Wondering what people mean when they start talking about poodle mixes? No need to wonder anymore. Here is everything you need to know about poodle mixes as well as a couple examples of the more popular mixes you can find.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What Are Poodle Mixes?
Poodle Traits
1. Yorkipoo
2. Goldendoodle
3. Labradoodle
4. Schnoodle
5. Maltipoo
6. Pomapoo
7. Sheepadoodle
8. Cavapoo
9. Bernedoodle
10. Cockapoo
How To Find A Poodle Mix
Find A Reputable Breeder
Find A Rescue
Best Poodle Mixes For…
Final Thought
What Are Poodle Mixes?
Simply put, a poodle mix is a Poodle bred with another breed of dog. This is done for various reasons but typically it is to capitalize on the intelligence and hypoallergenic attributes of a Poodle and blend them with the more desirable traits of another breed.
You will sometimes hear them referred to as “Doodles”.
Poodle Traits
The common factor in all Poodle mixes is obviously a Poodle. So, to get a good idea of what a particular mix is going to be like it is good to know a bit about Poodles in general.
Temperament and Personality
Poodles, of any size, toy, miniature, or standard, are all playful and fun loving. They are not quite as rambunctious as some other breeds but they are quite energetic.
Poodles love their family and, in time, will accept non family members. They can be territorial but not aggressive if there is no threat. Because of this, they make great family dogs.
Intelligence, Training, and Exercise
Poodles are extremely intelligent. It is crucial that they receive, at the very least, basic obedience training at a young age. They adapt to training very well and, with work, are pretty easy to train.
Poodles of all sizes need exercise. As we mentioned, they are quite energetic and intelligent. If they do not have an outlet for either of these attributes they will become bored and find their own outlet.
To avoid any sort of destructive behavior you will want to make sure they get an adequate amount of exercise.
Size
In the US, AKC recognized Poodles come in three sizes; Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The chart below shows their differences.
| Toy | Miniature | Standard | |
| Height | under 10 inches | 10 – 15 inches | over 15 inches |
| Weight | 5 – 10 lbs | 12 – 20 lbs | 45 – 70 lbs |
1. Yorkipoo
What Is A Yorkipoo?
A Yorkipoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier.
Size: Yorkies can range in weight and size depending on the size of their parents. Their weight can go from 3 lbs all the way up to 14 lbs.
Their height can also vary a good bit too. They can range from 7 up to 15 inches tall.
Life Span? Yorkipoos tend to live between 10 and 15 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? They do well with other pets as well as with children. However, they tend to navigate to one person. That does not mean that they are not good family dogs. But they will likely prefer one individual over everyone else.
Hypoallergenic? This breed was bred specifically for it’s hypoallergenic qualities.
Easy To Train? Both poodles and Yorkshire Terriers are extremely intelligent. Likewise, Yorkipoos are also pretty smart. This makes them pretty quick at picking up on training.
They are independent and can be stubborn if they do not want to do something. It is critical to stay patient and persistent.
How Much Exercise? Yorkipoos have a lot of energy and need daily exercise. But it isn’t too intense of a workout. Taking them for a walk or throwing a toy should do the trick.
Coat/Care? Just like a Poodle and a Yorkie, a Yorkipoo needs more attention than other breeds when grooming. Their coat is going to be more like hair than fur and is prone to knot and tangle. Preferably, you can brush them daily, but they at least need to be brushed 3 times a week.
2. Goldendoodle
What Is A Goldendoodle?
A Yorkipoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever.
Size: Goldendoodles can get to be pretty big. Their weight can range from 50 lbs all the way up to 90 lbs.
Goldendoodles measure in height around 20 to 24 inches.
Life Span? Goldendoodles can live from 10 to 15 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Goldendoodles are one of the best dogs to have around kids. They love to play and are great backyard companions to children. But they are also very gentle and affectionate towards their family.
