A Poodle mix is an offspring of purebred Poodle and any other purebred dog breed. As a result, Poodle mixes are often referred to as designer dogs, hybrid dogs or mixed-breed dogs. This article also lists the top 20 best poodle mixes.
Biologically, a poodle mix is an intraspecies hybrid and not a hybrid between two different species as such. This is because technically, all dogs belong to the same species and subspecies.
While some poodle mixes can be the results of accidental breeding, most of them are intentionally bred. Breeders attempt this crossbreeding with the main intention of allowing the newborn dog to inherit the positive characteristics and looks of a poodle as well as those of another recognized breed.
Breeders attempt this crossbreeding with the main intention of allowing the newborn dog to inherit the positive characteristics and looks of a poodle as well as those of another recognized breed.
Some of the well-known positive traits of poodles are intelligence, friendliness, and the hypoallergenic coat. For instance, a Labradoodle comes with the hypoallergenic coat of a poodle and the temperament of a Labrador.
Why are poodle mixes so popular?
While crossbreeds in dogs are somewhat common, poodle mixes happen to be the most popular. This is because of the many positive qualities of poodles, the most common being their hypoallergenic low-shedding coat. Poodle coats have the least allergenic properties and are without an undercoat.
Because poodle mixes inherit this characteristic, they shed much less. They are also free from the high-allergenic fine hair that is common to undercoats. The carrying over of the low-shedding properties largely makes the poodle mixes popular and loved among breeders.
Poodle mixes are also great dogs with numerous adorable traits. They are easy to train, loyal, highly sensitive and extremely intelligent. They love children and enjoy themselves around kids. These positive traits come down to the mixes, along with the characteristics of the other purebred.
Another prominent reason behind poodle hybrids is that the breeder gets to choose the size they want. Depending on whether a miniature poodle or a standard poodle is used in the mix, you can largely determine the size.
Are Poodle mixes genetically healthy?
A study has shown that crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs. It establishes the idea of hybrid vigor in the gene pool. This implies that when two unrelated breeds of dogs reproduce, for instance, a poodle and a Labrador, the genetic diversity increases. This diversity, in turn, reduces and almost prevents the chance of an inheritable disease affecting a dog for the next generations.
Because genetic diversity is proved to be good when it comes to dog breeding, the same theory applies to Poodle mixes. Just as they receive genes from two different breeds, the mixed puppies’ gene pool becomes larger. As a natural consequence of this larger mix of genetic material, crossbred poodles are often found to be having a longer life span than any of their parent breeds.
Do poodle mix dogs shed?
Much of the popularity of the poodle mixes owes to their non-shedding coat and hypoallergenic properties. That being said, canine genetics are complex and no poodle mix puppy can be guaranteed to be totally non-shedding just as there is no guarantee as to from which parent the pup will inherit the eye color or the coat.
Shedding is a continuum, not a binary attribute in dogs. In simpler terms, it ranges from very low shedding to heavy shedding, not either “sheds” or “does not shed”.
There are two scenarios that can take place:
- When a poodle breeds with another non-shedding breed, the chances of the pup inheriting the non-shedding property are much higher.
- When a poodle is mixed a regular breed that sheds, the resulting pup would shed but definitely not as much as the regular breed parent.
There is also a concept of modifier genes that particularly influence the different coat types. For instance, the curly coat of a poodle or the smooth coat of a Labrador retriever has several other genes working towards and influencing the result.
In this regard, it is good to remember that all animals that grow hair also shed hair to some extent. The body chemistry of each dog is different and environmental factors may be an influence. The poodle coat is high-maintenance and requires regular brushing and combing to prevent the curly dead hair from wrapping around the living hair. The coat should also be professionally clipped and groomed so that the risks of a shaggy mess or poop-related rear end problems do not arise.
What poodle mixes are hypoallergenic?
