Poodle Mixes are some of the most popular crossbreeds in the world. The wonderful and ever desirable Poodle is a fine choice for breeding as their friendly and loving nature easily compliments the more stubborn and feisty traits of other dogs.
The crossbreeding of the Poodle with other breeds produces another range of dog breeds, in which the pups receive different traits from their parents and the possibilities are endless! They are affectionate, often playful dogs that can make great family pets for those with children and other animals.
With so many different types out there, there is a Poodle Mix with the right temperament, size and care needs for you. Keep reading below to find out more.
What is a Poodle?
The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest purebred dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes three different sizes of purebred Poodle — Standard (standing above 15 inches), Miniature (standing between 10 to 15 inches) and the Toy Poodle, who stands at a maximum height of 10 inches.
The Standard Poodle is thought to be a French dog but they actually originated from Germany and were originally known as gun dogs. They were hardworking dogs that were known for their retrieving and hunting purposes.
Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. The Toy Poodle originated from the Miniature variety and were selectively bred in the 18th century in England. They still have all the same features but just come in a much smaller size. This has only increased their popularity in the United States in recent years, as Toy dog breeds are very much in demand and are known as fashionable or celebrity dogs.
The Poodle is known to be a playful, lively and loving dog. They love to be around people, children included, and will thrive in an environment where they can play with you and join in the family fun. Although they may be shy at first, they will quickly become your loving little companion who will want to spend their day by your side and cuddle up with you on the couch at night. They do well in a number of different homes and are suitable for many different people.
Why Should I Get a Poodle Mix?
Poodle Mixes are constantly growing in popularity and it is is not difficult to see why. The Poodle has a wonderful temperament, and when this is crossed with other breeds, breeders can cherrypick the most desired traits to create the ultimate dog.
One of the main reasons Poodle crosses are so popular is because they normally inherit the Poodle’s coat which is hypoallergenic. This means that these designer dogs are great for those with allergies and they are much less likely to shed.
Crossbred dogs also often have fewer health issues than many other breeds, so Poodle Mixes can be desirable for this reason. Even better, because there are three different sizes of Poodles, tiny dogs can be created from Miniature and Toy Poodles. These are perfect for those with limited space and are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their celebrity status.
While Poodle Mixes are not recognized by the AKC and do normally not have breed standards, lets take a look at some of the most popular mixes in more detail below.
The Most Popular Poodle Mixes
Bidoodle (Poodle and Bichon Frise)
The Bidoodle is created by crossbreeding the Poodle with the Bichon Frise. One of the most affectionate and friendly breeds out there, they will love to cuddle up with you at all hours of the day! They do not have high exercise needs or high food needs, so this is a great dog for first time owners. Their intelligence also makes them very easy to train.
The Bidoodle makes an excellent family dog. They are friendly and playful, making a great playmate for children (and adults!). Due to their affection and love they have to give, they are excellent around the elderly, too. They are also very loyal, which is always a bonus. The Bidoodle gets on well with other animals and won’t have a problem if you have other pets at home, both canines and felines.
Due to their small size, the Bichon Poodle is a good pet for those who live in smaller houses or apartments. Because they don’t have a lot of exercise needs either, they also don’t need a large yard to run around in. Just make sure you take them out for a walk every day!
Aussiedoodle (Poodle and Australian Shepherd)
The Aussiedoodle, sometimes known as the Aussiepoo, is a relatively new hybrid breed and is the result of crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle. Normally, the Aussiedoodle weighs between 25 and 70 pounds and stands between 14 and 25 inches tall.
Excellent family dogs, an Aussiedoodle is loving and friendly. They are also very intelligent dogs which can make for good trainability but can also produce quite a headstrong dog, so you’ll have to watch out!
The Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix needs lots of love and attention and you must make sure you are able to dedicate this to them. If they get bored or feel as if they are not being given enough affection, they may well begin to show signs of destructive behaviors. This can be helped with training.
Unfortunately, the Aussiepoo can be known to have quite a bark, so they may not be the right pet for you if you live in a small apartment or have neighbors very close by. They also have high exercise needs and you must make sure you can dedicate enough time to them to keep them both physically and mentally stimulated. Due to their high activity level, they are also not suited to city life and need large open spaces, preferably in the country.
Goldendoodle (Poodle and Golden Retriever)
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. A cross breed of two of the most popular dogs in the United States, it’s no wonder the Goldendoodle is one of the most sought-after mixes. It is often described as an oversized teddy bear. Super soft and cuddly, these pups are large dogs and, on average, a standard sized Goldendoodle is between 22 and 26 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 100lbs. There’s also the much smaller mini goldendoodle which is around 15 to 30 pounds.
