Ever wondered why poodle mixes are taking the dog world by storm? These curly-haired hybrids combine the poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat with traits from other breeds.
While many poodle crosses make fantastic family pets, not all designer poodle combinations are created equal. Let’s explore which poodle mixes might steal your heart and which ones might be better admired from afar.
1. Goldendoodle
Golden Retrievers and Poodles create magic when combined! Friendly and whip-smart, these fluffy companions inherit the best traits from both parents.
Most Goldendoodles love water, children, and basically everyone they meet. Their gentle temperament makes them ideal therapy dogs, while their trainability means they excel at various activities.
2. Labradoodle
Bursting with energy and loyalty, Labradoodles combine the Labrador’s enthusiasm with the Poodle’s brainpower. They thrive when given jobs to do!
Originally bred as service dogs in Australia, these athletic pooches need daily exercise and mental challenges. Perfect for hikers, runners, and active families, they’ll happily join every outdoor adventure you plan.
3. Bernedoodle
Mountain-sized love comes in a fluffy package with these Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle crosses. They’re known for their calm, affectionate nature and striking tricolor coats.
Despite their impressive size, Bernedoodles are incredibly gentle with children. They prefer lounging by your feet over intense exercise, making them perfect apartment companions if you don’t mind the space they occupy.
4. Maltipoo
Small enough to fit in a purse but packed with personality! Maltese-Poodle mixes captivate everyone they meet with their button eyes and silky coats.
Weighing under 10 pounds, these little comedians thrive on attention and make excellent companions for seniors or apartment dwellers. Their playful antics and cuddle-bug nature ensure you’re never without entertainment or warmth in your lap.
5. Cockapoo
Before designer dogs were trendy, the Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix pioneered the movement in the 1960s. These merry little dogs combine the Cocker’s sweet expression with the Poodle’s bounce.
Famously adaptable, Cockapoos adjust to almost any living situation with their easygoing attitude. Their moderate exercise needs and devoted nature make them wonderful first-time dogs for families wanting affection without overwhelming energy.
6. Yorkipoo
Fancy a dog with attitude? Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle mixes pack big personalities into tiny bodies! These sassy little companions typically weigh between 4-15 pounds.
Yorkipoos inherit the Yorkie’s confidence and the Poodle’s intelligence. City dwellers adore them for their minimal space requirements and adaptability to urban living. Just don’t tell them they’re small – they consider themselves mighty!
7. Sheepadoodle
Imagine a giant panda-looking dog with boundless energy! Old English Sheepdog and Poodle crosses blend herding instincts with hypoallergenic coats in a striking black and white package.
Naturally protective of their families, these dogs form deep bonds with children. Their playful nature persists well into adulthood, but beware – they need substantial exercise and regular grooming to prevent their magnificent coats from becoming a matted mess.
8. Schnoodle
Alert and spunky, Schnauzer-Poodle mixes deliver personality in spades! Their expressive eyebrows and beards give them a distinguished look that matches their spirited temperament.
Natural watchdogs, Schnoodles will announce every squirrel, delivery person, and falling leaf with enthusiasm. Their moderate size fits most living situations, while their intelligence makes training a joy rather than a chore—though they can be stubborn!
9. Cavapoo
Few dogs match the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle mix for pure devotion. With their soulful eyes and silky ears, these dogs specialize in melting hearts at first glance.
Bred specifically for companionship, Cavapoos thrive on human contact and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. Perfect for work-from-home folks or families where someone is usually around to receive their endless supply of cuddles and kisses.
10. Aussiedoodle
Australian Shepherd-Poodle crosses aren’t for the faint-hearted! These brainy bundles of energy need jobs, challenges, and plenty of exercise to prevent boredom-induced mischief.
Expect a dog that can master complex tricks in minutes but might reorganize your closet if understimulated. While beautiful and athletic, Aussiedoodles demand experienced owners who understand that intelligence without direction becomes troublemaking genius.
11. Doberdoodle
Combining the intense Doberman with the playful Poodle creates unpredictable results. These dogs often struggle with conflicting instincts – the Doberman’s guarding nature versus the Poodle’s social butterfly tendencies.
Training challenges arise from inheriting opposing traits, making consistent behavior difficult to establish. While striking in appearance, these mixes frequently experience anxiety from their contradictory heritage, requiring owners with significant behavioral training experience.
12. Great Danoodle
Massive size meets high intelligence in this impractical mix. Great Dane-Poodle crosses can reach 100+ pounds while inheriting the Poodle’s need for mental stimulation and exercise.
Their enormous bodies require space most apartments can’t provide, while their energy levels demand more than quick potty breaks. Health concerns plague these gentle giants, with shortened lifespans and expensive medical issues making them heartbreaking investments for unprepared owners.
13. Boxerdoodle
Boxer energy combined with Poodle smarts creates a whirlwind on four legs! These muscular mixes bounce off walls without proper exercise – literally.
Their strength makes them challenging for children or elderly owners to handle on leash. While loving and loyal, Boxerdoodles require serious physical outlets daily, making them poor matches for casual dog owners seeking a relaxed companion. Without proper training, furniture jumping becomes their favorite sport.
14. Chow-Poo
Oil and water sometimes don’t mix well! The Chow Chow’s independent, aloof nature clashes with the Poodle’s people-pleasing tendencies, creating confusion for both dog and owner.
These mixes often exhibit unpredictable behavior, sometimes craving attention and other times rejecting it entirely. Their thick double coats require extensive grooming despite often disliking handling. Training remains challenging as they inherit the Chow’s stubborn streak alongside complex grooming needs.