You see these fluffy doodle dogs with their teddy bear faces and think, “Okay, that’s it. I want one”. And we can’t blame you. Poodle mixes (or “Doodles”) have pretty much taken over the dog world in the past decade.
These pups have the Poodle’s intelligence and curly coat with the best traits of their other parent breeds. And you get some of the most popular Poodle mixes on the planet: adorable fluff balls who are playful companions, great family pets, and incredibly affectionate little dogs (or sometimes, gentle giants).
But hear the kicker: each mixed breed has its own quirks, personality, and care needs. So before you fall for those big brown eyes on Instagram, let’s talk about the seven most adorable Poodle mix breeds you will fall in love with.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the data from the American Kennel Club, Poodles rank among the most intelligent dog breeds. That Poodle’s intelligence is EXACTLY why so many designer dogs are created with them as a parent breed. They pass down brains, low shedding coats, and playful and cute personalities. That perfect mix designates them as the backbone of modern designer breeds loved by allergy sufferers and families.
Adorable Poodle Mix Breeds You’ll Fall In Love With
1. Labradoodle
If you could design the perfect family dog in a lab (no pun intended), the Labradoodle would come close. This Labrador Retriever Poodle mix breed offers the easygoing, sweet-natured Labrador Retriever with the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat; they are a hypoallergenic breed.
Labradoodles are immensely famous for their friendly nature and boundless energy, and that soft and curly coat that feels like living velvet. Many Labradoodles end up looking like living teddy bears, and they act like them, too. Cuddly, goofy, and always ready for fun.
Things to Know about this Poodle Mix Breed
Needs daily exercise (cue: fetch, hikes, or long walks), couch potatoes they are not.
Regular grooming is a MUST to prevent matting.
They thrive on being with their family members and may develop separation anxiety if you leave them for long hours.
Great with kids, other pets, other dogs, and even strangers.
Though it is advised by PetMD that you should introduce them slowly to other people and animals. Rushed introductions can lead to issues. They have playful personalities and they make great companions, but remember that boundless energy means you will be outside as much as you are inside.
2. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle might just be America’s sweetheart when it comes to doodle dogs. A Golden Retriever Poodle mix, they have stolen hearts with their affectionate nature, playful personalities, and those BIG GOOFY SMILES!!
Goldendoodles are one of the most popular Poodle mixes for good reason. They inherit the Golden Retriever’s loyal and sweet-natured vibe, which is paired with the Poodle’s curly coats and highly intelligent brainpower.
They can be small dog-sized if bred with Toy Poodles or gentle giants if bred with Standard Poodles.
Things to Know about this Poodle Mix Breed:
Their coat colors vary from black and tan to creamy white and deep red.
Hypoallergenic coats help allergy sufferers breathe easier.
High-energy dogs. They need both mental and physical stimulation.
Gentle for children. Great companions for families.
You might think of the Goldendoodles as just adorable fluff balls. They are also adaptable, incredibly affectionate, and smart dogs. If you give them proper training and regular grooming, they are the perfect blend of brains, beauty, and heart.
3. Cockapoo
The Cockapoo has been charming U.S. households for quite some time now… long before the “designer dogs” became a buzzword. This delightful mix combines the Cocker Spaniel and the miniature Poodle.
Cockapoos are known for their happy-go-lucky personalities. They have got the affectionate vibe of the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle’s intelligence and looks. Their curly coat comes in endless coat colors, from black to creamy white to apricot.
Things to Know about this Poodle Mix Breed:
Fantastic for apartment living, all thanks to their small dog breed size.
Still need proper training to avoid “small dog syndrome”.
Social and affectionate dogs; they don’t like being left out.
Grooming needs vary depending on coat type, but regular grooming is key.
A Cockapoo is a delightful mix that feels like the best of both worlds: playful, people-focused, and easy to love. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. because they just fit so smoothly into family life.
4. Maltipoo
A pint-sized ball of joy. The Maltipoo, a cross between the Maltese and a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle, is exactly that! These are little dogs with big personalities.
Maltipoos are loving dogs with soft hair, playful nature, and an almost puppy-like look well into adulthood. They adore being lap warmers but also love bouncing around with boundless energy when playtime kicks in. NEVER leave them outdoors unattended. They are too small and a flight risk or at risk of being crushed.
Things to Know about this Poodle Mix Breed:
Best suited for smaller spaces; these energetic dogs can easily burn off their energy.
They may suffer from separation anxiety, so crate training helps.
Regular grooming keeps their curly coats looking fresh.
Perfect for allergy sufferers due to their low-shedding coat.
The Maltipoo is a popular Poodle mix because they are oh-so-affectionate and playful, and fit beautifully into any and all kinds of lifestyle… more so if you want a sweet-natured small dog that stays cute forever.
5. Schnoodle
Here is a mix with a little sass and a lot of charm. Miniature Schnauzer + Poodle = the Schnoodle. This breed gives you a dog with brains, loyalty, and a hilarious personality.
Schnoodles are versatile. They can be energetic dogs that thrive on activity or couch potatoes who just want to snuggle. Their curly coat makes them another great option for allergy sufferers. But you should be warned: this one is a chatty and vocal dog, as noted by Purina.
Things to Know about this Poodle Mix Breed:
Strong watchdog tendencies from their Schnauzer parent breed.
Need consistent training to channel their intelligence.
The coat needs to be groomed regularly to avoid tangles.
Adaptable to both apartment living and large homes.
Schnoodles are great companions for people who want a smart and funny, and loyal dog breed. They are one of the most popular Poodle mixes because they bring so much personality packed into a curly coat.
6. Aussiedoodle
Meet the Einstein of the doodle dogs: the Aussiedoodle. “Super smart breed”. This mix pairs the Australian Shepherd with the Poodle (Toy or Miniature). And that mix created a highly intelligent and energetic dog that needs a job to do.
Aussiedoodles inherit the Australian Shep’s boundless energy and the Poodle’s intellect. They are athletic, clever, and eager to please. But they are not couch potatoes.
Things to Know about this Poodle Mix Breed
Hunting + herding dog instincts here. Needs to be kept on-leash while outdoors.
Needs daily exercise and mental challenges.
Regular grooming is non-negotiable with those curly coats.
Thrive with active family members who love outdoor adventures.
An Aussiedoodle is the perfect mix of energy and smarts. But FAIR warning: without enough stimulation, they will find their own entertainment (hello, chewed-up couch). In the right place and right home, they are playful companions and great family pets.
7. Cavapoo
Last but absolutely not least… the Cavapoo! A sweet and affectionate mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy Poodle. These puppies are practically made to melt hearts.
Cavapoos are famous for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are small dogs with big love to give, and they often bond closely with family. Their curly coat can be wavy or tightly curled. And it is always soft and pettable.
Things to Know about this Poodle Mix Breed
Excellent for apartment living, thanks to their size.
May be prone to separation anxiety, and they hate being alone.
Regular grooming keeps their curly coat healthy.
Friendly nature makes them GREAT with other dogs and kids.
If you want a playful companion who also doubles as your cuddle companion, look no further!!
Conclusion
Poodles have given the dog world some of the most popular and adorable Poodle mixes you will fall in love with. Each of these doodle dogs brings Poodle’s intelligence, curly coats, and affection to the table + mixed with the best traits of their parent breeds.
But remember! Every mixed breed has its own quirks. Some are energetic dogs who need long runs, some are couch potatoes who just want to snuggle. Some do good in apartment living, others need a backyard.
Pick the one that matches your lifestyle. Commit to regular grooming and proper training. And you will have one of the most affectionate, fun-loving, and great companions you will ever meet.
