With their curly coats, bright eyes, and famously charming personalities, Poodles have long been a favorite among dog lovers worldwide. Known for their intelligence, elegance, and playful spirit, Poodles consistently rank among the top dog breeds for families, first-time pet parents, and even seasoned dog enthusiasts. Whether it’s the Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety, this breed dazzles in dog shows and hearts alike, often placing in the top 10 for intelligence and trainability.
But what if you adore the look and traits of a Poodle and are curious about similar breeds? Good news, there are several other dog breeds that mirror the Poodle’s curly coat, adorable expressions, and affectionate nature. These breeds not only resemble Poodles in appearance but also share their friendly and fun-loving temperament, making them wonderful companions in their own right.
In this article, we’re diving into a delightful list of dogs that look like Poodles, each offering a unique blend of style, smarts, and snuggles. If you love Poodles, you’re about to meet their equally lovable lookalikes.
Dog Breeds that Look Like Poodles
1. Barbet
If you’re searching for dogs that look like Poodles, the Barbet deserves a spot at the top of your list. Originating from France, just like the Poodle, this water-loving breed was historically used for retrieving birds and navigating marshes.
The AKC describes the Barbet as sociable, intelligent, and gentle. With their affectionate personality and hypoallergenic qualities, Barbets make loving, trainable companions perfect for families. Their calm demeanor also makes them an easygoing addition to most homes, especially those looking for a breed that sheds very little.
Appearance
The Barbet’s resemblance to the Poodle is instantly noticeable in its dense, curly coat that ranges in color from black, brown, and gray to fawn or white, with some sporting white markings. Their curls tend to be slightly looser and more tousled than the Poodle’s tight ringlets, giving them a carefree, boho appearance.
A broad head, button nose, long tail, and expressive eyes further emphasize their Poodle-like charm. Like the Poodle, the Barbet’s coat is water-resistant and requires regular grooming to avoid matting.
Fun Fact: This intelligent dog breed is often nicknamed a “Poodle in the head” due to its similar broad skull and expressive features, and it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2020.
2. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred along Portugal’s coast to assist fishermen, retrieving gear, herding fish, and delivering messages, this athletic and intelligent dog breed has transitioned into a popular family pet. With a spirited personality and affectionate nature, the Portuguese Water Dog thrives in active households and bonds deeply with children and other pets.
According to PetMD, using positive reinforcement is an effective training method for the Portuguese Water Dog. They are quick learners and enthusiastic playmates, though they require consistent exercise and attention.
Appearance
What makes these affectionate dogs look like a Poodle is their thick, curly, or wavy coat that covers their entire body. Their coat, which doesn’t shed much, gives them that familiar plush, teddy bear vibe.
Like Poodles, they often sport a lion-style trim that accentuates their dense fur around the head and chest. Their sturdy build, expressive face, and occasionally docked tail further add to the resemblance, making them nearly indistinguishable from Poodles at a glance.
Fun Fact: Sunny and the late Bo Obama, both Portuguese Water Dogs, became household names during their time in the White House.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
Originally bred in Ireland during the 1830s to retrieve game from marshes and lakes, this breed combines water-loving enthusiasm with sharp intelligence and athleticism. Britannica notes that this breed is recognized for being playful and easy to train.
Like Poodles, Irish Water Spaniels are known for being loyal and adventurous, making them excellent companions for active families, especially those who enjoy outdoor adventures near water.
Appearance
One glance at the Irish Water Spaniel, and it’s easy to see why people often mistake it for a Poodle. With a dense, water-resistant, curly coat in rich liver tones, this breed closely mirrors the Poodle’s textured fur. Standing 21–24 inches tall and weighing 45–65 pounds, they share the same size range as Standard Poodles.
Key distinguishing features include a topknot of curls over the head and ears, a bare “rat tail,” and webbed feet suited for swimming. Like Poodles, they require weekly grooming and nail trimming to maintain their coat and prevent discomfort.
Fun Fact: The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest member of the Spaniel family and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878.
4. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a lively and intelligent breed that often gets mistaken for a Poodle thanks to its dense, curly coat and similar build. Originally bred in Italy as a waterfowl retriever, this medium-sized dog has since earned a reputation as the world’s only purebred truffle-hunting dog.
