PawPedia breed guide
Poodle mix breeds
Doodles and Poodle crosses—popular types, size and coat reality, and how to choose a mix that matches your grooming budget and energy.
23 breeds · Updated 2026-08-15
Poodle mix breeds—often called doodles—pair a Poodle’s trainable, curly-coated genetics with another breed’s look or temperament. Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Cockapoos, and Cavapoos lead the searches; dozens of -poo and -doodle names follow.
This guide explains how mixes work, lists popular doodle types, and shows 23 related profiles (named mixes we catalog, Poodle sizes, and common parents). For the wider designer landscape see designer dogs; for allergy limits see hypoallergenic dogs and the AKC hypoallergenic overview.
Popular doodle & -poo directory
Common intentional Poodle crosses people compare. Linked entries open a dedicated guide or breed profile:
- Goldendoodle — Golden Retriever × Poodle
- Labradoodle — Labrador Retriever × Poodle
- Cockapoo — Cocker Spaniel × Poodle
- Cavapoo — Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle
- Bernedoodle — Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle
- Aussiedoodle — Australian Shepherd × Poodle
- Sheepadoodle — Old English Sheepdog × Poodle
- Schnoodle — Schnauzer × Poodle
- Maltipoo — Maltese × Poodle
- Yorkipoo — Yorkshire Terrier × Poodle
- Bichon × Poodle — Bichon Frise × Poodle
- Whoodle — Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier × Poodle
Generations matter: F1 (first cross), F1b (backcross to Poodle), and multi-gen lines can look and shed differently. Ask breeders which generation and Poodle size they use.
Why so many Poodle mixes?
Coat hope. Poodles are often lower-shed; people cross them hoping for similar coats on a Retriever or spaniel personality. Results vary—curl genetics aren’t a switch.
Size menu. Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles let breeders aim for apartment-friendly or larger companions from the same “doodle” name family.
Trainability. Poodles score high on working intelligence; mixes often stay people-focused—if you still train and exercise them.
Living with a doodle
Budget grooming like a second hobby: mats form behind ears, in armpits, and in feathering. Many owners keep a practical pet trim between salon visits.
Match energy to the non-Poodle parent. Aussiedoodles and many Labradoodles need serious daily work; Cavapoos and some Maltipoo-type mixes often suit quieter homes—still with walks and enrichment.
Health-test both sides (hips, elbows, eyes, heart, breed-specific panels). “Designer” does not mean disease-proof. Prefer transparency over rare-color marketing.
How to choose your Poodle mix
Pick the lifestyle first (size, exercise, grooming), then the compound name. Read Goldendoodles, Bichon × Poodle, or parent profiles below. Compare two parents in Compare, or take the match quiz.
Still browsing crosses? Open designer dogs or all breeds A–Z.
Poodle sizes, named mixes & common parents
Browse 23 profiles. Open any breed for temperament, care, and lifestyle scores.
Labradoodle
Goldendoodle
Cavapoo
Cockapoo
Bernedoodle
Poodle (Standard)
Standard Poodle
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Cocker Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Bernese Mountain Dog
Australian Shepherd
Old English Sheepdog
Miniature Schnauzer
Yorkshire Terrier
Maltese
Bichon Frise
Portuguese Water Dog
Irish Water Spaniel
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Frequently asked questions
What are poodle mix breeds (doodles)?
They’re intentional crosses of a Poodle (Toy, Miniature, or Standard) with another breed—often Retrievers, spaniels, or herding dogs. Names like Goldendoodle or Labradoodle describe the parents, not a single kennel-club standard.
Are doodles hypoallergenic?
Sometimes they shed less; never allergen-free. Coat type varies by litter and generation (F1, F1b, multi-gen). Plan for grooming and spend time with the individual dog if allergies matter. See AKC’s hypoallergenic overview in References.
What’s the difference between Mini, Moyen, and Standard doodles?
Size usually tracks the Poodle parent and the other breed’s size. “Mini” isn’t regulated—ask for adult weight of parents and prior litters. A “mini” Bernedoodle can still grow larger than expected.
How much grooming do poodle mixes need?
Often a lot. Curly or wavy coats mat without brushing and usually need professional clipping every 4–8 weeks. Low shed ≠ low maintenance.
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle—which should I get?
Both can be friendly, active family dogs. Goldens often lean softer and coat-heavy; Labs lean sporty and food-motivated. Individual lines vary more than the name. Compare parent breeds and meet adults when you can.
References
This guide summarizes publicly available breed-standard and veterinary education sources. Always consult your veterinarian for individual care.
- [1]Poodle Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- [2]Are There Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds? — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- [3]How to Choose the Right Dog Breed — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- [4]Pet Ownership Resources — American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- [5]General Dog Care — ASPCA