Can’t Decide on a Doodle? The 14 Most Popular Poodle Mixes, Ranked!
Doodles—or Poodle mix dogs—have been the hot trend of the dog world for decades, and the instant popularity of Poodle mix breeds has incentivized the unregulated creation of dozens of “designer” dog breeds. If it can be mixed with a Poodle it has been, and the world of designer dog breeding has given us some shocking and controversial mixes like the Doberdoodle (Doberman Pinscher x Poodle) and the Irish Wolfadoodle (Irish Wolfhound x Poodle).
While some dog breeds crossed with Poodles are rare, others have become highly sought-after family pets. Poodle mixes like the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle have become so ubiquitous that most people recognize them immediately. Here, we’ll discuss fourteen of the most popular Poodle mixes, why people love them, and what you need to know if you plan to own one of these mixed breed dogs.
What Are The Most Popular Poodle Mixes?
Poodle mixes vary greatly from individual to individual. There are no breeding regulations or standards for producing “Doodles,” but there are some “tricks” breeders use to try to make an unpredictable breeding process more predictable. For example, breeders creating small Poodle mix dogs start with Miniature or Toy Poodles, while breeders creating large Poodle mixes will choose a Standard Poodle parent.
Poodle mixes created by crossing a Poodle with a similar dog breed tend to be more successful and have more predictable temperaments and looks. For example, both Golden Retrievers and Poodles were bred for retrieving items and game from the water. Both breeds are intelligent, friendly, and even-tempered. Still, it isn’t guaranteed that you’ll get a perfect mix of both breeds. Many Poodle mixes favor one parent breed over the other in looks or have vastly different temperaments than either parent breed. You simply don’t know what you’ll get mixing dog breeds.
Of the dozens of Poodle mixes that exist, these fourteen have stood the test of time, are well established, and have become the most popular of the Poodle mixes among dog lovers worldwide.
1. Labradoodle
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Labrador Retriever x Standard Poodle
- Height Range: 15–24.5 inches
- Weight Range: 40–80 pounds
The Labradoodle is the original Doodle, and you’ll often hear breeders and dog owners refer to this mix simply as a “Doodle.” Labradoodles also come in mini size, which involves breeding Labs to Miniature Poodles instead of Standards.
2. Goldendoodle
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Golden Retriever x Standard Poodle
- Height Range: 15–24 inches
- Weight Range: 40–75 pounds
The Goldendoodle appeared on the designer dog market not soon after the Labradoodle and also comes in a miniature size.
3. Cavapoo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 10–15 inches
- Weight Range: 8–18 pounds
- Other Names: Cavoodle, Cavidoodle, Cadoodle
Cavapoos are adorable Poodle mix small breed dogs that come in “standard” or Toy varieties. Sweet, gentle, and calm, Cavapoos are a good choice for seniors or people living in small apartments.
4. Shih Poo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Shih Tzu x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 9–15 inches
- Weight Range: 8–18 pounds
- Other Names: Shoodle, Shihpoo, Shih-Poo
Shih Poos are almost teddy bear-like little dogs, but don’t let their cuteness fool you. Shih Poos are mini Poodle mixes with big attitudes!
5. Maltipoo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Maltese x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 7–15 inches
- Weight Range: 6–15 pounds
- Other Names: Moodle, Multipoo
One of the most well-known small breed Poodle mixes, Maltipoos have been a popular designer breed for decades!
6. Schnoodle
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Miniature Schnauzer x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 10–15 inches
- Weight Range: 9–20 pounds
- Other Names: Schnauzerdoodle, Mini Schnoodle
While many small dog Poodle mixes look very similar to each other, the Schnoodle is distinct thanks to the Schnauzer parent’s distinct ears and face shape. These are technically Miniature Schnoodles, but there are also Giant Schnoodles bred by crossing Giant Schnauzers and Standard Poodles.
7. Yorkiepoo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Yorkshire Terrier x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 7–15 inches
- Weight Range: 7–15 pounds
- Other Names: Yorkipoo, Yorkiedoodle, Yorkie Poo
Yorkiepoos often keep the coloring and markings of their Yorkshire Terrier parent, but some of these mini Poodle mixes inherit solid coloring from their Poodle parent.
8. Havapoo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Havanese x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 8–15 inches
- Weight Range: 7–15 pounds
- Other Names: Havadoodle, Havanoodle, Poovanese
Gentle and easygoing, Havapoos are a popular family dog for homes with young children or as companions for retirees and seniors.
