Doodles, with their playful spirit and irresistible charm, have skyrocketed in popularity, becoming the canine rockstars of the dog park! But there's soooo much more to these adorable pups than meets the eye.
Doodles are a mix of Poodles and some other dog breeds. Doodles have stolen hearts with their affectionate nature and, for many, the promise of a hypoallergenic companion. But not all Doodles fit that description.
As Isa-May Pellerin, a certified animal health technician, explains, “Doodles are wild cards.” You never know exactly what you’ll get due to their mix of genetics. They can inherit any trait from either parent.
With a surprising number of Doodle breeds, each boasting unique traits and needs, choosing the perfect pup requires a deeper look into this designer dog category.
The Origin of Doodle Breeds
In the late 1980s, an Australian breeder named Wally Conran created the Labradoodle by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. Initially bred as hypoallergenic guide dogs, Labradoodles gained popularity as companion dogs due to their friendly and trainable nature.
The success in popularity of Labradoodles led to the emergence of other Doodle breeds, created by crossing Poodles with other breeds.
20 Popular Doodle Breeds
Here's a closer look at some of the most popular Doodle breeds, including an approximation body composition based on their parent breeds.
But remember, because Doodles can inherit any trait from either parent, their weight, height, temperament, and coat type may vary widely - even within the same litter!
1. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a delightful crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They are intelligent, eager to please, and playful, making them a popular choice for families.
Weight: 45-65 pounds
Height: 21-24 inches
Coat Color: Black, cream, chocolate, gold, parti (combination of two or more colors)
Coat Texture: Wavy, curly, fleece
Personality: Friendly, intelligent, energetic, eager to please
2. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They’re best known for their sunny personalities and (often) non-shedding coats. Their playful personalities and intelligence allow them to excel at obedience training and make great family dogs.
Weight: 15-30 pounds
Height: 14-18 inches
Coat Color: Black, brown, gold, red, parti (combination of two or more colors)
Coat Texture: Wavy, curly
Personality: Playful, energetic, intelligent, affectionate
3. Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles combine the Australian Shepherd's intelligence with the Poodle's non-shedding coat. These dogs tend to be active and loyal companions.
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Height: 16-23 inches
Coat Color: Black, merle (marbled pattern), red, parti (combination of two or more colors)
Coat Texture: Wavy, curly
Personality: Intelligent, energetic, loyal, playful
4. Sheepadoodle
This newer mix breed combines an Old English Sheepdog with a Poodle. This breed is typically gentle with a fluffy coat and a laid-back personality.
Weight: 60-85 pounds
Height: 20-24 inches
Coat Color: Black and white, gray and white
Coat Texture: Long, curly, shaggy
Personality: Gentle, loyal, playful, adaptable
5. Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle combines the intelligence of the Poodle with the friendly and majestic qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog. These gentle giants are known for their loyalty and love for cuddles.
Weight: 70-90 pounds
Height: 23-29 inches
Coat Color: Black, white, brown (tri-color pattern is common)
Coat Texture: Wavy, curly
Personality: Gentle, loyal, intelligent, affectionate
6. Cavapoo
Despite not having the word “doodle” in their name, this breed is technically a doodle breed. It’s a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. These merry companions are known for their sweet personalities and very gentle nature.
Weight: 14-25 pounds
Height: 12-14 inches
Coat Color: Black and white, brown and white, tricolor
Coat Texture: Wavy, curly
Personality: Gentle, playful, affectionate, adaptable
7. Schnoodle
Schnoodles vary even more than your average doodle, as they come in several different sizes depending on the type of Schnauzer used in the breeding (Standard, Miniature, Giant Schnauzer). In general, they’re intelligent and loyal.
Weight: Varies depending on Schnauzer size (Standard: 45-75 lbs, Miniature: 15-35 lbs, Giant: 70-85 lbs)
Height: Varies depending on Schnauzer size (Standard: 17-20 inches, Miniature: 13-18 inches, Giant: 23-27.5 inches)
Coat Color: Black, salt & pepper, white
Coat Texture: Wiry, curly
Personality: Intelligent, loyal, playful, energetic
8. Shih-Poo
As you might guess, a Shih-Poo is a mixture between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. These pups often have impressive fur that can range from curly to silky. They’re often pretty laid back, though they often need plenty of mental stimulation.
Weight: 8-20 pounds
Height: 8-11 inches
Coat Color: Black, white, brown, parti (combination of two or more colors)
Coat Texture: Long, flowing, silky
Personality: Gentle, playful, affectionate, adaptable
9. Maltipoo
Maltipoos are a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle. These dogs tend to be very fluffy and are incredibly intelligent. They're often well-suited for apartment dwellers.
Weight: 4-10 pounds
Height: 8-14 inches
Coat Color: White, black, apricot, cream, parti (combination of two or more colors)
Coat Texture: Silky, curly
Personality: Playful, intelligent, affectionate, adaptable
10. Bichon Doodle
These easy going dogs are a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. Typically, they’re very playful and get along with just about anyone.
Weight: 15-25 pounds
Height: 11-15 inches
Coat Color: White, apricot, cream
Coat Texture: Curly, fluffy
Personality: Playful, affectionate, adaptable, cheerful
11. Yorkiepoo
Don’t let the Yorkiepoo's small size fool you! These dogs are actually very energetic and lively. They’re often called “personality dogs” due to their tendency to pack lots of personality into their small bodies.
