When it comes to dog breeds that have taken the world by storm in recent decades, none have made a bigger splash than the playful and fun-loving poodle mixes, often simply called doodles. A Poodle crossed with another breed brings together the best of both parents, creating a clever dog that’s not only highly adaptable but also full of personality.
These mixes vary widely in body size, coat, and temperament. After all, there’s no single standard when it comes to Doodles, but that’s part of their charm.
One reason they’ve become so popular is thanks to their intelligence. But beyond their smarts, doodle mixes are people-oriented and thrive on companionship. They tend to be affectionate pets that love their owners deeply, making them wonderful additions to any family.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes these poodle mixes so special, the generations they come from, and why they continue to be among the most beloved dog breeds today.
Most Intelligent Poodle Dog Breeds
1. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three poodle sizes, standing 18–24 inches tall and weighing 40–70 pounds. Known as France’s national dog, the breed originated in Germany, where it was used as a hunting dog and water retriever. The name comes from the German word pudel, meaning “to splash in water.”
Their curly coat comes in many colors, such as black, white, red, silver, brown, and parti-color. The famous “poodle cut” was first designed for function, keeping the dog warm in cold water while helping them swim more easily. Today, they are instantly recognizable and often styled in different clips, from show trims to simple pet cuts.
Purina says that the Standard Poodle ranks number 2 on the list of the smartest dog breeds. They are eager learners, quick at training, and often work as service dogs, guide dogs, or therapy dogs.
With regular exercise, consistent grooming, and plenty of love from their owners, they make loyal, fun-loving companions for any family.
2. Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is the mid-sized variety of the poodle family. These pups love to learn tricks, go on long walks, and even swim with their owners. They may be small, but they’re full of energy and need plenty of exercise and training to stay happy.
Miniatures live a long time, often 10–18 years. Their curly coat comes in many colors, from white and red to black and tan. The coat sheds very little, making them a good choice for people with allergies, though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Because their hair never stops growing, they need regular grooming by professionals.
These dogs are lively and bond closely with their family. They do well with older children and can get along with other dogs and pets, but their small size makes them delicate. They were once popular in circuses thanks to their smarts and cute looks, and today they’re favorites in the show ring.
3. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle may be tiny at under 10 inches tall and 4–6 pounds, but this little poodle puppy has a big personality. They are cheerful companions that love attention and entertainment. They often excel at tricks and routines, learning a new command quickly due to their sharp minds.
These dogs are bright, playful, and eager to socialize with their owners. Despite their size, they make gentle family pets, but can have a hard time if left alone too long since they bond so closely with people.
Toy Poodles have a curly coat that grows continuously and needs trimming every few weeks. They don’t shed much, which can make them a smart choice for allergy sufferers.
Like other small breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, but with care and daily grooming, they remain entertaining and friendly companions for many years.
4. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a mix of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, first bred in the 1960s as a therapy and service dog, as mentioned by PetMD. They quickly became one of the most popular doodle mixes thanks to their gentle nature and friendly behavior.
These dogs are active, playful, and need daily exercise; up to an hour of running, walking, or swimming. Their wavy or curly coats shed very little, making them a preferred choice for allergy sufferers, though grooming still naturally requires effort and regular care. Their agility and energy make them perfect for outdoor-loving families.
What makes the Goldendoodle so loved is its mix of brains and heart. Both parent breeds rank among the top five smartest dogs, so these pooches are quick learners, obedient, and eager to please. With patience and positive training, they excel as family companions and therapy dogs.
5. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle was first bred in Australia in the late 1980s by Wally Conron, as mentioned by Lomond Hills. He wanted a guide dog suitable for allergy sufferers, so he mixed the Poodle with the Labrador Retriever. The result was the first “official” Labradoodle, a friendly, trainable, and energetic companion.
These intelligent dogs combine the athletic nature of the Lab with the quick learning of the Poodle. They respond well to obedience training and thrive when given both mental and physical challenges. Without enough activity, they can become restless, so regular exercise and play are essential.