The Goldendoodle is a friendly and loving dog that gets on with everyone. An excellent family dog, the Goldendoodle just wants to spend time with you and give you love! These pups do not have any kind of an aggressive streak in their body and will happily curl up next to anyone for a cuddle.
Goldendoodles are very patient and loyal, which is what makes them great working dogs, such as guide dogs. Their intelligence means they are easy to train and their friendliness puts you right at ease. They are also known for being playful and active, loving to chase a frisbee in the park, and love to be outside with you.
Cavapoo (Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
The Cavapoo, often known as the Cavoodle or Cavadoodle, is the result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. They were bred to be a companion dog and perfect for those with allergies because of their low shedding coat. This crossbreed is known for being friendly and sociable, making them excellent family pets.
The popularity of the Cavapoo has soared recently and this is all down to their sweet nature. Gentle and cute, this is the perfect dog to have in the home with children. They will happily curl up next to you on the couch, but they will also happily spend time running and playing! They’re also very intelligent, making them highly trainable.
Cavapoos are very adaptable dogs and can live in many different situations. This includes a small apartment or a big house! As long as they get lots of attention from you and get their exercise every day, these pups will be content. Unfortunately, because these pups will bond to you and will not want to leave your side, they can experience some separation anxiety when left alone and so socialization is very important.
Havapoo (Poodle and Havanese)
The Havapoo, also known as the Havadoodle or the Havanoodle, is the result of crossing a Poodle and a Havanese. These Toy sized pups are an affectionate breed, with lots of energy and a playful nature. The small size of these dogs also makes them the perfect companion for those who live in an apartment or do not have the space for a large dog but still want a trusty friend by their side.
Loving and friendly, these dogs just want to be around people and to show them affection! Suited to everyone, the Havapoo will just want to spend their days by your side. Unfortunately, because they love people so much, they don’t like to be left alone. Leaving them alone can result in separation anxiety, so this is something to think about if you are often out for hours at a time.
Their love of people also means the Havapoo isn’t a good watchdog. They would much rather show a stranger love and affection rather than being aggressive with them. This energetic pup does require a fair bit of exercise, especially due to their Poodle parent’s working history, but they also love to play games and have fun with their owners.
After a day of playing, the Havapoo will also love to curl up next to you and relax. A true lapdog, these pups have an excellent nature that you can’t not fall in love with!
Labradoodle (Poodle and Labrador Retriever)
The Labradoodle, bred by crossing the Poodle with the ever popular Labrador Retriever, is a smart, loving and playful dog that inherits desirable traits from both parent breeds. Bred to be companion dogs, these pups certainly live up to it and love to be around people. They love to please their owners too, which makes them easy to train and fun to learn tricks with!
Their intelligence means that they make excellent service dogs, especially guide dogs and therapy dogs, and they are highly intuitive, too. Their friendly personality means they will want to spend time with you and they are extremely sociable. They will love a trip to the store or a walk in the park where they can socialize with other people and dogs.
A great family pet, the Labradoodle gets on with everyone and just wants to love you! Their playful and active nature means they get on especially well with children and can make the perfect playmate.
However, due to their high energy levels, they do need space to run around, so a back yard is often preferable. They will especially love to play with you so you will have to make sure you have time to put aside to spend with your Labradoodle before you buy.
Peekapoo (Poodle and Pekingese)
The Peekapoo is a designer cross breed that is the result of breeding a Pekingese with a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle. Also known as a Pekepoo, Peke-A-Poo, Pekingese Poodle Mix, Peke a Poo and Pekapoo, this little dog is one of the oldest mixed breeds and is known for being friendly and affectionate and easy to train.
Like the Poodle, the Peekapoo will love to be around their owners and are gentle and affectionate. However, they also often inherit the guarding behavior from the Pekingese and will be alert and watchful, often barking if they feel something is out of place. Again, like the Poodle, they will suffer from separation anxiety if away from you for too long and are known for being extremely loyal.
These dogs do best in adult only homes and don’t really tolerate children. They also need to be socialized around other pets as they can become quite territorial.
The Peekapoo loves to exercise and needs around 60 minutes a day. Unfortunately, the Peekapoo can be prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome thanks to their Pekingese parent. This is a condition that is normally seen in dogs who have a short and flattened head and face. It can lead to breathing issues and loss of breath if they are overexerted when exercised. To help prevent this from happening, try to walk them at night if you live in a hot climate.
Maltipoo (Poodle and Maltese)
The adorable Maltipoo dog breed is a result of crossing a Maltese and a Toy Poodle. These playful and intelligent dogs are an excellent family dog and the perfect companion, also making them great for couples, individuals and seniors who live on their own. These pups are also low maintenance and can also suit those who have never owned a dog before.
