.
- Open to questions: Your breeder should be happy to answer any questions about the breed and how they raise the puppies. Ask to see photos or videos of where the puppies are raised, so you can verify they live in a clean and safe environment.
- Certifications: Doodle breeders won’t be AKC-certified, unless they have those certifications for other dogs they breed, but you can check for certifications from other reputable organizations, like the Good Dog Breeding Program.
Doodle dogs also show up often at shelters and rescues, so it never hurts to visit your local adoption centers first. Some organizations, like IDOG Rescue, are dedicated exclusively to finding homes for Doodles.
If you do decide on a Doodle, prepare to devote plenty of time and energy to grooming, training, socialization, exercise, and play.
Ultimately, Doodles can make wonderful companions for pet parents who understand their unique needs, D’Angelo says.
