The Best Poodle Mixes

There’s no doubt about it, in recent years Poodle mixes have become some of the most popular dogs on the planet. With so many different mixes to choose from you’ll want to know the basics of the top options out there. So here are some of the best poodle mixes and what you’ll want to know about each of them.

Why A Poodle Mix?

The Poodle offers several desirable advantages which is why it is specifically used to create so many different types of Poodle mixes. Poodles are one of the smartest and also easiest to train of all dog breeds. They also have fewer health problems than most other purebred dogs. Their coat is considered hypoallergenic since they rarely shed and they are usually tolerated by those that are allergic to dogs.

Poodles also come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard which allows breeders to create mixes of various sizes. And of course, Poodles are widely known for simply being adorable. Like all mixed-breed dogs, Poodle mixes can vary in their appearance and behavioral characteristics, depending on the specific traits that they inherit from their parents.

Poochon

The Poochon, also known as the Bichpoo, is a cross between a Bichon Frise and either a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This small canine is known for its intelligence. The Poochon is affectionate with people but also other animals and pets. And its small size and gentle nature make it an ideal pet for homes with young children.

Luckily for their owners, this mix is typically long-lived as well. While the Poochon doesn’t shed, (since both parent breeds are non-shedding), its dense and curly coat will need to brushed regularly or even daily to prevent any tangles.

Shihpoo

Without a doubt, the Shihpoo is one of the cutest poodle mixes out there. It’s created from mixing a Shih Tzu and typically a Toy Poodle. This is a low-shedding little lap dog that comes in a range of colors and patterns. The Shihpoo’s coat can also vary in texture from one individual to another.

From the Shih Tzu side, it does tend to inherit the trait of being an alert watchdog. The Shiphoo can be headstrong when it comes to training and is best suited for families with older children since it usually doesn’t tolerate being handled roughly very well.

Sheepadoodle

As you could probably guess from its name the Sheepadoodle is the result of an Old English Sheepdog crossed with a Poodle. These dogs usually range from medium to large in size but can be a bit smaller as well. Sheepadooldes are ideal family companions that absolutely love to cuddle and do best with owners that have an active lifestyle.

They are easy to train and either don’t shed at all or are light shedders. The Sheepadoodle coat is usually more Poodle-like in texture and more sheepdog-like in color and is, therefore, most often grey and white.

Pomapoo

This Pomeranian and Poodle cross is also sometimes called a Pooranian or Pomeroodle. While slightly larger and sturdier than their Pomeranian parents this little dog is perfectly-suited to apartment life. As a companion breed, you can expect a Pomapoo to become highly attached to its owners and want to be around them at all times. The Pomapoo’s coat is usually soft and wavy often with more profuse hair on the dog’s ears and tail.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle was originally created to function as a non-shedding guide dog by crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. As it turns out some Labradoodles may shed heavily, while others only lightly, and some not at all.  Their coat may be curly, wavy, or straight.

The Labradoodle is without a doubt one of the most popular poodle mixes and comes in three accepted sizes miniature, medium, and standard. These are high-energy canines that are family-orientated. And just like both parent breeds Labradoodles love the water and are fantastic swimmers.

Goldendoodle

This is considered by many to be one of the best Poodle mixes for families and also those with allergies. The Goldendoodle, also known as the Groodle, is a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle. These water-loving dogs have teddy bear-like looks and an eager-to-please attitude.

They are considered hypoallergenic as they are either very low-shedding or don’t shed at all. These are gentle and highly affectionate canines that come in a range of sizes and colors. The Goldendoodle coat is usually either loosely curled and wavy, or it has a curly coat similar to that of the Poodle.

Yorkipoo

The Yorkipoo is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and typically a Toy Poodle or sometimes a Miniature Poodle. The result is a companion dog that loves to go anywhere and everywhere with its owners and it’s certainly small enough to do so conveniently! Despite its size, it does make an alert watchdog that will not hesitate to bark when it feels that its household needs to be alerted.

This is one of the small poodle mixes that also has a low-shedding coat making it a popular choice for those who have allergies and live in apartments or just prefer a smaller dog. Light and silky to the touch the Yorkipoo’s coat can range from curly to straight.

Chipoo

Chipoos are a cross between the Chihuahua and either a Miniature or Toy Poodle. They are also known as the Choodle, Poochi, Chipoodle, or Wapoo. These are considered low shedding and low-maintenance pooches.

While small this is definitely one of the mini Poodle mixes that does not seem to realize just how small it is, as the Chipoo often has the confidence and attitude of a much larger dog. Although many Chipoos have wavy medium-length coats, their coats can really range in appearance because their Chihuahua parent can have either a long or short coat.

Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is known for being a smart canine, and it’s no surprise as it is a cross of two of the smartest dog breeds the Poodle and the Schnauzer. Because both Poodle and Schnauzer come in three different sizes, the Schnoodle can vary in size from miniature to quite large.

These dogs are very family-orientated canines and are considered one the best poodle mixes for seniors and families with young children. From the Schnauzer they do tend to inherit a protective instinct for their families and make an excellent watchdog or even guard dog depending on their size. The Schnoodle usually has a wavy coat that is soft and silky and hypoallergenic (just like both its parent breeds).

Cockapoo

This was one of the first Poodle mixes and it dates back to the 1950s although it didn’t start to gain popularity until the 1960s. It is created by either crossing an American or English Cocker Spaniel with either a Miniature or Toy Poodle. These are small to medium dogs that come in four accepted sizes: Teacup Toy, Toy Cockapoo, Miniature Cockapoo, and Standard Cockapoo also known as Maxi Cockapoo.

Cockapoos make friendly and gentle companions that are good with other dogs and pets. And while they do love kids Cocakapoos do tend to do best with older children as they don’t like rough handling. Cockapoos have a long coat that can be straight or loosely curled. The coat is soft and fluffy, basically odorless, and sheds very lightly.

Cavoodle

Cavoodles, also called Cavapoos, typically come in two sizes Miniature and Toy. The Toy Cavoodle is a cross of a Toy Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while the Miniature Cavoodle is a cross of a Miniature Poodle and a King Charles Spaniel.

Both sizes usually have long floppy ears and a low to non-shedding coat that is long and silky, or curly. Because they have low exercise requirements and are both gentle and patient, these small dogs are ideal for families and individuals of all ages including the elderly.

Great Danoodle

The Great Danoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Great Dane. And as you can probably guess this is one of the large poodle mixes. Some dogs are even extra-large in size although Great Danoodles aren’t usually as tall or large as a Great Dane. While big, these dogs are laidback and gentle yet they can be fearless when it comes to protecting their family.

They sometimes get so attached to their families that they develop separation anxiety. The Great Danoodle has floppy hanging ears and generally a dense and wavy coat that gives it a shaggy look. They are moderate to low shedders. The Great Danoodle is not as commonly seen as other Poodle mixes and is also known as the Great Daneoolde and Danepoo.

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