Doodle Breeds Guide: Which Doodle Is Right for You?

Doodles are part Poodle and part almost-any-dog-breed-you-can-think-of! Also called Doodle Dogs, these loveable mixed breed canines are some of the world’s favourite pets. The number of officially recognized Doodle breeds is more than 40, with the most popular mixes including the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle, and the Aussiedoodle.

Doodle breeds have some of the best traits of their Poodle relatives, including that soft, curly, low-shedding coat and a keen intelligence. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs in Germany, Poodles are athletic and easy to train thanks to their natural intelligence. Bred in Standard, Miniature and Toy versions, these dogs are long-lived and healthy—all great reasons why they are so favoured by breeders.

Since Poodles come in such a wide range of sizes, their mixed-breed, hypoallergenic puppies go from small to large, too. From the Mini Doodles to the oversized Newfypoo, Doodles come in all shapes, sizes, patterns, and personalities. Many characteristics of a Doodle Dog depend on the second part of their breeding. Often, breeders use Poodle mixes specifically to remove unideal qualities from other types of dogs.

Doodle Breeds Comparison Chart

Having trouble deciding which Doodle Dog is the right one for you? Our Doodle comparison chart compares different types of doodle breeds by size, temperament and other features to help you decide.

Chart of Doodle Types

The size, colours, patterns, breeding and location of a Doodle puppy will all affect the price of the dog. Most Doodles cost somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on these factors and how popular a certain mixture of features is at the moment. For more information, see our guide on the cost of a Doodle Dog.

Your Doodle Comparison Guide

1. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds. These dogs have a sweet and family-friendly temperament that’s great for kids and seniors as well as single owners. Golden-coloured like its first namesake, the Goldendoodle is one of the most popular mixed breeds and the top Doodle breed, alongside the Labradoodle.

Energetic and just a little smaller than their Golden Retriever relatives, the Goldendoodle’s genetics make it a medium-sized dog who grows to about 30 to 45 pounds in adulthood. These dogs live about 10-15 years, which is a good lifespan for the average canine.

2. Labradoodle

The result of cross breeding between a Labrador Retriever and—you guessed it, a Poodle!—the Labradoodle is a friendly and sweet combination of both types of dog.  Particularly popular in Australia as well as North America, Labradoodles usually have curly, light-coloured coats and gentle, shaggy faces. Notably great with kids and all family members, these dogs can vary quite a bit in size depending on the type of Poodle in its DNA. Weighing between 15 and 45 pounds as adults, the affectionate Labradoodle lives to an average of 15 years.

3. Aussiedoodle

Sociable, clever and playful, the Aussiedoodle is a mix between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. Available in all sizes, these dogs can weigh anywhere from 25 to 70 pounds fully grown—so check with your Aussiedoodle puppy’s family history to find out what size to expect. Energetic enough to play all day with kids and never tire, these dogs live up to about 13 years and love spending all that time with their families.  

4. Bernedoodle

The Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, and it looks like a smaller, fluffier version of the former. Though its genes come from hunting and working dogs, the Bernedoodle is 100 percent focused on companionship and fun.  These dogs weigh between 70 and 90 pounds when adults, and normally live between 12 and 18 years. A happy travel companion, the Bernedoodle is gentle and great for families.

5. Cockapoo

When you breed a Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle, you get the outgoing and energetic Cockapoo! Active, sociable and very loving, the Cockapoo grows up to 24 pounds and lives 13 to 18 years. Meeting people, learning games and being active are what make these dogs the happiest. Ideal for families and owners who have other pets, Cockapoos need some space to run around and would love a buddy to do that with. If provided with plenty of outside time, these dogs are flexible when it comes to apartment living.

6. Cavapoo

This mixed breed comes from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Standard Poodle. The Cavapoo is usually a small pup, but sometimes you’ll find medium-sized Cavapoos from certain breeders. These doggies love to entertain enthusiastic audiences, making them a great match for energetic and playful owners. Curious and affectionate, the Cavapoo is happy to meet new people and pets when properly socialised. They weigh about 9 to 25 pounds and live an average of 15 years.

 7. Maltipoo

A cross between the Maltese and the Toy or Miniature Poodle, Maltipoos are curly little dogs often said to resemble teddy bears. Very outgoing and always eager to play, these dogs love people as well as other dogs and pets. They make great additions to multi-pet households with active owners who will take them on car rides, camping trips, and even just to the park to sniff things and run around. Weighing up to 25 pounds fully grown, the loving and gentle Maltipoo lives about 13 years.

8. Sheepadoodle

When the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle are bred together, the Sheepadoodle appears! These dogs are clever, fun, patient and fun. Great for families, single owners, homes with kids, homes with other pets—or all of the above—Sheepadoodles can be reserved upon first meeting people but are quick to make friends. Often trained as guide dogs, Sheepadoodles can grow to be 60 to 80 pounds. These dogs live around 14 years or more.

9. Yorkipoo

A cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and a small Poodle, the Yorkipoo is a gentle, kind and confident dog. Friendly and happy to spend time with family and friends, these adorable dogs may be a bit more vocal than the average Doodle thanks to their Terrier heritage. Still, they are trainable and not considered yappy by any means. Weighing up to 15 pounds as adults, Yorkipoos live about 10 to 15 years.

