Throughout history, breeds developed as individuals and communities needed specific characteristics in a dog. Today, many dogs are sought after for their personality traits more than their ability to do a job (beyond being a companion). And, even in the 21st century, new breeds are being developed.
In the mid 20th century, breeders in the United States and Australia began experimenting with crossing poodles with labrador retrievers and golden retrievers, aiming to create a breed which could serve as guide dogs for owners with dog allergy issues. Over the next few decades, more of these “doodle dogs” emerged, and many of these new hybrid breeds are now preferred by many over their purebred ancestors.
Despite many having been around for generations, no doodle dog breeds are currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or other purebred dog registries. However, doodle dogs are becoming increasingly popular and, as any doodle parent can attest, they often offer the best of both worlds of the poodle and the other parent breed. Keep reading for the 22 of the most popular poodle mixes you can find today!
13 most popular doodle breeds
1. Goldendoodle
A cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, goldendoodles are the dog that comes to many minds when the word “doodle” is mentioned. These family-friendly dogs are playful, easily trained, and, best of all, their low-shedding fur makes them a great choice for dog allergy sufferers. While no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, all of the dogs on this list are considered “hypoallergenic dogs” due to their lower levels of hair and dander. Adding a goldendoodle to your home is a solid choice if you want a companion with low risks for health problems, an athletic and outgoing lifestyle , and a golden disposition!
Facts about the goldendoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 10-15 years
2. Maltipoo
Bred purely for companionship, Maltipoos are a cross between the Maltese and toy poodle. While they have a small stature, their big personalities and desire to always be with their people make them an excellent choice for active families. They do great with older children who are more interested in snuggles than rough-housing and are typically happy to share their space with other pets.
Facts about the Maltipoo
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When bored
- Life span — 10-15 years
3. Labradoodle
Labradoodles, much like their poodle parents, come in multiple sizes and have the even temperament of their Labrador retriever genes. Playful, curious, and bonded to their family, Labradoodles make an excellent choice for any home willing to give them the time, space, and love they need.
Facts about the Labradoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 12-15 years
4. Aussiedoodle
A pup of many names, Aussiedoodles are also called Aussiepoos and Aussiepoodles. These poodle and Australian shepherd hybrids are full of charismatic personality and energy, making them great for kids and families. Plus, their outgoing personalities are great for a run in the park. Their protective instincts, though, mean they’ll let you know if they are wary of someone or something.
Facts about the Aussiedoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 12-15 years
5. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles have the sweet and affectionate nature of Bernese mountain dogs, one of two distinct parents that make this hybrid. The other, poodles, lend to the Bernedoodle’s high intelligence, agility, and low sheddability A great choice for families, Bernedoodles don’t like being alone, and while they take time to warm up to other pets, give them time — they’ll get there and soon be best friends!
Facts about the Bernedoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — Infrequent
- Life span — 12-15 years
6. Cavapoo
Like other doodles on our list, the Cavapoo has a few names, including Cavadoodle and Cavoodle. But, regardless of the name, this Cavalier King Charles spaniel hybrid is a walking, barking teddy bear with a loving, gentle nature. These hybrid pups are ideal for families and often serve as therapy dogs due to their calm temperaments.
Facts about the Cavapoo
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — Low
- Life span — 12-15 years
7. Cockapoo
One of the oldest designer breeds, cockapoos are a cross between poodles and the lovable cocker spaniel. They can be smaller at under 10 pounds, or weigh close to 20, depending on the parents. And, thanks to their fun nature, they are a great choice for families! They love a good romp in the backyard with a game of fetch and, while they may be hesitant of guests they don’t know, they respond well to other pets in the home.
Facts about the cockapoo
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 13-17 years
8. Huskypoo (Huskydoodle)
Great family pets that exude plenty of energy, these pups make good companions to older children or small children who understand dog body language. Huskydoodles, or huskypoos, are a hybrid of Siberian huskies, which were bred in Siberia to be working dogs, and the poodle with its hypoallergenic characteristics. The result? A beautiful, even-tempered dog with little to no shedding.
Facts about the huskydoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 12-15 years
9. Schnoodle
Utterly adorable, the schnoodle is a cross between two diverse breeds – the schnauzer and poodle. Unlike some other poodle mixes on our list, schnoodles have a lot of potential varieties when it comes to size and appearance. This is because both parent breeds have smaller and larger versions. Poodles have toy, miniature, and standard poodle sizes, while Schnauzers come in miniature, standard, and giant varieties. With so many different sizes and color combinations, your schnoodle will be truly one of a kind.
Facts about the schnoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 10-15 years
10. Saint Berdoodle
A cross between a St. Bernard and a poodle, St. Berdoodles have many names, including Saint Berpoo and St. Berpoo. Like their St. Bernard parents, these designer dogs are well-equipped for cold weather and are friendly toward everyone! While their gentle nature comes from one parent, Saint Berpoos are also adventurous and their high energy means they are always ready for an adventure.
Facts about the Saint Berdoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 8-12 years
11. Sheepadoodle
Friendly, outgoing, and ideal as a family dog, this Old English sheepdog and poodle hybrid is perfect for a family. They are fluffy, a little goofy, and a lot of fun for families of all shapes and sizes!
