11 Popular Doodle Dogs and What To Know About Poodle Mixes

A Doodle dog is the result of breeding a Poodle (either a Standard, Miniature, or Toy) with another dog breed.

One of the earliest types of Doodles was a Labradoodle, bred in the late 1980s in an effort to create a smart but low-shedding dog who could be a service dog for people with allergies. Since then, intentional breeding of Doodle dog breeds has skyrocketed.

A Doodle’s parent breeds define what generation they are and the specific characteristics of each pup.

Here’s what to know about different Doodle generations:

• F1 Doodles: A cross between a Poodle and another dog breed. These dogs are 50% Poodle and 50% the other parent breed.
• F1b Doodles: A cross between a Poodle and a Doodle dog, resulting in a dog who’s about 75% Poodle and 25% another breed.
• F2 Doodles: A cross between two F1 Doodles. These dogs have the greatest variety in traits, since they could have a higher concentration of either parent breed’s genetics.

• Size: Small to large
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Canine Einstein, doggy dynamo, star athlete

Ready for action and super smart, the Aussiedoodle is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. These Doodle dogs might be under 30 pounds or weigh as much as 70 pounds, depending on whether the medium-size Aussie is crossed with a Miniature or Standard Poodle. 

These active dogs need an equally active pet parent who can make sure their dog gets at least one hour of exercise every day. Fun activities for this Doodle include running, agility, fetch, and puzzle games.

• Size: Small to large 
• Life expectancy: 12–18 years 
• Temperament: Friendly, smarty pants, playful

A cross between the lovable Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard or Miniature Poodle, Bernedoodles are best known for being gentle and affectionate. They’re a perfect match for homes with children and other pets, but don’t overlook the importance of socialization and regular, consistent exercise.

• Size: Extra small to small
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Social butterfly, cuddle bug, eager to please

At just 25 pounds or under and with a cuddly disposition, Cavapoos are like living teddy bears. Bred from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, this small Doodle is a perfect apartment dog breed with moderate energy needs and a calm, friendly disposition.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 14–18 years
• Temperament: Friendly, energetic, intelligent

A Cocker Spaniel-Poodle cross is known as a Cockapoo. These small dogs have a wavy or curly coat, and usually weigh around 20 pounds or less. 

If you’re a first-time dog parent, a Cockapoo might be your ideal match. These adaptable Doodles are known for being friendly, easy to train, and great with kids—making them a popular pick for a family dog breed. 

• Size: Small to large
• Life expectancy: 10–15 years
• Temperament: Amiable, energetic, quick learner

Goldendoodles are some of the most well-known Doodle dogs. Often described as sweet, goofy, and fun-loving, a Golden Retriever-Poodle mix is at home just about anywhere, and easily makes friends with new people or pets. 

Depending on the size of a Goldendoodle’s parents, this mix might weigh as little as 15 pounds or up to around 70 pounds. The breed is easily recognizable by their curly or wavy golden coat.

• Size: Small to large
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Bright, affectionate, always up for fun

The Labradoodle is one of the original Doodle dogs and has a low-shedding coat in colors like cream, yellow, brown, black, or apricot. Like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodles can be small to large. But regardless of size, Labradoodles are smart, high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise—about an hour per day.

• Size: Extra small to small 
• Life expectancy: 13–16 years 
• Temperament: Lovable, spunky, quick learner

The itty-bitty Maltipoo is a small Poodle mix with a big need to be by your side. These companion dogs thrive when they receive oodles of attention and affection, along with at least a few short walks each day.

While each pup is different, Maltese and Poodles are both low-shedding dogs, so Maltipoos might be the perfect fit for someone with allergies. But their coat does need a lot of upkeep, both at home and from a professional groomer.Make sure you can schedule time to brush your dog every day before bringing home a Maltipoo.

• Size: Small to large
• Life expectancy: 10–16 years
• Temperament: Clever, perky, brainy

A Poodle-Schnauzer cross, the Schnoodle gets a double dose of smarts. Expect these Doodles to learn new cues quickly and impress you with tricks—in exchange for dog treats, of course. 

Because both parent breeds come in small, medium, and large sizes, a Schnoodle might be as small as 10 pounds but can easily weigh more than 70 pounds, depending on which sizes are crossed.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: People-oriented, exuberant, vigilant

Sheepadoodles are fluffy, lovable Doodle dogs with Poodle and Old English Sheepdog lineage. Their thick coats can be shaggy or curly, depending on the specific genes inherited. They’re usually one of the larger types of Doodles, weighing up to 85 pounds.  

Since both parent breeds were bred to work, a Sheepadoodle will do best in a home with regular exercise and brain games. These big dogs have plenty of energy, but they’re not overly hyper and will be happy to channel their zest for life into activities like swimming, fetch, agility, and playtime at the dog park.

• Size: Extra small
• Life expectancy: 13–18 years
• Temperament: Good-natured, playful, eager to please

A Shih Tzu and Poodle mix, Shih-Poos are cute, fluffy Doodle puppies who stay small for life and make great pets for just about anyone.

These lapdogs are content with short bouts of exercise and long cuddle sessions. They’re also very smart and pick up on new cues quickly, so you can teach your Shih-Poo tricks or games like hide-and-go-seek.

• Size: Extra small
• Life expectancy: 10–15 years
• Temperament: Spunky, affectionate, charismatic

One of the smallest Poodle mixes, the Yorkiepoo makes an adorable and cuddly companion. And because both Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers have low-shedding fur, the Yorkiepoo is an especially good pick for households with sensitivities to dog hair.

These tiny hybrid dogs might weigh as little as 3 pounds, but they have a big personality. They prefer to have your company at all times and won’t hesitate to bark if they feel ignored. 

Many Poodle mixes claim to be hypoallergenic dogs, and it’s true that many of them shed less than most other dog breeds—that’s part of the reason they’re so popular!

But while Doodle dogs can be a better fit for some people with allergies because of their low-shedding potential, there’s actually no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. All dogs contain allergens in their skin, saliva, and urine.

Some types of Doodles, especially F1 Doodles who have 50% of their non-Poodle parent’s genes, might even be heavier shedders (Goldendoodles or Sheepadoodles, for example).

Before bringing home a Doodle puppy, spend time with them to see how your allergies react.

What kind of dog is a Doodle?

A Doodle dog is a mix between a Poodle and another breed. A first-generation Doodle has one Poodle parent and another dog breed as a parent. If one or both parents of the litter are a Doodle, the puppies would be multigen Doodles.

Do Doodle dogs shed a lot?

Some first-generation Doodle dogs who have a parent breed who sheds heavily—like a Labrador Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, or Golden Retriever—might have a coat that sheds, depending on what genes a puppy inherits.

If you want a Doodle who sheds very little, look for a Poodle mix who’s crossed with another low-shedding dog—like a Maltese, Shih Tzu, or Yorkshire Terrier—or a F1b Doodle who has 75% Poodle genes.

What is the calmest Doodle?

If you’re looking for the calmest Doodle, consider Poodle mixes who are crossed with a calm dog breed, like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih-Tzu. Steer away from mixes that feature working or sporting dogs, who are more likely to need more involved exercise routines. 

How expensive is a Doodle dog?

The cost of Doodle puppies varies widely. In general, Doodle puppies might cost as little as $500 or more than $3,000. Do your research and ensure you’re working with a reputable and ethical breeder, as some breeders sadly prioritize profit over the health of their dogs.

Because Doodles have become more popular in recent years, you can also check with local organizations or shelters to find a Doodle rescue in need of a good home. Usually, adoption fees are much lower than what you’ll pay for a puppy from a breeder.