16 Popular Doodle Dog Breeds: Types, Traits & Care Tips

Doodle dogs—Poodle mixes with other beloved breeds—have risen to stardom in the canine world. Renowned for their intelligence, often low-shedding hypoallergenic coats, and friendly personalities, these hybrid dogs make excellent companions for families and individuals alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most popular Doodle dog breeds, including their mix origins, appearances, personalities, and care tips.

What Is a Doodle Dog?

A Doodle dog is any hybrid dog breed that has one parent who is a Poodle and one parent from another dog breed. The Doodle’s popularity exploded due to their charming mix of traits—including intelligence, trainability, and a coat that may shed less than average—making them appealing for many dog lovers, especially those with allergies.
The Poodle’s genetics come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), allowing for a wide variety of Doodle sizes and personalities.

• Main Appeal: Friendly nature, intelligence, and the potential for a more allergy-friendly coat.
• Coat Types: Vary from wavy to curly—some shed very little, others more.
• Popularity: Labradoodle and Goldendoodle breeds paved the way for dozens of other Poodle mixes.

16 Most Popular Types of Doodle Dogs

The term “Doodle” now encompasses a wide range of Poodle mixes, each with distinctive traits. Below are the most popular and beloved Doodle breeds found in homes today.

1. Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever × Poodle)

• Origin: First appeared in Australia as hypoallergenic guide dogs.
• Size: 50–90 lbs (Standard), 20–24 inches
• Lifespan: 10–15 years
• Coat Colors: Cream, apricot, chocolate, black, silver, and more
• Coat Texture: Wavy to curly, low- to moderate-shedding
• Personality: Outgoing, intelligent, sociable, eager to please

Labradoodles helped introduce the world to the Doodle craze, beloved for their family-friendly nature and versatile size.

2. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever × Poodle)

• Origin: 1990s USA, as athletic, intelligent companions
• Size: 50–90 lbs, 20–24 inches (Standard)
• Lifespan: 10–15 years
• Coat Colors: Brown, red, gold, cream, black, white
• Coat Texture: Curly, medium to long
• Personality: Friendly, smart, gentle, playful

The Goldendoodle’s gentle, affectionate temperament, alongside a gorgeous hypoallergenic coat, makes it a favorite family dog.

3. Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle)

• Origin: Developed for companionship; highly trainable
• Size: 60–100 lbs (Standard), up to 29 inches
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Coat Colors: Brown, black, white (often tricolor)
• Coat Texture: Curly, long
• Personality: Playful, friendly, outgoing, gentle

Bernedoodles are gentle giants—contrary to their working-dog roots, they love lounging at home as much as outdoor adventures.

4. Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle)

• Origin: Companion breed, often used as therapy dogs
• Size: 8–25 lbs, 9–14 inches
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Coat Colors: Black, gray, red, brown, cream, white
• Coat Texture: Curly, medium to long
• Personality: Outgoing, playful, curious, gentle

Cavapoos blend loving devotion with intelligence and a typically low-shedding coat, making them a superb family pet.

5. Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd × Poodle)

• Origin: Designed as a smart, athletic companion
• Size: Up to 70 lbs, about 25 inches (Standard)
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Coat Colors: Black, red, brown, white, cream, gray, tan, merle
• Coat Texture: Wavy, curly, medium
• Personality: Loyal, smart, energetic, active

Aussiedoodles thrive in active households that can provide plenty of mental stimulation and exercise.

6. Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog × Poodle)

• Origin: Gentle, adaptive, and cuddly family pets
• Size: 60–85 lbs, 20–24 inches
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Coat Colors: Black and white, gray and white
• Coat Texture: Long, curly, shaggy
• Personality: Gentle, loyal, playful, adaptable

The Sheepadoodle’s loving nature, fluffy appearance, and trainability make them stand out in the Doodle world.

7. Schnoodle (Schnauzer × Poodle)

• Origin: Vary from mini to giant, depending on Schnauzer size
• Size: Mini: 15–35 lbs, Standard: 45–75 lbs, Giant: 70–85 lbs
• Height: 13–27.5 inches, varying by type
• Coat Colors: Black, salt & pepper, white
• Coat Texture: Wiry, curly
• Personality: Intelligent, loyal, playful, energetic

Schnoodles fit diverse lifestyles, with sizes that can suit apartments or large homes alike.

8. Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel × Poodle)

• Origin: One of the oldest Doodle mixes
• Size: 12–24 lbs, 10–15 inches
• Lifespan: 13–15 years
• Coat Colors: Black, tan, cream, red, chocolate, white, various
• Coat Texture: Varies: straight, wavy, or curly
• Personality: Outgoing, affectionate, intelligent, cheerful

The Cockapoo’s friendly disposition and manageable size make them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.