10. Schnoodle

Bred from a Schnauzer and a Poodle, the Schnoodle is a dog as delightful as its name. These pups can weigh anything from 20 to 75 pounds since they may be Miniature, Standard or Large. Normally on the smaller end of the scale, Schnoodles are known as excellent therapy and lap dogs. They learn tricks eagerly and easily and will command the full attention of any group of people. Since this mixed breed is so varied, its life expectancy is anywhere from 10 to 18 years.

What is the Calmest Doodle Breed?

Though the Poodle is by no means an overly excitable dog, there are some Doodles who are especially calm and patient thanks to their second set of DNA heritage. Notoriously easygoing, calm dog breeds include the Golden Retriever, the Greyhound, and multiple types of Spaniel. 

In Doodle terms, that means your calmest canine companions are likely to be the Goldendoodle, the Cavapoo, and the Pootalian (a mix between Poodle and Italian Greyhound)!

Keep in mind that puppies are always high-energy and excitable, even if they are bred from the two calmest dogs in the world. If you need help understanding your new dog and are wondering when it will finally calm down, read our guide on surviving the first six months with a puppy.

Are All Doodles Hypoallergenic?

There is no dog that is 100% hypoallergenic. However, breeds that are low- or non-shedding release less dander and are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Poodles rarely ever shed. This trait tends to be carried to their offspring, making them less allergenic as well. Hence many doodle breeds are considered "hypoallergenic". 

However, some Doodle mixes are more allergy-friendly than others. If a Poodle is mixed with another low-shedding breed, such as Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, or Maltese, then the offspring is more likely to be "hypoallergenic". When Poodles are mixed with a higher-shedding breed such as a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, or American Eskimo, the offspring may be higher shedding. 

If your family has allergy or asthma sufferers, consider one of the following Doodle breeds that are best for allergy sufferers: 

• Shih-poo (Shih-tzu & Poodle)

• Schnoodle (Miniature Schnauzer & Poodle)

• Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier & Poodle)

• Westiepoo (West Highland White Terrier & Poodle)

• Maltipoo (Maltese & Poodle

Which Doodle is the Lowest Maintenance?

Dog breeds best known for being low maintenance include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Greyhound and Frenchie. Among Doodle Dogs, the Newfypoo (Newfoundland and Poodle), Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle), Goldendoodle, Cavapoo, and Great Danoodle (Great Dane and Poodle) are some of the easiest to care for.

Most Doodles are low maintenance in terms of fur, since they shed little and only need grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. The easygoing breeds listed in this section can also handle a few hours of alone time, when necessary, and they aren’t terribly prone to constant barking. Doodle Dogs are a great choice for first-time dog owners for all these reasons!

“Which Doodle is Right for Me?” Quiz

If you are unsure which puppy is the best one for you, consider our Dog Breed Quiz. In just a couple of quick clicks, we’ll show you the dog breeds that best match your lifestyle and home. You’ll also get matched with real puppies who are for sale right now, waiting for a forever home. Before you make your final decision on which dog to take home with you, ask yourself a couple of important questions:

• What is my living situation, and will it be that way for the foreseeable future?
• How big do I want my doodle to get? 
• Do I want a calm and laid-back dog, or a more excitable companion? 
• Do I want to be outside all the time with my dog, or just take routine walks?

When you find a dog you think fits the bill, don’t stop asking questions! Read our guide on what to ask when buying a puppy to make sure the dog you bring home is properly socialized, healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and ready for life in a brand-new family.

Keep in mind that the right Doodle for you is, first and foremost, a healthy and happy one who comes from a reputable breeder. Good breeders are people who put the needs of their dogs first, no matter what the cost in terms of time and money. You can be certain that at Mawoo, we only deal with the best in the business and make it easy for you to buy a puppy safely online. Finally, if you need financing to buy a puppy, chat with a Mawoo advisors today to get the help you need. We are here to help you find and bring home the perfect puppy!

FAQs

What Makes a Dog a Doodle? 

Doodle breeds are a popular group of dogs that are a mix of a Poodle (standard, miniature, or toy) with another breed. These hybrid dogs are known for their family-friendly personalities and curly, hypoallergenic coats.

Do You Have a Doodle Type Chart Available?

Yes, we have a chart at the top of this article that shows the different types of doodles, and helps you visually compare the different doodle breeds. The chart covers variations in size, coat type, excitability, and other key characteristics to consider when bringing home a doodle.

Which Doodle Breed Is Most Popular for Families?

Nearly all popular doodle breeds are suitable for families, given their family-oriented and loving natures. Some of the most popular mixes include the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Cavapoo, and Aussiedoodle.

Which Doodle is Best for Kids?

You would be hard-pressed finding a Doodle Dog that wasn’t great with families and friendly with kids, but a few special Doodles really top the charts when it comes to being with children. 

Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Aussiedoodles and Bernedoodles are family favourites thanks to their gentle, calm demeanors and genuine love of humans. These breeds also love to play with both small children and older children, making them wonderful family bets. 

Do Doodle Sizes Vary?

Yes, Doodle sizes vary significantly from small breeds like the Cavapoo and Maltipoo to medium-sized breeds, like Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles, to larger sized doodles like Standard Goldendoodles or Bernedoodles.