As we have already deduced that not all poodle mixes are non-shedding, there are few that shed very little. This is certainly because they are born from a poodle bred with another low-shedding dog breed.
Following are some of the doodles that are non-shedding and hypoallergenic to the maximum possible extent although the list can be a bit longer.
Goldendoodle
The breeding of a Poodle with a Golden Retriever results in a Goldendoodle with a hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat. The size of the dog depends on the parents but it tends to be medium/large-sized. Apart from its hypoallergenic characteristics, the dog serves in other areas, for instance, it works as a sniffer dog, service dog, therapy dog, and guide dog too.
Yorkipoo
An intelligent designer dog that is hypoallergenic, Yorkipoo is a cross between Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy or Miniature poodle. Because the dog is fun-loving, gentle and affectionate, it makes for a great member of a family with kids. Quite energetic and a fast runner, the dog also loves to play around and bark rather loudly.
Poochon
The Poochon comes with a soft, curly, woolen non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat. A crossed breed between Bichon Frise and Poodle, the dog is gradually emerging to extreme popularity because of its cute look and coat characteristics.
How to register a Poodle Mix?
Because the American Kennel Club does not recognize any mix or cross of any breed, the poodle mixes have to be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club.
The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) was established in 1969 to recognize and register all hybrid dog breeds, produced from purebred ancestry that is registered with a recognized kennel club. The goal and purpose of the ACHC are to keep a record of the parentage and ancestry of the hybrid dogs. For instance, with an ACHC registered dog, you are sure about the parenting breeds of your dog and their pedigree.
The registration process is kind of similar to registering a purebred dog. Breeders have to provide all the relevant information about the puppy/litter to the club. The organization will then review the information and finally, register the poodle mix or any other hybrid dog for that matter.
You can check the website of the ACHC to get a list of hybrids that can be registered with them.
How big do poodle mix dogs get?
Poodle mixes usually tend to be the same size as the smaller parent because they generally inherit the size of the smaller of the two breeds. They are also somewhat closer to their mother’s size because of the uterus’s size that accommodates all the puppies. This is irrespective of the breed.
Poodles can be of three different sizes, namely:
- toy – 10″ tall and around 10 lbs
- miniature – 15″ tall and around 17 lbs
- standard – 22″ tall and 30 lbs
Poodle mixes can have any of these poodles as one of their parent breeds. As a result; they are small to medium-sized, depending on the size of their other parents too.
So, ideally, if the mother is a poodle, the poodle mix would be small and if the mother is from another breed, the poodle mix can be a bit larger in size.
Top 20 Best Poodle Mixes
With hundreds of Poodle mixes, there are a few that do stand out. There can be as many Poodles mixes as there are other dog breeds, so here is our list of the 20 most loved poodle mix dog breeds!
1. Cockapoo
Cockapoo is a crossbreed between Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. Cocker spaniel, especially, the English cocker spaniel is a companion dog breed that is more of a bird dog at heart. Weighing about 15 Kg, an adult cocker spaniel is adorable to look at and has a very cheerful and friendly disposition. The breed has a coat that is quite labor-intensive to groom but the dog is definitely a beautiful addition to any family with kids in it.
Cockapoo, to begin with, is adorable and that is because the dog combines the cuteness of both the parents. Interestingly, cockapoo is amongst the first of all hybrid dogs breed, dating back to the 1960s when crossbreeds were not so common. A dog of this breed is essentially intelligent and can be trained rather easily. When a part of family, he/she is too affectionate to make you feel alone at any time.
Because they have remarkable body agility, these poodle mixes prefer to run around the house or outdoors and at times, simply relax on your lap and this is possible because of their small size. The Cockapoo has a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat that makes the breed quite popular among allergic dog owners.