Hypoallergenic? They do have an undercoat and are light shedders. So they are not considered hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? Goldendoodles are very smart and love to please their owners. They learn quickly and are motivated with a lot of positive reinforcement training.
How Much Exercise? They do not need a lot of exercise. A daily walk should suffice.
Coat/Care? Goldendoodles are pretty low maintenance. They have a long coat with curls similar to a Poodle. They do not need a lot of brushing. You can brush once every week or two and they will be fine.
3. Labradoodle
What Is A Labradoodle?
A Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever.
Size: Labradoodles are a medium sized dog with their weight in the 50 to 65 lb range.
They can also grow to a height of 21 to 24 inches.
Life Span? Labradoodles tend to live between 12 and 14 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Labradoodles are fun and energetic. They do well with other pets. However, they are not always the most careful when expressing their love. So small children or pets may experience a little tough love whether they like it or not.
Hypoallergenic? Labradoodles are considered hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? Labradoodles are pretty smart and are not too difficult to train. They do have a lot of energy though so be ready to deal with a playful trainee.
How Much Exercise? Labradoodles have a lot of energy and need anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily. This can be through walking them or letting them run around your yard .
Coat/Care? Labradoodles can have one of three types of coats; a hair coat, wool coat, or fleece coat. They need different grooming depending on their coat type but if you brush them a couple of times a week that should be enough. An occasional trip to the groomer will also help keep their coats in tip top condition.
Owner Quotes: “Bella, my 1 1/2 year old Labradoodle is the best dog I have ever owned. She was very easy to train. Rings a bell when she needs to go potty. We make 15 hour trips frequently and she has no trouble and just lays calmly. We take her everywhere we go. We live in a vacation area and she loves to sit on our porch and watch the people go by. She is not much of a barker. Doodles are the best.” Lynda D
4. Schnoodle
What Is A Schnoodle?
A Schnoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer.
Size: The Schnoodle is another Poodle mix like the Yorkipoo that can vary greatly in size depending on the size of their parents. For example, a Schnoodle can range in weight anywhere from 20 lbs up to a whopping 75 lbs!
They can also grow to a height of 10 inches up to 26 inches tall.
Life Span? Schnoodles tend to live between 10 and 15 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Schnoodles are sweet, loyal, and good family pets. They can choose one individual they like the most, but are not as territorial of that person like a Yorkipoo.
Hypoallergenic? They are considered to be non shedders or low shedders. They are considered to be hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? They are very intelligent and pretty easy to train. Training is very important since they are so smart. An untrained Schnoodle can become very destructive because they get bored.
How Much Exercise? They need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise a day. The method of exercise varies depending on the size. Smaller Schnoodles can get exercise just throwing a toy while sitting on the couch. While larger Schnoodles will need a yard or park to get a good workout.
Coat/Care? The grooming schedule of a Schnoodle is a little more laborious than some other mixes. They need to be brushed once or twice a week. As well as have regular clippings to make sure their coat stays nice and healthy.
5. Maltipoo
What Is A Maltipoo?
A Maltipoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Maltese.
Size: Depending on the size of their parents, Maltipoos can vary in their own size. Some will be as small as 5 lbs while other can get up to 20 lbs.
Their height, like their weight, will also vary ranging from 8 up to 14 inches at the shoulder.
Life Span? Maltipoos tend to live between 10 and 13 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Maltipoos are good companion dogs. Since they do not do well in prolonged isolation, they match very well with those in retirement communities or elderly folks who do not leave the house very often.
Small children and Maltipoos are not a great mix. They are not aggressive but they do not like to be handled roughly.
Hypoallergenic? Maltipoos are bred to be non shedding dogs so they are considered hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? They are pretty smart and easy to train. They pick up on things very quickly.
How Much Exercise? They have a good amount of energy but only need a minimal amount of exercise daily. 10 to 15 minutes of physical playtime should be enough to keep them happy and healthy.
This is another reason they are such good companions for seniors. Play fetch from the comfort of your couch or favorite chair and you both will be happy.
