Doodle dogs, a delightful blend of Poodle and another breed, have surged in popularity in recent years. These mixed-breed dogs, also known as Poodle mixes or designer dogs, inherit traits from both parents, resulting in a unique combination of characteristics. The size of a doodle dog often depends on the type of Poodle parent – Standard, Miniature, or Toy – involved in the cross.
Due to the lack of a standardized breed definition, each doodle dog boasts a distinct appearance, temperament, and set of care requirements. This variability underscores the importance of choosing a responsible breeder who prioritizes the well-being and health of their dogs. While each dog is an individual, like humans, certain general characteristics can be associated with different doodle dog breeds, providing potential owners with a glimpse of what to expect.
Understanding the Doodle Dog Phenomenon
The doodle dog trend began with the Labradoodle, a Labrador Retriever-Poodle mix, and quickly expanded to include a wide array of breeds. The appeal of doodle dogs lies in their often hypoallergenic coats (though not always guaranteed), intelligence, and affectionate nature. However, it’s crucial to remember that “doodle” isn’t a breed itself, but rather a general term for a Poodle mix.
Popular Doodle Dog Breeds
Let’s explore some of the most beloved doodle dog breeds:
1. Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever-Poodle Mix)
The original doodle, the Labradoodle, remains a popular choice. These intelligent and athletic dogs were initially bred as service dogs. Their smarts come from both the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, both highly intelligent breeds.
- Weight: 50–70 pounds (Standard; smaller with a Miniature Poodle parent)
- Height: 20–25 inches (Standard; smaller with a Miniature Poodle parent)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Common coat colors: Brown, red, yellow, cream, black, white
- Coat texture: Curly, medium to long
- Personality: Intelligent, friendly, outgoing, playful
2. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever-Poodle Mix)
Following the Labradoodle’s success, the Goldendoodle gained popularity in the 1990s. This mix combines the athleticism, intelligence, and obedience of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
- Weight: 50–90 pounds (Standard)
- Height: 20–24 inches (Standard)
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Common coat colors: Brown, red, gold, cream, black, white
- Coat texture: Curly, medium to long
- Personality: Friendly, smart, gentle, playful
3. Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle Mix)
Bernedoodles are often large, fluffy companions. While both parent breeds were historically working dogs, Bernedoodles are equally content cuddling on the couch. They are also highly trainable due to their intelligence.
- Weight: 60–100 pounds (Standard)
- Height: Up to 29 inches (Standard)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years (Standard)
- Common coat colors: Brown, black, white
- Coat texture: Curly, long
- Personality: Playful, friendly, outgoing, gentle
4. Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle Mix)
Cavapoos are known as great family dogs, often inheriting the low-shedding coat and intelligence of the Poodle and the affectionate nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are often calm and used as therapy animals.
- Weight: 8–25 pounds
- Height: 9–14 inches
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Common coat colors: Black, gray, red, brown, cream, white
- Coat texture: Curly, medium to long
- Personality: Outgoing, playful, curious, gentle
5. Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd-Poodle Mix)
The Aussiedoodle is a high-energy mix of the Australian Shepherd and Poodle. They are loved for their goofy and affectionate personalities but require ample exercise to stay mentally stimulated.
- Weight: Up to 70 pounds (Standard)
- Height: About 25 inches (Standard)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Common coat colors: Black, red, brown, white, cream, gray, tan, merle
- Coat texture: Wavy, curly, medium
- Personality: Loyal, smart, energetic, active
6. Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog-Poodle Mix)
Sheepadoodles are a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle. These playful and carefree dogs make popular family pets. However, they require significant grooming, including daily brushing and professional grooming sessions.
- Weight: 65–85 pounds
- Height: 16–22 inches
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Coat colors: Black, white, gray
- Coat texture: Curly, medium
- Personality: Active, friendly, playful, smart
7. Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle Mix)
Yorkiepoos are small doodle breeds, a mix of Yorkshire Terrier and Toy or Miniature Poodle. They are loved for their affectionate, gentle nature and small size, making them suitable for apartment living.
- Weight: 3–15 pounds
- Height: 7–15 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Coat colors: Brown, cream, black, gray, blue, gold
- Coat texture: Wiry, curly
- Personality: Intelligent, affectionate, gentle, outgoing
8. Schnoodle (Schnauzer-Poodle Mix)
Schnoodles vary widely in size depending on the size of the parent breeds (Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles; Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers). Regardless of size, Schnoodles are typically smart, active, and friendly with proper socialization.