2. Cavapoo
Cavapoo is a crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles and the Poodle. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is classified as a toy dog with the adult weighing about just 8.2 Kg and 13” tall. It is, however, one of the purest dog breeds in the US, boasting of a silky, smooth coat coupled with a smooth undocked tail. Found in four distinct colors, the breed is affectionate, gentle and friendly with children as well as other animals. They are identified as family dogs because they require a lot of human affection. Their average lifespan is about 10 years.
The Cavapoo is a result of a crossbreeding program in Australia in the late 1990s. The dogs are small and healthy with a friendly disposition. They have a non-shedding hypoallergenic coat, which is an added benefit that breeders look for. Because one of their parents is a toy or miniature poodle, the cavapoo dogs weigh about 10 kg and are only about 35 cm tall.
Some Cavapoo puppies might look like Poodles and some might inherit more features from the Cavalier King Charles. This because crossbreeds are always a bit unpredictable. Among other features, the dogs have a round face and long ears and are found in a wide range of colors, starting from solid white and black to gold and chestnut brown.
3. Labradoodle
A Labradoodle is a cross between Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The Labrador retriever is a very (very very) popular breed that was categorized as a versatile working dog breed. A Labrador is, however, a friendly companion and welcome addition to any family. The dogs are good at activities like hunting, fetching ropes, retrieving ropes, as a result of which, they started being referred to as retrievers. they got their name. Today, Labrador is one of America’s most loved dog breeds, working as assistance or therapy dog too.
Labradoodle puppies in the early hybrid generations often do not have consistent and predictable characteristics. The ones born through the first crossing of a poodle and Labrador have varying appearance, size, temperament and coat. Their hair can be wiry, soft, straight or wavy and curly. Their coat shed but quite less. A labradoodle is usually friendly and extremely intelligent, as a result of both the parent breeds being among the most intelligent ones. This mixed breed has a strong affinity towards water and loves to swim.
Breeders often breed Miniature Labradoodle by means of surgical or artificial insemination in order to achieve a small size.
4. Goldendoodle
A Goldendoodle is a Poodle mix formed from the breeding of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, commonly using either the Miniature or Standard variety. The Golden Retriever is a large-sized purebred dog that received its name from hunting tasks like retrieving shot waterfowl, hunting birds and so on. The dogs have a dense inner coat coupled with an outer coat to keep them warm. As a result, they shed quite a lot and requires frequent grooming. Their coat color varies between light golden and dark golden colors and they are usually water-loving, kind, friendly and confident.
The traits are not always predictable given that the Poodle and the Golden Retriever are different from each other in many respects. Goldendoodles come in three sizes:
- the miniature (weighing about 30 pounds),
- the medium (weighing about 45 pounds), and
- the standard (weighing about 100 pounds).
Goldendoodles are adorable to look at and they have moderate activity levels. They demand human affection and good playtime frequently. The dogs usually have good health and are also athletic enough to participate in a range of dog sports. They serve as excellent therapy dogs too.
5. Poochon
The Poochon is a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Bichon Frise. The Bichon Frise is an extremely small-sized, toy-like dog that is a favorite among kids. The dogs are happy, energetic, enthusiastic and full of positive vibes. The round black eyes and the all-covering fluffy white coat are their unique characteristics, contributing to their fun and lovable appearance.
Poochons are among the cutest and most adorable poodle mixes out there with both the parents being beautiful to look at. Because one of their parents is a toy poodle in many instances, they are essentially small in size. The dogs, apart from inheriting the charming look of the parent breeds, also boast of extreme intelligence and a friendly, loyal and affectionate nature.
A Pooochon is a social little dog that gets along with other animals easily. They love to entertain as much as they love being entertained and, therefore, turn out to be welcome members of any family. They have a low-shedding hypoallergenic coat and are very easy to train because they grasp and learn new things quickly.
6. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Poodle. The Maltese is a small, almost toy breed of dog, originated from the Central Mediterranean. The average height and weight of the dog are 25 cm and 3.5 Kg respectively. Drop ears with long hair and an expressive look are the unique characteristics of the appearance of a Maltese. Their coat is long and silky and most importantly, non-shedding. There is no undercoat as such and the dog has curly hairs at places, especially behind the ears.