Coat/Care? You will need to brush your Maltipoo daily. Their coat can knot and mat easily and need a good amount of attention. However, with proper training, this is something that can be done while watching TV with them in your lap.
6. Pomapoo
What Is A Pomapoo?
A Pomapoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Pomeranian.
Size: Pomapoos praents really dictate their size. Their weight can range from 5 lbs to 15 lbs.
Their height also varies from 8 to 10 inches tall.
Life Span? Pomapoos tend to live between 12 and 15 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Pomapoos are good for families with older children. They do not like to play rough which is a hazard with younger kids.
They are great companions and do well with large families and other pets.
Hypoallergenic? Not always. If they have a more typical Pomeranian coat then they tend to shed and not be hypoallergenic. However, a more Poodle type coat will be hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? Like most Poodle mixes, they are pretty smart. This makes them take to training fairly easily. They are generally smaller dogs though that can get bored. You may need to train more often in shorter sessions.
How Much Exercise? Pomapoos are pretty low maintenance with exercise. A short, 10 to 15 minute, daily walk is really all they need.
Coat/Care? Their coat care really depends on if they have more of a Poodle coat or a Pomeranian coat. At any rate, be prepared to brush them a few times a week.
7. Sheepadoodle
What Is A Sheepadoodle?
A Sheepadoodle is a cross between a Poodle and am Old English Sheepdog.
Size: Sheepadoodles are pretty large dogs and can weigh somewhere between 60 and 80 lbs with a height of 16 to 22 inches.
Life Span? Despite being so large, they live decently long lives. Generally between 12 and 15 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Because of their size they are not bothered by small children who may play a little too rough for a smaller dog. They make great family pets. They also do well in multi-pet households.
Hypoallergenic? Sheepadoodles do not shed much and are considered hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? They are a smart mix and do fairly well with training. It’s best to start at a young age to establish a good training foundation.
How Much Exercise? Being so large and smart they do need a moderate amount of exercise otherwise they can become bored and destructive. A good 20 minute walk or play session a day should be enough to keep them in good health.
Coat/Care? Their coat is considered to be long and will need to be brushed two or three times a week.
8. Cavapoo
What Is A Cavapoo?
A Cavapoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Size: Cavapoos can range in weight from 9 to 25 lbs and grow to a shoulder height of 9 to 14 inches.
Life Span? Cavapoos tend to live between 12 and 15 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Young children should not be left alone with smaller Cavapoos. Cavapoos can be fragile and easily hurt by a rough, but well meaning, child.
They are very affectionate, however, and do well with families at all ages.
Hypoallergenic? Cavapoos are low level shedders and are considered hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? They are a smart dog and pick up on training easily.
How Much Exercise? Cavapoos tend to need more exercise than other Doodles. Obesity can be an issue for them if not given an adequate amount of exercise. They should get 30 minutes to an hour of exercise a day.
Their exercise can, of course, be split up into walks, games, letting them run in the backyard, etc.
Coat/Care? The Cavapoo coat is typically short and curly. They do not need a lot of maintenance. Giving them a good brushing once a week or so should keep their coat looking nice.
9. Bernedoodle
What Is A Bernedoodle?
A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Size: The Bernedoodle uses the same size scales as a Poodle; toy, miniature, and standard. Because of this their weight and height can vary to a large degree.
Their size can range between 10 lbs and 10 inches for a toy and all the way up to 90 lbs and 29 inches for standard sized Doodles. Make sure you know what you’re getting for the space you have available.
Life Span? Bernedoodles can live between 12 and 18 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? Bernedoodles are incredibly social and friendly. They love nothing more than to run, play, and snuggle with their family. They are good with kids and adults alike.
As long as they have been socialized properly and at an early age, they do well with other pets.
Hypoallergenic? Bernedoodles, of all sizes, don’t shed much and are considered hypoallergenic.
Easy To Train? These dogs love any attention and time they can spend with their family. They are intelligent and take to training easily. They will enjoy the time together and make it a good experience for all involved.