The Maltipoo remains very puppy-like in their appearance even as they age, and their tiny size makes them perfect for taking everywhere you go! The Maltese Poodle is a true companion dog who loves to be around people and thrives on human attention. They are very loyal to their owners and will care for you as much as you care for them. That being said, they love all people they meet and will want to be friends with everyone!
However, because they love attention and being by your side, they won’t do well when they are denied this attention or when they are not with you. You shouldn’t leave them alone for long periods of time because they will begin to exhibit destructive behaviors out of frustration. Fortunately, separation anxiety can be helped with socialization from a young age.
The Maltipoo is also a playful dog. Although they do not have a high activity level, they are very intelligent and require mental stimulation. They will love to play with you and have known to be mischievous from time to time!
Bernedoodle (Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog)
The Bernedoodle is a relatively new hybrid that was created when a Bernese Mountain Dog was crossed with a Poodle. Like many Doodle dogs on this list, this pup is known for being a clever and loyal yet goofy dog that makes a great family pet for all different types of homes.
The Bernedoodle comes in three different sizes — Standard, Tiny (Toy) and Mini Bernedoodle — so you can be sure to find one the right size for your lifestyle. With their fun and positive nature, this dog was bred to inherit the best qualities from each of it’s parents and this is what makes it such a fantastic doggie to have around.
Bernedoodles love to be around people and thrive in a busy household. They are especially good with children and are gentle with babies and toddlers, but also know how to play with older kids. Unfortunately, the Bernedoodle doesn’t like to be left alone and will exhibit destructive behaviors if they are.
These dogs has relatively high exercise needs, especially as both it’s parent breeds are historic workers. For this reason, the Bernedoodle suits an active home where then can get lots of exercise in.
The Bernedoodle can inherit a stubborn and headstrong trait from their Berner parent which can make training a little difficult. They can also become protective of their family and be cautious of strangers. The Poodle parent can also pass down a hyperactivity trait, so it is important to find a reputable Bernedoodle breeder.
Shih Poo (Poodle and Shih Tzu)
The Shih Poo is the result of breeding a Poodle and a Shih Tzu. On average, a Shih Poo weighs in at 8 to 18 pounds and ranges in height from 8 to 18 inches. However, as Poodle and Shih Tzu sizes can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih Poo will also vary, depending on which size their parent breeds are.
A Shih Poo is normally friendly and playful and, with moderate energy levels, would be very happy napping in your lap for a few hours. They love attention and interaction with you and, although they are known to be easy to train, don’t expect them to want to learn tricks!
They can be quite vocal dogs, although not as vocal as their Poodle parent. They are most likely to bark if they are frustrated at something, so it is important to train them from an early age to ensure they do not exhibit unwanted behaviors later on in life.
A Shih Poo can make a great family dog when given supportive and positive training (and lots of attention), but they are also adaptable and may be suited to the quiet life too. This means they can be a great pup for single individuals who are retired and want a cuddly companion dog to curl up with! They do well in different living environments, including big houses, small houses and apartments. It is worth noting that they shouldn’t live with very young children because they are a small pup and may end up getting hurt.
Sheepadoodle (Poodle and Old English Sheepdog)
A Sheepadoodle is a cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. This breed is very popular because of their obedient, friendly and loving temperament.
Because they are so friendly and sociable, they make excellent family pets. They get on very well with children and other pets and can be the perfect playmate. However, this, along with their intelligence, can also cause destructive behavior if they are bored or do not get enough mental stimulation. They do not really like to be left alone and would prefer to be with you all day long!
Fortunately, the Sheepadoodle is an easy dog to train, so training any unwanted behaviors out of them should be easy. These dogs need to be kept exercised and will enjoy around 60 minutes of walkies before they decide they have had enough. Thanks to their intelligence, however, you should play some brain games and puzzles with them to keep them entertained.
The Sheepadoodle is very similar to the Poodle in terms of size and weight. They can stand between 15 and 22 inches in height and weigh between 45 to 70 lbs in weight, with males normally larger than females.
Cockapoo (Poodle and Cocker Spaniel)
The Cockapoo is the result of crossing a Cocker Spaniel with a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle. The Cockapoo is another of the most popular hybrid dogs out there, with owners loving the combination of the Cocker Spaniels’s personality and energy with the non-shedding coat of the Poodle.
This small to medium sized dog is very active and loves to be outside. They make an excellent running or hiking partner and also loving swimming and playing games with you such as “fetch”. Really, they just want to please you and be around you, so wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, they’ll be happy to follow and join in!
These dogs also friendly and caring, and will like just as much as exercising to curl up on your lap and to watch TV with you! They love attention and people and can be known to be very social dogs with children, pets and even other strangers. The Cockapoo is an observant dog and will bark to warn you if something is out of place. They’ll also bark if they are bored, so it is a good idea to keep them entertained and stimulated mentally so they don’t do this!