Maltipoo, as an admired poodle mix, boasts a hypoallergenic coat, derived from both its parents. The dog combines the sweetness of the Maltese and the intelligence of a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The dogs remain puppy-like throughout their life. For instance, they are cheerful, clever and affectionate in nature. The coat, which is unique, can be curly or scruffy and can be found in quite a few colors, with white or cream being the most common ones. The Maltipoo has been a huge success on social media thanks to its irresistible look.
7. Yorkipoo
Yorkipoo is a poodle mix or designed dog, born from the breeding of a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed of the terrier type, originating in Yorkshire, England. It is a popular companion dog with a maximum size of 7 pounds and an average life expectancy of 13-16 years. The dogs have a hypoallergenic coat and are found in several unique colors including blue and tan, black and tan, blue and gold and black and gold. They are intelligent, courageous and confident and are particularly known for their bold and independent disposition. Yorkipoos are appreciated for their goofiness too!
A Yorkipoo makes for a delightful companion because they have an intelligent, affectionate and gentle nature. They have a lot of energy and usually bark a lot, otherwise, they are great family members. The dog loves to play and is typically fond of jumping and running around. They can be easily trained and groomed and come with a coat that hardly sheds.
8. Shih Poo
The Shih Poo is a crossbreed between Shih Tzu and Poodle. The Shih Tzu is popularly referred to as the “little lion” because of its appearance and gait but it is a small and lovable dog and forms a perfect companion. The dogs of this breed are happy, outgoing and affectionate house dogs that can get along well with anyone, especially with kids in no time. Shih Tzus are a perfect choice for novice owners with little ideas about dogs. Indeed, the dog can adapt very well and can also be easily trained. They have a furry coat and shed moderately.
As a small-sized poodle mix, the Shih Poo is a lovely looking breed with a maximum height and weight of 15 inches and 20 pounds respectively and an average life expectancy of 15 years. The coat can be the curly one derived from the miniature poodle or the long straight one from the Shih Tzu, the other parent breed. The dog has an almost non-shedding coat and a uniquely cute and alert expression. It is energetic with its sturdy body and appears in a number of color patterns.
9. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a Poodle mix born from a Miniature Schnauzer and a Poodle. The Schnauzer, as a breed, originated in Germany in the 14th and 15th centuries. It received its name from the German word “Snout” which means “mustache”. The distinctly bearded snout is unique about this particular breed.
Schnauzers are intelligent and independent-minded. Their upper coat is wiry but the undercoat catches the loose hairs as a result of which, they shed the least. They are energetic and protective enough to be part of families as well as serve as working dogs.
On the other hand, Schnoodles is more of a domestic dog loved for its unique looks and non-shedding coat. The dog is extremely affectionate, easily trainable and friendly though it has a moderate barking tendency.
A Miniature Schnoodle is extremely funny and smart, combining the attentive nature of a poodle and a schnauzer. As a result, the dog can serve as an excellent watchdog too. The coat is non-shedding and curly and needs to be clipped and tripped from time to time.
10. Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a designer dog, born as a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed of dog from Germany. They have a tri-color double coat with height and weight of 27 inches and 55 Kg respectively. As for the temperament, the dogs are usually self-assured, good-natured and placid towards strangers. That is why; they can form a perfect part of your family with their kid-friendly nature. But they are outdoor dogs at heart and need regular exercising and activities to stay healthy.
The Bernedoodle is a much-preferred poodle mix because it combines the best characteristics of both the parent breeds. Also referred to as the Bernese Mountain Poo, the dogs are ideal companions for families with both elderly members and children.
Bernedoodles are smart, goofy, clever and gentle with a nearly hypoallergenic fur. You can train and groom them easily. They are friendly with other animals and strangers and incredibly happy with children. Even novice owners have little problems in getting along with them.