While affectionate and playful, the Lagotto can also be territorial and vocal, requiring early socialization and consistent training to bring out its best qualities. Purina states that while every Lagotto has the capability to work, they also thrive as loving family pets and household companions.
Appearance
With a square, compact build and a woolly, water-resistant coat, it shares both texture and silhouette with its curly-coated cousin. Their coats come in a variety of Poodle-like shades and are naturally low-shedding. Add in their expressive eyes and medium stature, and the resemblance is undeniable.
Fun Fact: The Lagotto Romagnolo is the only recognized purebred dog specifically trained for truffle hunting.
5. Bedlington Terrier
Originally bred in the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland, these medium-sized dogs were once fierce vermin hunters. Today, they make affectionate family companions with a curious and brave spirit.
But beyond the looks, this terrier packs plenty of personality, playful, intelligent, and full of energy. While they are less aggressive than many terrier breeds, they still have a high prey drive and love to dig, so secure outdoor spaces are a must.
Appearance
Their topknot of soft, silky hair, combined with tight curls, low-hanging ears, and a white or pale-colored coat, enhances this look-alike factor. Their upright stance and narrow, arched back also contribute to their elegant, show-worthy presence, perfect for turning heads at dog shows or in your neighborhood.
Hills Pet highlights that the Bedlington Terrier is easily recognized due to its unique lamb-like appearance.
Fun Fact: Despite their delicate looks, Bedlington Terriers are impressively fast and often compete in agility contests thanks to their speed and stamina.
6. Kerry Blue Terrier
Originally from Ireland, this breed is admired for its distinctive wavy coat, which closely resembles that of a Poodle. Beneath its lush exterior lies a spirited, loyal, and intelligent companion with a talent for both work and play.
Though they are more independent than Poodles, Kerry Blues thrive in active households where they receive both affection and mental stimulation. They excel in agility and obedience sports, making them a great fit for dog lovers who enjoy interactive training.
Appearance
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a dense, soft, and curly coat. Typically appearing in shades of gray to blue-gray, their coat is not only beautiful but also non-shedding, requiring professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to maintain its structure.
With a well-muscled body under 20 inches tall, expressive eyes, and a graceful posture, they often get mistaken for their curly-coated cousin.
Fun Fact: The Kerry Blue Terrier was originally bred in Ireland for versatile roles, including hunting, herding, and guarding, showcasing its working-dog roots alongside its elegant appearance.
7. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a beloved designer breed that combines the best qualities of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. Originating in Australia, this hybrid was initially developed to be a hypoallergenic guide dog and has since become a popular family pet.
Labradoodles are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and easygoing temperament. These traits, along with their low-shedding coats, make them an ideal choice for households seeking a dog that’s both allergy-friendly and eager to please.
Appearance
What makes this popular dog breed stand out is their signature curly or wavy coat, inherited from their Poodle parent. While their curls are usually looser and their coats shorter than a purebred Poodle’s, the resemblance is striking.
Their overall build is slightly more robust and rounded, reflecting their Labrador heritage. With a height of 21–24 inches and weight between 50–65 pounds, Labradoodles strike a balanced profile that’s athletic yet cuddly.
Fun Fact: Labradoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club but are among the most sought-after designer dogs worldwide.
Conclusion
Dogs that look like Poodles capture attention not only for their striking curls but also for their intelligence, charm, and loving nature. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a Miniature Poodle, the compact cuteness of a Toy Poodle, or the playful energy of Poodle mixes, there’s no shortage of fluffy, fun-loving companions to consider. Many of these designer dog breeds combine the best of two worlds, Poodle smarts and the affectionate traits of other breeds.
From the tightly curled coat of a Bichon Frise to the cuddly appeal of the Shih Poo, each mixed dog breed offers its own variation of the iconic Poodle look and temperament. These dogs are more than just cute faces, just like Golden Retrievers and Shih Tzu, they’re trainable, loyal, and well-suited for families, singles, and seniors alike. If you’re searching for a dog with the signature Poodle flair but with a unique twist, this list of lookalikes offers plenty of adorable inspiration.