How Much Exercise? Bernedoodles are a really relaxed dog. They do not need a lot of exercise or stimulation. Make sure to walk them or play with a toy every day and they should be happy.
Coat/Care? Bernedoodle coats can vary in curliness depending on how much of the trait they get from their Poodle side. They need to be brushed at least a few times a week, if not daily.
However, they are so affectionate that they do not mind the extra attention.
10. Cockapoo
What Is A Cockapoo?
A Cockapoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel.
Size: Cockapoos sizes are split into four different categories; Teacup Toy, Toy, Miniature, and Standard/Maxi.
| Breed | Weight | Height |
| Teacup Toy | > 6 lbs | > 10 inches |
| Toy | ~ 12 lbs | ~ 10 inches |
| Miniature | 13 – 18 lbs | 11 – 14 inches |
| Standard | 19+ lbs | 15+ inches |
Life Span? Cockapoos tend to live between 12 and 15 years.
Pet/Kid/Family Friendly? We listed the Cockapoo as the best Doodle for cats and other pets but they could honestly fit into every other category too. They are so affectionate and loving that they do well with people of all ages and other pets.
Hypoallergenic? Cockapoos are considered hypoallergenic due to their lack of shedding.
Easy To Train? Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are very intelligent and pass this trait down to the Cockapoo. Thus making this Doodle very easy to train.
How Much Exercise? They love to play but don’t need a ton of exercise to stay in good health. A good 15 minute walk or just some playtime in the backyard is more than enough.
Coat/Care? Cockapoos coats need a good bit of care. They usually do best with a daily brushing.
How To Find A Poodle Mix
You can find a poodle mix to add as your newest family member either from a breeder or a rescue. There are pros and cons to each avenue.
Find A Reputable Breeder
If you choose a breeder, you know exactly what mix you’re getting. You are most likely getting a puppy and therefore you can start bonding and training at a young age. Also, you’ll know your new pups full history.
However, you need to make sure you are choosing a reputable breeder and not just any backyard breeder or puppy mill. You’ll want to ask a lot of questions of your potential breeder before purchasing any puppies. Make sure that they keep their dogs first and foremost as happy, healthy pets and don’t just churn out puppies.
One thing you can ask is of their dogs live on their house as pets or if they keep them in a kennel or crates full time. It’s also a good idea to use a breeder that provides some type of health guarantee on their puppies. If any of the breeds you’re purchasing have standard health testing, you can ask of their parents have been tested. Additionally, you can ask for recommendations from previous customers.
Find A Rescue Or Pet Adoption Agency
If you want to adopt, there are so many different rescue options you can look at. Adopting your new furry friend can be great because there are so many dogs who don’t have a home. Most of the time, you can get a pretty good idea of what type of mix of each dog is.
One downfall of adoption is that if you’re not getting a young puppy, you may have some behavior issues to work through. However, ad long as you are aware of what those may be and are prepared, this can also be a really big bonding experience to help your new dog overcome some of their fears.
Hypoallergenic Breeds
You will notice many poodle mixes, or doodles, are hypoallergenic. When picking out your puppy just remember that no dog is truly 100% free of allergens.
Allergens are present in dead skin dells/dog dander as well as their saliva. Allergens can also build up over time so what once was not a problem can become one later. This isn’t to scare you, it’s just to make you aware of how allergies in dogs work.
Spend a little time with the breed or mix you want and see how your allergies behave.
Best Poodle Mixes
Here are a few of the best breeds for different lifestyles.
| Best Doodle For | Breed |
| Families | Labradoodle |
| Allergies | Yorkipoo |
| Seniors | Maltipoo |
| Cats Or Other Pets | Cockapoo |
| Kids | Goldendoodle |
Final Thoughts
There you have it! All you could want to know about Poodle mixes as well as several fun examples.
Do you already have a Poodle mix? Are you thinking of getting one?
Let us know in the comment section below!