11. Peekapoo
A crossbreed between Pekingese and Poodle, a Peekapoo is an adorable poodle mix. A Pekingese has an enriched history behind it. For instance, the dogs used to be the cherished companions of the imperial family of China. Today, they continue to serve as great family companions and are particularly known by their dignified and graceful way of meeting and greeting strangers. The dog has a distinctive all covering coat with long silky straight hair but it tends to shed quite a lot.
The resulting poodle crossbreed, the Peekapoo, inherits this friendly nature and comes across as a wonderful companion dog. It is loyal, affectionate, and extremely protective of everyone they love, which is quite unique for a small breed like this.
The average height and weight of a Peekapoo are 11 inches and 20 pounds respectively and it has a life expectancy of above 15 years. The dogs are extremely trainable and adaptable though they shed moderately and do not have a completely hypoallergenic coat as such.
12. Double Doodle
The double doodle is a unique poodle mix, born from the crossbreeding of a Poodle and a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle. The dog is growing to be quite popular in the category of designer dogs. About 25 inches in height and with a maximum weight of about 70 lb, this dog has a very low shedding coat. The coat quality is similar to a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle and the characteristics vary depending on the parent breeds, which vary equally.
Whichever the parent breeds are, a double doodle is essentially super intelligent and quite cheerful. The dogs make great family companions and are friendly with kids. Because they shed the least, they do not cause allergies and can be accommodated in families that have members with allergic tendencies. A double doodle looks unimaginably cute and cuddlesome too.
13. Poovanese
The Poovanese is a crossbreed between Havanese and Poodle. Now, the Havanese dogs are natives of Cuba and are little dogs with a very cheerful disposition. They have an average height and weight of 12 inches and 13 pounds respectively and are growing popular among American city dwellers because of their sociable nature and adorable appearance with big brown eyes. Havanese have small, sturdy bodies with a silky coat that can be trimmed and groomed in a stylish way.
The Poovanese is also called the Havapoo. It is a small to medium-sized dog that is basically happy with a lot of affection, loyalty, and spirit. It has a hypoallergenic low-shedding coat that appears to be medium to long and wavy to curly. The dog loves you back unconditionally and is extremely obedient, as a result of which they are treasured in every family. The furry one has great body agility and likes to play around in your house.
14. Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle is a popular crossbreed between English Sheepdog and Poodle. The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed of dog and their unique characteristic is their long coats with fur that almost covers their faces and eyes. Further, they do not shed unless brushed. The coat color can widely vary and include colors like grey, black, blue, blue merie, grizzle with optional white markings. Their body, however, is short and compact.
As a non-shedding poodle mix, the Sheepadoodle is an extremely adorable dog with an average height and weight of 23 inches and 38 Kg respectively. The dogs have a long, soft and curly coat and are found in a variety of colors. They are friendly, cheerful and good with kids. They are extremely popular too. For instance, a few celebrities like Fedor Andreev and Meryl Davis have Sheepadoodle as their beloved pet.
15. Foodle
The Foodle is a crossbreed between Poodle and Toy Fox Terrier. The Toy Fox Terrier is a small terrier breed of dog, recognized by their body agility, loyalty, and friendly disposition. They are not quite furry but do they not have a hypoallergenic coat either. They are usually intelligent and can be trained well too. As devoted family companions, the dogs keep everyone entertained around them.
This particular poodle mix comes across as a small-sized dog, combining the smart and fun-loving nature of a miniature poodle and the alert and feisty nature of the Toy Fox Terrier. It is an active family dog that serves well as a watchdog apart from playing and cuddling with the family members and especially, kids all the time. Foodles are healthy, smart and boast of a non-shedding hypoallergenic coat. They are approximately about 11 inches in height and 13 lb in weight.