9. Maltipoo (Maltese × Poodle)

• Origin: Intended as companion dogs for smaller homes
• Size: 5–20 lbs, 8–14 inches
• Lifespan: 10–13 years
• Coat Colors: White, cream, apricot, brown
• Coat Texture: Soft, wavy, fluffy
• Personality: Lively, affectionate, friendly, easy to train

Maltipoos are cherished for their portability, charm, and affectionate natures.

10. Boxerdoodle (Boxer × Poodle)

• Origin: Active, playful recent Doodle hybrid
• Size: 12–70 lbs, 10–25 inches
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Coat Colors: Black, gray, red, blue, cream, white, yellow, brown
• Coat Texture: Curly, short to medium
• Personality: Intelligent, active, friendly, playful

Boxerdoodles do best in homes with a fenced yard and thrive with regular socialization and exercise.

11. Irish Doodle (Irish Setter × Poodle)

• Origin: Exceptional hunter and retriever mix
• Size: 40–70 lbs, 22–26 inches
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Coat Colors: Cream, brown, black, blue, silver, gray, red
• Coat Texture: Wavy, dense, long
• Personality: Intelligent, energetic, easy to train, friendly

Irish Doodles are affectionate and love activity—without stimulation, they can develop undesirable behaviors like digging.

12. Double Doodle (Goldendoodle × Labradoodle and/or Poodle)

• Origin: Mix of two different Doodle breeds, sometimes with an extra Poodle “backcross”
• Size: 50–80 lbs (typically)
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Coat Colors: Wide range, depending on parentage
• Coat Texture: Typically curly, low- to non-shedding
• Personality: Friendly, smart, adaptable

Double Doodles are bred for predictable traits and enhanced hypoallergenic qualities.

13. Saint Bernedoodle (Saint Bernard × Poodle)

• Origin: One of the largest Doodle breeds
• Size: 130–180 lbs, 26–30 inches
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Coat Colors: Brindle, white, red & white
• Coat Texture: Long, wavy
• Personality: Gentle, loyal, calm, affectionate

Saint Bernedoodles are adored gentle giants, suitable for families who can accommodate their size and needs.

14. Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier × Poodle)

• Origin: Friendly, energetic, hypoallergenic hybrid
• Size: 20–45 lbs, 12–20 inches
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Coat Colors: Wheaten, black, or any Poodle color
• Coat Texture: Wavy to curly, soft
• Personality: Playful, social, energetic, loving

Whoodles are known for their happy-go-lucky personalities and love of play.

15. Newfypoo (Newfoundland × Poodle)

• Origin: Gentle, giant working mix
• Size: 70–150 lbs, 22–30 inches
• Lifespan: 8–12 years
• Coat Colors: Black, brown, gray, landseer (black & white)
• Coat Texture: Thick, wavy, medium to long
• Personality: Gentle, loyal, intelligent, great with kids

Newfypoos combine the Newfoundland’s sweet temperament with the Poodle’s brains and coat qualities.

16. Pyredoodle (Great Pyrenees × Poodle)

• Origin: Unique blend of guarding instinct and intelligence
• Size: 85–100 lbs, 22–32 inches
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Coat Colors: White, cream, gray, apricot
• Coat Texture: Wavy, dense, medium to long
• Personality: Gentle, protective, loyal, affectionate

Pyredoodles are protective yet gentle, known for their loyalty and calm.

Doodle Dog Traits At a Glance

Choosing the Right Doodle Dog

When selecting a Doodle dog, it is important to consider:

• Lifestyle: High-energy breeds need active owners and space to run.
• Allergies: While many Doodles are hypoallergenic, coat texture and shedding can vary.
• Size: Doodles vary widely in size—choose one to fit your home environment.
• Grooming: Curly or long coats need regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting.
• Training: Most Doodles are intelligent and respond well to obedience training and socialization.

Caring for Doodle Dogs

• Grooming: Regular brushing (often daily for curly coats), professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, and ear cleaning to prevent infections.
• Exercise: Varies—most Standard Doodles need at least 1 hour of exercise daily.
• Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, training, and interactive play.
• Diet: Feed based on size, activity level, and veterinary recommendations.
• Health: Watch for hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and breed-specific genetic risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are all Doodles hypoallergenic?

A: While many Doodles shed less than other breeds, not all are completely hypoallergenic. The degree depends on the specific coat they inherit from their parents. Regular grooming also helps reduce allergens.

Q: How often should you groom a Doodle’s coat?

A: Most Doodle breeds need brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to prevent matting, particularly for curly and long-haired varieties.

Q: Which Doodle breeds are good for families with children?

A: Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and Cavapoos are especially known for their gentle temperaments, making them popular with families.

Q: Do Doodle dogs have specific health concerns?

A: All breeds have potential health issues. Common concerns in Doodles include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections due to their floppy ears and thick coats. Choose reputable breeders who conduct health screenings.

Q: What sizes do Doodles come in?

A: Doodle dogs come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, depending on the Poodle parent. Always discuss expected adult size with your breeder.