Facts about the sheepadoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — Infrequent
- Life span — 12-15 years
12. Bichon poo
A cross between the poodle and a Bichon frisé, the Bichon poo has a pleasant demeanor and a loving personality, making them an excellent choice for families. They are moderately active, but thanks to their small size, apartment living suits this little designer dog just fine. Plan for the occasional walk, playtime indoors or out, and only a little grooming!
Facts about the Bichon poo
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 14-15 years
13. Corgipoo
Adorable, playful, and full of personality, the corgipoo — a mix between the poodle and, typically, a Pembroke Welsh corgi — is an excellent choice for active households that have the time and energy to spend with a high-spirited canine companion. They have a variety of coat colors and patterns, and, unlike some other poodle mixes, corgipoos can have short fur. When poodles are crossed with the related Cardigan Welsh corgi, the offspring is usually called a Cardoodle.
Facts about the corgipoo
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 10-18 years
Unique doodle breeds
Some doodle breeds might surprise you. Here are three designer dogs that stand out from the doodle pack.
14. Pugapoo
Smitten with pugs or their cross-breed cousins the puggle? The pugapoo is for you if you want a truly unique pug to add to the family. These pug/poodle crossbreeds are also called pugoodles, pugadoodles, pugpoos, and a handful of other nicknames. Still, one thing is clear: this adorable, sweet, loving designer pup will melt your heart.
Facts about the pugapoo
- Intelligence — Average
- Barking — Moderate
- Life span — 12-15 years
15. Dalmadoodle
If you’re looking for a working dog that stands out from the crowd, consider the dalmadoodle! This cross between a poodle and dalmatian makes an excellent choice for owners that love a highly energetic white dog with spots. They are great with families, and while they need some supervision with younger children, they do great with older kids who can run, play, and help these designer dogs burn off energy. Although, it’s important to consider special health concerns.
Dr. Dwight AlleyneIf owners are considering a dalmadoodle it is important that they are aware of crystals in the urine called urates that can be common in dalmations. This can be a genetic issue, so it is important that urine is tested on a regular basis for early detection.
Facts about the dalmadoodle
- Intelligence — Average
- Barking — Moderate
- Life span — 11-13 years
16. Boodle
A mix between a poodle and English bulldog, Boodles are a friendly poodle mix that has been around since the 1980s. They have some of the finest traits of both their parent breeds — Boodles are approachable and pleasant, while also being considered hypoallergenic for those that deal with allergies. As affectionate as this designer breed is, Boodles are also protective and fearless in the face of questionable company.
Facts about the boodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 8-10 years
Upcoming doodle breeds
Keep an eye out — these five dogs are being actively bred and developed into a breed. One day, these beautiful doodles might even earn their own place among the American Kennel Club’s registered breeds.
17. Australian labradoodle
Good with kids, Australian labradoodles are an excellent choice for families, but they also need a firm hand because they are highly intelligent. They were created independently of labradoodles in America, and thus possess different characteristics. These pups are medium to large-sized and have plenty of energy, so be prepared for lots of playtime!
Facts about the Australian Labradoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 13-15 years
18. Australian mountain doodle (Swiss Doodle)
Intelligent and loyal, the Swiss doodle makes an excellent choice for families who want a healthy, sweet pup. Better yet, these dogs, created from Australian shepherds, Bernese mountain dogs, and poodles, are easy to train, and their calmer demeanor makes them great for service and therapy dog roles.
Facts about the Australian mountain doodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 12-15 years
19. Newfypoo
Like many other designer poodle mixes, the Newfypoo has many names, like Newdle, Poofoundland, or Newfoundlandoodle, to name a few. These big dogs have alert, friendly, and gentle personalities, which makes them ideal for most owners. This Newfoundland-poodle hybrid does well with families and other pets, and their calm, even-tempered personality makes them a good choice for older adults as well.
Facts about the Newfypoo
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — When necessary
- Life span — 8-12 years
20. Pyredoodle
A mix between a Great Pyrenees and poodle, Pyredoodles are calm, fearless companions with a protective streak that makes them great for families with kids. While these large dogs do fine in an apartment when given plenty of exercise, they love a big yard and plenty of playtime!
Facts about the Pyredoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — Moderate to high
- Life span — 10-12 years
21. Shih poo
Highly affectionate and charming, Shih poos can also be stubborn, but they are a fun, playful addition to any household. In addition to their affectionate personality, Shih poos (a Shih tzu and poodle mix) are versatile and easily adapt to apartment living as well as spacious homes.
Facts about the Shih poo
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — Moderate
- Life span — 13-17 years
22. Whoodle
Looking for a teddy bear dog? The whoodle is a wheaten terrier poodle mix with a charming, playful, and friendly personality to go with their adorable appearance. In addition to the name whoodle, people also call these hybrid pups sweatenpoos, wheatenpoos, and wheatendoodles. Regardless of what you call them, these dogs make excellent companions.
Facts about the whoodle
- Intelligence — High
- Barking — Moderate to often
- Life span — 12-15 years