‘Doodle dogs’ is a nickname for a whole range of different breeds, including Sproodles, Cockapoos, Labradoodles and many more.
Doodles are more correctly known as Poodle mixes, meaning they’re a cross between Poodles and another breed.
Such crosses have been around for decades but have gained popularity in recent years until now there are over 40 different doodle breeds. We take a look at some of the most popular.
Pros and cons of doodle dogs
Wondering whether a doodle dog is the right type of forever friend for you? It's important to consider the pros and cons before you welcome any new pet into your home:
Pros of doodle dogs
The main reason that doodle breeds have become so popular is that Poodles themselves have low-shedding, hypoallergenic, water-resistant coats. That makes them potentially more suitable for households with allergies.
Add to that the fact that most of these crossbreeds look adorable, with cute button eyes and fluffy coats, and most people are sold immediately!
As Poodles themselves come in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard), you can find a doodle dog to suit you whether you want a small, medium or large dog.
Cons of doodle dogs
There are some disadvantages, though. As with all crossbreeds, you can never tell which genetic traits the pups are going to inherit. Out of a litter, only one or two might have true hypoallergenic coats, so if that’s your main motivator you might be better considering a purebred Poodle.
Also, ‘low shedding’ doesn’t mean ‘low maintenance’. Poodle crosses often require a lot of grooming as they can grow a long, dense coat. As crossbreeds, no doodle dog breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club but they can be registered with the AKC Canine Partners program.
Poodles were originally bred to be working dogs and are energetic. If your pup has a poodle for one parent and another working breed such as a Springer Spaniel for the other, you’re going to end up with a very lively dog!
Make sure you have the time and commitment to provide sufficient exercise and entertainment before you commit.
If you'd prefer a pup with a laidback personality, be sure to visit our guide to calm dog breeds, but be aware that there are many factors that influence a dog's personality and behavior, including those carried out by the owner themselves: good handling, plenty of exercise and training is key.
Most popular doodle dog breeds
With over 40 different mixes to choose from, choosing a doodle dog breed can be time consuming! Here are a few of the most popular:
1. Sproodles
A cross between a Springer Spaniel and a Poodle, Sproodles differ widely in appearance depending on the physical characteristics of the parents.
Mini Sproodles are a cross between miniature Poodles and smaller Spaniels, while Standard Sproodles are a mix between Standard Poodles and larger Spaniels. They tend to be obedient (when properly trained), sociable and friendly and make good ‘people dogs’.
2. Cockapoo
Cockapoos are believed to be the breed that started it all! Breeders in the States in the 1960s were trying to create the perfect family dog that potentially wouldn’t suffer from the health problems of the parents.
As with Sproodles they can come in a variety of sizes but are most commonly medium sized dogs, the result of a Miniature Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. They’re friendly, affectionate, cheerful dogs whose main fault tends to be an over-active sense of humor!
3. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are also apparently one of the oldest ‘official’ doodle dogs. Monica Dickens, great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, is widely credited with breeding the first Goldendoodle in 1969, but they weren’t widely bred until the 1990s.
Originally created as service dogs, they tend to be affectionate, intelligent and very people orientated.
4. Labradoodles
Labradoodles – a cross between Labradors and Poodles – were first bred by an Australian, Wally Conron, in 1988. Conron was attempting to create a guide dog that would be more suitable for people with allergies.
They’re sociable, intelligent and very trainable – but they are energetic and need lots of attention. Labradoodles are one of the friendliest dog breeds out there, so don’t try and employ one as a guard dog!
5. Schnoodles
The offspring of Miniature Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers, Schnoodles are small-to-medium sized dogs with huge hearts and a cute appearance.
They’re the nearest thing to a canine teddy bear you’ve ever seen, with a fluffy coat and melting eyes. As the result of two of the smartest dog breeds out there, Schnoodles often excel at obedience sports such as agility and flyball.
6. Whoodles
Doesn’t this breed have the coolest name ever? It’s a cross between the soft-coated Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle. Whoodles can come in almost any coat color but tend to favor the cream or ‘wheaten’ coat of their terrier parent.
They’re playful but gentle, and can require less exercise than other doodle breeds making them great family dogs.
7. Maltipoos
A cross between the Maltese and toy or miniature poodles, Maltipoos tend to be one of the smaller doodle breeds. As such, they’re more suitable for smaller spaces and require less exercise.
They do have a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety, so perhaps not an ideal choice if they have to spend much time on their own.
8. Cavapoos
A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, Cavapoos are one of the cutest things on four legs. They’re playful, gentle, loyal and easy going, requiring only moderate exercise. They’re a great choice for a family pet as long as you’re planning to spend plenty of time with them.
9. Corgipoos
A pairing of a Welsh Corgi with a Poodle, Corgipoos have attitude in bags. They strut though life, treating the world as one big joke.
They’re affectionate, friendly, playful and mischievous and, as a crossbreed, tend not to be as susceptible to many of the health problems that affect purebred Corgis.
10. Dalmadoodles
A cross between – you’ve guessed it – a Dalmatian and a Poodle, Dalmadoodles tend to be medium-to-large sized dogs.
They’re one of the doodle breeds with the most visual variety, as although you’ll probably get a black and white dog it may have spots, patches, freckles or anything in between!
They’re a high-energy mix and need a lot of exercise and entertainment. Treat ‘em right, though, and you’ll have an intelligent, loyal, sweet natured family pet at your side.