- Weight: 5–70 pounds
- Height: 10–26 inches
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
- Common coat colors: Brown, red, yellow, cream, black, gray, white
- Coat texture: Curly, medium
- Personality: Smart, active, friendly, gentle
9. Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix)
Shih-Poos are small, adorable dogs bred from Toy Poodles and Shih Tzus. They are playful, friendly, and affectionate. Due to their small size, they require careful supervision around children. Both parent breeds are known for long lifespans, so expect a Shih-Poo to be a long-term companion.
- Weight: 8–15 pounds
- Height: About 10 inches
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
- Common coat colors: Brown, yellow, black, cream, white, gray
- Coat texture: Curly, short
- Personality: Affectionate, cuddly, friendly, intelligent
10. Boxerdoodle (Boxer-Poodle)
Boxerdoodles are a less common mix known for being playful, friendly, and active. They need plenty of exercise and thrive with a fenced yard. Well-socialized Boxerdoodles can be great with children. Their size varies depending on the Poodle parent (Standard or Miniature).
- Weight: 12–70 pounds
- Height: 10–25 inches
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Common coat colors: Black, gray, red, blue, cream, white, yellow, brown
- Coat texture: Curly, short to medium
- Personality: Intelligent, active, friendly, playful
11. Irish Doodle (Irish Setter-Poodle Mix)
The Irish Doodle, also called Irish Doodle Setter, Irishpoo Setter, Irish Setterdoodle, or Irish Setterpoo, excels as a hunter and retriever, inheriting traits from both the Standard Poodle and Irish Setter. They are typically good with children and other pets. They need mental and physical stimulation to prevent undesirable behaviors.
- Weight: 40–70 pounds
- Height: 22–26 inches
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Common coat colors: Cream, brown, black, blue, silver, gray, red
- Coat texture: Wavy, dense, long
- Personality: Intelligent, energetic, easy to train, friendly
12. Whoodle (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier-Poodle Mix)
Whoodles are smart and friendly with silky-smooth fur, thanks to their Poodle and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier parents. They are active companions known for being loving, loyal, and goofy.
- Weight: 20–45 pounds
- Height: 14–20 inches
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Common coat colors: Black, gray, red, cream, white, yellow
- Coat texture: Curly
- Personality: Smart, friendly, outgoing, playful
13. Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel-Poodle Mix)
Cockapoos, a mix of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, are versatile dogs happy to hunt or snuggle. They require regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to prevent tangles.
- Weight: 15–22 pounds
- Height: 10–18 inches
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Common coat colors: Cream, white, chocolate, red
- Coat texture: Wavy to curly
- Personality: Smart, friendly, curious, eager to please, outgoing
14. Shepadoodle (German Shepherd-Poodle Mix)
Shepadoodles are large, intelligent, and hard-working dogs bred from Standard Poodles and German Shepherds. They thrive in active families that prioritize exercise and training.
- Weight: 40–90 pounds
- Height: 22–28 inches
- Lifespan: 10–14 years
- Common coat colors: Brown, black
- Coat texture: Straight to curly
- Personality: Energetic, intelligent, active, athletic, playful
15. Maltipoo (Maltese-Poodle Mix)
At just 10–20 pounds, Maltipoos are small, friendly dogs. Their small size and outgoing temperament make them great for apartment dwellers, families, singles, and seniors.
- Weight: 10–20 pounds
- Height: 8–14 inches
- Lifespan: 13–16 years
- Common coat colors: White, black, gray, cream, brown, gold
- Coat texture: Curly to wavy, silky
- Personality: Friendly, outgoing, gentle
A Maltipoo runs happily on a leash, showcasing its energetic and friendly personality.
16. Chipoo (Chihuahua-Poodle Mix)
A Chipoo is a mix of Chihuahua and a Toy or Miniature Poodle: a small dog with a big personality. They love to play, and their small size means they get enough exercise indoors or on short walks.
- Weight: 4–15 pounds
- Height: 5–15 inches
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
- Common coat colors: White, black, gray, brown, tan
- Coat texture: Straight to curly
- Personality: Active, sassy, playful, affectionate
Choosing the Right Doodle Dog
Doodle dogs offer a diverse range of sizes, temperaments, and care requirements. Researching different doodle breeds and understanding their specific needs is essential before bringing one into your home. Remember that responsible breeding practices play a crucial role in the health and well-being of these popular Poodle mixes. Understanding “What Is A Doodle Dog” is the first step in finding the perfect furry companion for your lifestyle.