9. Aussiedoodle
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Australian Shepherd x Standard Poodle
- Height Range: 15–23 inches
- Weight Range: 40–70 pounds
- Other Names: Aussiepoo
Aussiedoodles are high-energy Poodle mixes that need active families, lots of mental stimulation, and regular consistent training to thrive. Easily bored thanks to their high intelligence, this is a mix for someone who wants a constant companion. You can also find Mini Aussiedoodles, one of the oldest and most popular Poodle mixes.
10. Sheepadoodle
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Old English Sheepdog x Standard Poodle
- Height Range: 15–22+ inches
- Weight Range: 40–100 pounds
- Other Names: Sheepoodle, Sheep-a-poo, Sheep Poodle
Not to be confused with the Shepadoodle (German Shepherd x Poodle), the Sheepadoodle is a majestic giant Poodle mix that often keeps its Old English Sheepdog markings and coat color. Still relatively rare, the Sheepadoodle is a mixed breed on the rise.
11. Bernedoodle
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Bernese Mountain Dog x Standard Poodle
- Height Range: 15–27.5 inches
- Weight Range: 40–115 pounds
- Other Names: Bernadoodle, Bernepoo, Mountain Poodle
A very popular Poodle mix as of the last decade, Bernedoodles sometimes struggle with anxiety and hyperactivity, and need owners who can dedicate a lot of time to training, exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Mini Bernedoodles are also gaining popularity, but even the small version of this mix can be quite large.
12. Lhasapoo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Lhasa Apso x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 8–15 inches
- Weight Range: 10–18 pounds
- Other Names: Lhasa Poo, Lhasadoodle
Brave, goofy, social little dogs, Lhasapoos keep their owners on their toes and always guessing with their hilarious antics and unique personalities.
13. Peekapoo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Pekingese x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 5–15 inches
- Weight Range: 8–15 pounds
- Other Names: Pekapoo
Peekapoos are one of the smallest Poodle mixes and one of the oldest. You can usually identify these little dogs by their smiles—Pekingese have wide, toothy grins and often have underbites which are inherited by their Poodle mix cousins.
14. Cockapoo
Quick Facts:
- Breed Mix: Springer Spaniel x Miniature or Toy Poodle
- Height Range: 8–15.5 inches
- Weight Range: 10–30 pounds
- Other Names: Cockerpoo
If you like a dog with flowing ears and beautiful long fur, you’ll love the Cockapoo! Loyal, curious, and adorable, this small to mid-sized hybrid is a very popular choice among Poodle mix lovers.
When & Why Did Poodle Mixes Become Popular?
Some people love Doodles, others hate them, but whether you like the trend of crossing Poodles with other dog breeds or not, they’re here to stay.
The Doodle originated in the 1980s with Australian dog breeder Wally Conron who created the first Labradoodle. Conron set out to develop a dog that would be easy to train, highly intelligent, and low-allergen to be the ideal guide dog for blind and vision-impaired individuals with dog allergies. Now, Conron says he regrets the project, having watched backyard breeders and puppy mills rake in the profits from crossbreeding other dog breeds with Poodles purely for financial gain.
Conron has also explained that the branding of Poodle mixes as “designer dogs” has helped fuel their rise to fame. “It was a gimmick. No-one wanted a crossbreed but everybody wanted a labradoodle. Same dog, different name,” said Conron in an interview on the podcast Sum Of All Parts. Today, Poodle mixes are still given “breed” names and a shocking number of Doodle owners are led to believe their beloved pups are purebred.
Poodle mixes can be wonderful pets, but it’s important to understand that cross-breeding Poodles with other dog breeds doesn’t create a magically “perfect” dog. It’s also worth noting that Doodle breeding is unregulated and that there is no standardization within the Poodle mix population. With countless mixed breeds (and purebreds!) waiting for homes in animal shelters, many people who dislike Doodles feel strongly that it is wrong to pay a “breeder” for a mutt when so many need help.
Poodle Mix Breeds FAQ
Have more itching questions about Poodle mixes? Dig into what others are asking about these popular mixed-breed dogs.
Do Poodle mixes have hypoallergenic coats?
No. There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Poodles are often called “hypoallergenic” because they have very low shedding. People with allergies specifically to dog dander may tolerate Poodles and other low-shedding dogs better than other breeds, but there is no evidence that Poodles are lower in allergen than any other dog.
Do Poodle mixes need to be groomed?
Yes. Most Poodle mixes inherit some level of the Poodle’s constantly growing curly coat and need regular grooming sessions.
Are Poodle mixes high energy?
Sometimes. Because Poodle mixes can be a combination of Poodle and one or more of any other dog breed, their energy levels vary greatly. It’s also hard to predict the energy levels of a Poodle mix puppy before they reach adulthood since you won’t know how the combination of their parent breeds will impact their temperament.
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