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Doodles are a charming mix of poodles and other dog breeds, intentionally bred to capture the best traits of each parent breed, such as low-shedding coats. The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) describes these dogs as extremely social, friendly, and nonaggressive. They thrive on human companionship and have a strong desire to please and learn.
Since the 1980s, Doodles have become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. They shed less and produce less dander than many other breeds, making them great for allergy sufferers.
Their loving and adaptable personalities make Doodles perfect family pets. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, enjoy hiking, or prefer relaxing at home, these versatile Poodle mixes fit right in. When choosing a Doodle, it’s important to consider the characteristics of the other breed involved in the mix.
Explore these seven wonderful Doodle dog breeds to find the perfect match for your family.
Types of Doodle Dogs
1. Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle)
Labradoodles, a popular cross between Labradors and Poodles, are kind, affectionate, and full of energy. Their playful nature makes them excellent family dogs. Friendly and outgoing, Labradoodles are like playful, curious children, always eager to please and explore the world around them.
These easygoing dogs love making friends with everyone, including other pets and young children. However, their boisterous play should be monitored to ensure it doesn’t get out of hand. Labradoodles are quite vocal and may bark to get your attention or when they feel stressed, anxious, or bored. With their fun-loving personalities, they have lots of energy and are generally easy to train.
To keep a high-energy Labradoodle happy, they need at least an hour of physical activity each day. Incorporating games into their training helps exercise their minds and prevent boredom. Labradoodles thrive on consistency and positive reinforcement, and they’re especially motivated by food rewards.
According to PetPlan, Labradoodles’ coat type can vary depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant. Regardless of their coat type, Labradoodles are known for being non- to low-shedding, but regular grooming is essential to keep their coats healthy and manageable.
2. Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd + Poodle)
Sometimes called an Aussiepoo, the Aussiedoodle is a charming mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. This combination results in a fluffy, charismatic dog known for its intelligence and trainability. Both parent breeds are smart, so it’s no surprise that Aussiedoodles are quick learners and friendly with everyone they meet.
The energy levels of Aussiedoodles can vary. Those that take after their Australian Shepherd parent may require more physical activity, while those leaning toward the Poodle side might need less. Australian Shepherds are natural herders, and Poodles have a history of hunting waterfowl, so together they create a high-energy dog that needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Without enough activity, Aussiedoodles might develop destructive habits like chewing or digging.
Due to their strong herding and hunting instincts, Aussiedoodles should always be kept on a leash or within a fenced area when outside. Otherwise, they might chase after other animals or even cars. PetMD notes that Aussiedoodles come in a variety of colors, from jet black to blue merle. While Poodles are known for their non-shedding curls, Australian Shepherds shed moderately. Regular grooming is necessary to manage their coats and keep them looking their best.
3. Rottle (Rottweiler + Poodle)
The Rottweiler Poodle mix, also known by various names like Rottie Poo, Rottle, Rottie Doodle, or Rottie Poodle, is a smart and affectionate dog. They learn quickly, especially when trained gently and consistently. With the right approach, you can have the best-trained Rottie Poo in your neighborhood!
Early socialization is crucial for Rottles. These dogs are calm, loving, and self-confident, making them great companions for kids and families. While they are cautious of strangers and eager to alert you when someone is at the door, their Rottweiler genes make them excellent watchdogs.
Rottles can get along well with other dogs, but they need to be taught early on not to chase smaller animals. They require at least 30-40 minutes of exercise daily, whether it’s playing, walking, jogging, or running. Although they are an active breed, their energy comes in bursts. Ideally, they need a home with a medium to large-sized yard to frolic in when you’re not around.
Labrottie points out that regular brushing, about 5-10 minutes each day, is necessary to keep their coat free from knots and looking its best. This routine not only maintains their appearance but also helps prevent matting, ensuring they stay comfortable and healthy.
4. Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle)
Bernedoodles are a delightful mix of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, known for their fun-loving and outgoing personalities. Along with their playful nature, they have a low-shedding, low-allergen coat, often making them a popular choice for people with allergies. This mix comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
Bernedoodles inherit the hunting instincts of the Poodle and the gentle demeanor of the Bernese Mountain Dog, resulting in a goofy, playful, and gentle companion. With consistent early training, your Bernedoodle puppy will grow into a sweet and happy dog. They are devoted to their families and rarely bark, making them great pets for various households.
These intelligent dogs quickly learn basic commands, fun tricks, and essential training such as crate training and potty training. However, Bernedoodles require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition. Weekly brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and matting, and regular grooming appointments will help manage their hair and keep it looking neat.
5. Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle)
The Cavapoo, also known as a Cavoodle, is a charming mix between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs have become popular due to their playful and affectionate nature and their low-shedding coats.
Cavapoos are loyal and dedicated to their families, enjoying playtime with adults, children, and other dogs. They come in various colors and are known for their friendly disposition. However, Cavapoos can be prone to separation anxiety, so it’s important to gradually get them used to being alone by leaving them for short periods during training.
These intelligent and generally obedient dogs respond well to training and love learning new things. Cavapoos are energetic and need between 45 minutes to an hour of exercise daily, which can be split into a shorter morning walk and a longer evening walk. This keeps them physically and mentally stimulated.
Regular grooming is essential for Cavapoos to prevent knots and tangles in their coats. Daily brushing helps maintain their skin and coat health and provides a good bonding opportunity. According to My Family Vets, their coats can be high maintenance, so professional grooming every six weeks, depending on the coat length, is beneficial.
6. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
The Goldendoodle is a delightful cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, often showcasing the best traits of both parent breeds. These dogs are usually intelligent, obedient, and loving. They adore people and get along well with other pets, making them excellent companions for families, especially with young children, due to their patient and gentle nature.
Goldendoodles are fairly energetic and need space to play, so they are better suited to homes with a fenced-in yard rather than apartments. HillsPet notes that they require about 30 minutes of daily exercise to stay fit and happy. Their high intelligence means they can get bored easily, so they need activities to keep them engaged, but they also enjoy curling up on the couch for some cuddle time.
While they may inherit some shedding tendencies from their Golden Retriever parent, Goldendoodles typically don’t shed much. They need to be brushed daily to prevent their coats from matting, but they only need a bath every couple of months unless they get particularly dirty. If their coat is kept short, brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
7. Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog + Poodle)
The Sheepadoodle is a delightful dog that will charm the entire family with its intelligence and good looks. This dog breed is a mix of the Old English Sheepdog and the Standard Poodle, both of which are friendly and playful, passing on these wonderful traits to their Sheepadoodle puppies. While the personality of a Sheepadoodle can vary, they typically grow into large, friendly dogs that thrive on space and companionship. They can become overly protective, but with early and consistent socialization and training, this trait can be managed.
Purina states that Sheepadoodles need 1-2 hours of exercise daily and enjoy training sessions, outdoor playtime, and spending time with their owners. Due to the Old English Sheepdog’s thick coat, which is designed for cold weather, Sheepadoodles may struggle in hot weather. It’s best to exercise them early in the morning and late in the evening when it’s cooler.
Regular grooming is essential for Sheepadoodles, as their coats can range from medium to extremely high maintenance. Finding a good local groomer who can manage their coat or teach you how to care for it is important. Be prepared for regular grooming sessions to keep their fur in good condition.
Conclusion
Doodle breeds like the Sheepadoodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle are popular poodle mixes that combine the best traits of their parent breeds. These types of doodles, including the Shih Poo—a mix of Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle—are known for being intelligent, loving, and great family dogs.
Whether you’re looking for a miniature or toy poodle mix, these dogs make great family pets, offering companionship, playfulness, and adaptability to various living environments.