16. Westiepoo
The Westiepoo is a crossbreed between West Highland White Terrier and Poodle. The West Highland White Terrier is commonly known as the Westie mainly because it originates in Scotland. The dog has a distinctive white coat with a soft white undercoat. The double coat of fur often covers up the face of the dog, giving it a charmingly round appearance. The breed is that of medium-sized terrier.
The Westiepoo is a sturdy little dog that is approximately 17 inches tall and has about 30 lb of weight. The dogs from this breed are active, clever, loving and affectionate and are best-suited for families with kids as well as elderly members. The dog shed very little and is also very family-oriented. He/she loves to be surrounded by people all the time, as a result… Lack of the desired attention often drives this poodle mix crazy, for instance, they can get a bit noisy and destructive at times.
17. Chipoo
The Chipoo is a poodle mix between Chihuahua and Poodle. Chihuahua is one of the most popular small-sized dogs with a fantastic personality, extreme body agility, and varying coat types and colors. A Chihuahua is extremely sensitive, which makes him a great watchdog. The dog sheds less or moderately, is friendly and a welcome member in any type of family.
The hybrid dog Chipoo, on the other hand, is an essentially small dog, owing its size to both its small-sized parent breeds. It can grow up to 15 inches tall and weigh a maximum of about 20 lb. A Chipoo is friendly, energetic and intelligent and acts as a great family companion. Because the dog has a certain tendency to please people, it can be easily trained. They turn any space into his personal play zone. He usually barks a lot when excited. Chipoo shed very little and have a hypoallergenic coat.
18. Pomapoo
The Pomapoo is a mix between Pomeranian and Poodle. The Pomeranian is a well-known breed descending from the large sled dog breeds. They have a foxy face, are 12 inches tall and about 7 pounds of weight with a lifespan of 15 years or longer. Although they come with a furry coat, they seem to shed very little. Clever, adaptable, friendly in nature, a Pomeranian is ever curious with its happy disposition and charmingly bright and tiny eyes.
As a very popular Poodle mix, the Pomapoo is known to be friendly, playful, affectionate and intelligent. Very much like both its parent breeds. They are about 10 inches tall and weigh a maximum of about 15 lb. The dogs are cute and spunky and make for excellent companions for single individuals, especially elderly ones. They shed little. Nonetheless, there are no set standards for these mixes as their appearances can vary greatly. They are not too high-maintenance and are extremely sociable at times, even with strangers. Just make sure you have enough time for the grooming!
19. Doxiepoo
The Doxiepo is a crossbreed between Dachshund and Poodle. Dachshunds have a typically muscular long body with short stubby legs. Their paws are paddle-shaped and suitable for digging. The coat types and colors of the dogs vary widely. They can have a smooth coat with short hair, long hair or even wired hairs. Colors can be red, cream, black, tan or Isabella. By temperament, they are gentle, adaptable and trainable. However, they shed moderately and need grooming from time to time.
A Doxiepoo is among all the most unpredictable Poodle mixes. This is because the dog can either inherit the long body of the Dachshund or the curly coat of the poodle. The shedding tendencies can also vary, though a Doxiepoo is usually found to be shedding only moderately. The dogs are highly affectionate and adaptable. As a result of this playful nature, Doxiepoos are suitable for any kind of families.
20. Jackapoo
`The Jackapoo is a crossbreed between Jack Russell Terrier and Poodle. The Jack Russell Terrier is basically a small-sized breed, traditionally used for fox hunting and hence, the name. They have an average height and weight of 38 cm and 8.2 Kg respectively with a life expectancy of 16 years. Known to be quite fearless, energetic, stubborn, vocal and athletic, the breed can be found in various colors like white, black and white and white and tan.
The poodle mix Jackapoo combines the appearances of both the parent breeds and boasts of a low to almost no-shedding coat. The dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train as well. They are great with children and are rather low maintenance as far as grooming is concerned. However, they need to be given daily physical and mental exercise to ensure their overall well-being in the long run.