Because of their hunting heritage from their parent breeds, the Cockapoo can still retain this trait so you will need to be careful when out and about. Proper training and socialization can fix this, and it can also help with unwanted or aggressive behaviors that the Cockapoo is sometimes known to develop if not socialized properly at a young age.
Yorkipoo (Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier)
The Yorkipoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier and is one of the most common Toy mixes. They can be a little difficult for first time dog owners as they can be quite stubborn, but their sociali tendencies and intelligence means they are a good match with families.
While they are great for families, the Yorkipoo can be a little standoffish with other dogs. They will continued socialization with other canines so they learn how to play with them properly. The same goes with children — often children can be rough with dogs and due to the Yorkipoo’s size this can be dangerous for them.
This Yorkipoo loves to play and is a very active dog. They will particularly like to accompany you on hikes and runs and want to join in all the fun with the family. The Yorkie has a high prey drive and this can sometimes be passed down to the Yorkipoo. Training them properly and ensuring they don’t run off while you are outside is very important!
Whoodle (Poodle and Wheaten Terrier)
The Whoodle, which is the result of crossing a Poodle with a Wheaten Terrier, is a medium sized dog that looks like a teddy bear. These pups are probably one of the least common Poodle Mixes, yet are excellent in many families, as well as being great for couples and individuals.
Because these dogs are so rare, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact traits of the Whoodle. They are dependable and very intelligent, loving to please their owners by working hard. They get on well with children and are very friendly and energetic.
However, they don’t really get on with other pets. Because of their natural chasing instinct that was encouraged when they originated in Ireland as farm dogs, they can see smaller pets as a threat. This can be fixed with socialization from a very young age, however.
Airedoodle (Poodle and Airedale Terrier)
The Airedoodle was first bred as an alternative to the Labradoodle and these dogs are very easy going and a relaxed pup. This means they are the perfect family pet because they are clam around children and other animals.
However, these dogs also normally have a lot of energy and love to be outside! They enjoy exercising, including walking, running and swimming and so will be best suited to an active owner or an active family where they can join in on playing games and having fun.
The Airedoodle doesn’t really like to be left alone and, while they can be left alone for short periods of time, any longer and they will begin to exhibit destructive behaviors and cause mischief! Therefore, this breed requires a lot of training and it is recommended that you start socializing them from a young age.
Because of their hypoallergenic coat and the fact that they don’t shed much, these pups are perfect for those who have allergies or don’t want to have to clean up lots of dog fur.
Poogle (Poodle and Beagle)
Cross breeding a Beagle and a Poodle gives one of the most distinct crossbreeds — a Poogle. Also known as a Beagapoo, Beapoo, Beadoodle or even Beaglepoo, these pups are growing in popularity and their fluffy, curly coat of their Poodle parent means they stand out from the crowd. The Poogle can vary in size depending on which size of Poodle the Beagle is bred with, although breeding with a Standard Poodle will normally give a medium sized Poogle.
These dogs are very intelligent which makes them easy to train and a great first pet. They also want to please their owners and crave human interaction, so you’ll have to make sure you have time to spend with this dog before you buy. They get on very well with children and can make excellent playmates, ensuring they are a well-valued family dog.
Poogles are very active pups and need to spend a lot of time exercising. You will need to train them properly to respond to their name before you let the off the leash, however, because they can often take after their Beagle parent and want to follow a scent!
Chi-Poo (Poodle and Chihuahua)
The Chi-Poo is a cross between two very popular breeds — the Chihuahua and the Toy Poodle! These dogs are extremely friendly and loving and they’re also easy to take care of, mostly thanks to the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat that is passed onto the Chi-Poo.
While these toy dogs are very sociable pets and like to be around you, they don’t mind being left alone either so are great for those with busy lifestyles who don’t have time to be home all the time or can’t take their dog to work with them. That being said, they often bond very strongly to one of their owners and won’t like it if your attention is elsewhere! Therefore, you will need to socialize them properly from a young age.
The Chi-Poo is an active dog that needs lots of playtime and training everyday. They need to be kept constantly stimulated so they don’t begin to exhibit destructive behaviors around the home. They can also be quite vocal when they are not entertained, so make sure you give them lots of toys and have enough time to give them love and attention.
Summary
As you can see, there are so many Poodle Mixes to choose from! Whether you are looking for a laid-back and relaxed family dog or a playful pup that’ll keep you on your toes, you will be sure to find the perfect doggie in one of these Poodle Mixes. With mostly hypoallergenic coats and a love of people, these Poodle Mix dogs can make a great addition to a household. Which one do you think is right for you?