Weight: 7-15 pounds
Height: 7-9 inches
Coat Color: Black and tan, gold, black and silver
Coat Texture: Silky, curly
Personality: Energetic, playful, affectionate, loyal
12. Whoodle
The Whoodle combines the intelligence of the Poodle and the athleticism of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. These energetic pups do best for active families, and they tend to be more work than most people expect.
Weight: 30-45 pounds
Height: 17-19 inches
Coat Color: Wheaten (light brown)
Coat Texture: Wavy, curly
Personality: Intelligent, loyal, energetic, playful
13. Irish Doodle
The Irish Doodle is a mix between an Irish Setter and a Poodle. These intelligent, athletic dogs are very friendly, but they can sometimes be a lot of work. They typically need plenty of exercise and entertainment.
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Height: 20-24 inches
Coat Color: Red, apricot, white (sometimes with a combination)
Coat Texture: Wavy, curly
Personality: Intelligent, energetic, friendly, playful
14. Double Doodles
A Double Doodle is a combination of a Doodle breed with a Poodle. This is called “backcrossing” and makes the resulting dog more like a Poodle than not. Often, these dogs tend to vary less than their mixed parent. Examples of this breed include Goldendoodle Poodle Mixes, which involves breeding a Goldendoodle with a Poodle.
15. Boxerdoodle
Boxerdoodles tend to be very playful and energetic like Boxer parents. These dogs can be a bit protective, so early socialization is important to ensure they grow into a well-adjusted adult.
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Height: 21-25 inches
Coat Color: Fawn, brindle, black
Coat Texture: Short, curly
Personality: Energetic, intelligent, loyal, playful
16. Saint Bernedoodle
These gentle giants are a mix between a Saint Bernard and a Poodle. They’re best known for their impressive size but are also very laid back.
Weight: 130-180 pounds
Height: 26-30 inches
Coat Color: Brindle, white, red and white
Coat Texture: Long, wavy
Personality: Gentle, loyal, calm, affectionate
17. Pyredoodle
If you’re looking for a calmer dog, a Pyredoodle can be a solid option. They tend to be more laid back, but they’re also incredibly protective! Remember, the Great Pyrenees were bred to guard livestock, and this mixed breed can inherit those same instincts.
Weight: 100-150 pounds
Height: 23-28 inches
Coat Color: White, brindle
Coat Texture: Long, double coat
Personality: Gentle, loyal, calm, affectionate
18. Springador
These incredibly energetic dogs are rarer, as Springer Spaniels aren’t that common! They tend to love retrieving and are very intelligent. They excel in agility training and other activities, and they do best with an active family.
Weight: 40-55 pounds
Height: 20-24 inches
Coat Color: Black and white, liver and white
Coat Texture: Wavy, medium-length
Personality: Energetic, intelligent, playful, eager to please
19. Flat-coated Retriever Doodle
Both Flat-coated Retrievers and Poodles are incredibly active, so their puppies tend to do the same. They excel in sports and any sort of activity! If you aren’t active, though, these dogs can be a lot to handle! If you choose this breed, ensure you have dog wipes around, as they tend to get messy!
Weight: 60-80 pounds
Height: 22-24 inches
Coat Color: Black, liver
Coat Texture: Wavy, flat
Personality: Energetic, intelligent, playful, eager to please
20. Pomapoo
Pomapoos are little balls of fluff. They’re very people-oriented like Pomeranians, so expect plenty of affection. They do require a lot of attention, though, making them sometimes prone to separation anxiety.
Weight: 7-12 pounds
Height: 8-11 inches
Coat Color: Orange, black, white, cream, parti (combination of two or more colors)
Coat Texture: Thick, double coat (may vary depending on Poodle influence)
Personality: Playful, loyal, alert, adaptable
Choosing the Right Doodle Breed for Your Lifestyle
Before you dive headfirst into a doodle breed, it’s important to select the right Doodle for you-dle!
Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Selecting a quality breeder or adopting a Doodle is essential to ensure ethical breeding.
Caring for Your Doodle
Once you’re the proud owner of a Doodle, you have to start taking care of them! But fear not; it’s often more straightforward than you think.
Common Health Concerns in Doodle Breeds
Mixed breeds are often healthier than purebred dogs due to hybrid vigor. Simply put, these dogs inherit more genes from their diverse parents, so they are less inbred. They’re much less likely to inherit recessive health issues that can cause purebred dogs problems.
That said, regular vet care is a must for every dog, and Doodles are no exception. They can be prone to certain health concerns, so early detection is key.
Isa-May explains that it’s hard to determine exactly what health problems you should watch out for, as these dogs vary so much! Your Doodle can have any health problem that “affects Poodles and the other parent breed.”
Oodles of Doodles!
There are tons of Doodle breeds out there, each boasting a unique blend of physical appearance and temperament. With so many Doodle breeds to consider, careful research is key to finding the right dog for you.
Knowing the needs of the Doodle breed you choose is important to ensure you can care for them properly. Some dogs require more grooming, while others may need lots of exercise. For the dog’s well-being, caring for all their needs is essential.
For quick clean-ups and freshening between baths, trust Earth Rated's textured grooming wipes for your Doodle.
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