Labradoodles are known for their gentle nature and strong bond with human families. They’re affectionate, eager, and often work as therapy or service dogs thanks to their loyalty and understanding.
With proper care and training, they make wonderful companions for homes that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
6. Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy Poodle. Small and gentle, they are a great choice for apartments or retirees. Their coat is low-shedding but needs regular brushing and grooming visits to the vet or a professional groomer.
These dogs inherit the intelligence of the Poodle, one of the smartest breeds, and the loving nature of the Cavalier. They are playful, affectionate, and eager to learn new things. With the right care, they are an excellent example of how doodles can blend the best traits of two purebreds.
Cavapoos are loyal companions and adapt well to different lifestyles. They get along well with children and other dogs, but because of their small size, rough play is something to watch closely.
7. Cockapoo
A cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle created a friendly house companion with fewer health problems. According to the ASPCA, the Cockapoo is one of the oldest doodle mixes, first appearing in the 1950s. They are cheerful, sweet, and get along well with kids, adults, and other dogs.
These dogs are known for their intelligence and strong trainability. Their ability to learn quickly makes them easy for first-time owners to handle. Cockapoos love praise and attention, and they can shadow their people from room to room, always eager to be part of family life.
Their coats can be curly or wavy, and grooming is a constant matter since brushing is needed to prevent tangles. While they barely shed, they can inherit the thicker coat of the Spaniel and may still smell like any other dog if not cared for.
Like most doodles, they need professional grooming every few weeks, a healthy diet, and the right food to eat to stay in good shape.
8. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese and a Toy or Mini Poodle. Small, loving, and gentle, this mix is often seen as the perfect lap dog. Weighing between 5–20 pounds, they are well-suited to apartments, flats, and smaller homes.
These dogs are friendly and playful, making them great companions for singles, seniors, or families. They are easy to train but don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods, as they can develop separation anxiety. Because of their size, supervision is needed when they’re around small children to prevent accidental injuries.
Maltipoos have soft, fluffy coats that shed very little, which can be helpful for allergy sufferers. Daily brushing and regular grooming are needed to keep their coats in good condition. They are cheerful, adaptable, and thrive best in calm and loving homes.
9. Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a mix between the Standard Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Known for being gentle and loyal, they are large dogs with a calm nature that makes them great family companions. Despite their size, they are friendly, child-safe, and love to cuddle.
Their thick, wavy coat sheds very little but needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, Bernedoodles can range from small to very large, weighing anywhere from 10 to 90 pounds. They are intelligent and trainable, though sometimes a bit stubborn.
Bernedoodles are playful and goofy but highly devoted. They enjoy outdoor activities as much as relaxing with their families. With proper care and socialization, they get along well with children, strangers, and other pets.
They often live longer than Bernese Mountain Dogs, sometimes reaching up to 18 years, making them a loving companion for many years.
10. Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle is a cross between the Standard Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog. These fluffy, loyal dogs are known for their gentle and playful nature. They can be medium to very large, sometimes reaching up to 100 pounds, and are considered among the largest of the doodle dogs.
Their thick, curly coats are low-shedding and can be helpful for allergy sufferers. However, they need daily brushing and regular grooming appointments to stay healthy and tangle-free. Coat care is a big responsibility for anyone considering this mix.
Sheepadoodles are trainable and full of energy. They thrive on human companionship and love long walks, games, and plenty of attention.
They are also easygoing and get along well with children and other pets. With proper socialization, they can be protective without being aggressive. Their panda-like black-and-white looks only add to their charm.
Conclusion
Poodle mixes show just how versatile and lovable these dogs can be. From small companions to larger working dogs, each mix brings out a special blend of traits. They are playful, intelligent, and adaptable, making them a good fit for many different families and lifestyles.
When Poodles are compared to any other breed, their mix often combines intelligence and loyalty with new qualities. This is what makes doodles so popular today. With the right care, training, and love, these dogs can become lifelong companions that truly brighten any home.
They are proof that blending breeds can create something unique. Many doodles inherit the best from both parents, while adding their charm. In the end, what matters most is finding the right match for your family and lifestyle.
