What is a Doodle? Popular Poodle Mixes & Health Concerns

If you’ve ever encountered a “doodle” breed, you know how friendly these dogs can be. These wonderful hybrids are known for their intelligence, hypoallergenic coats, and family-friendly temperaments. They are the result of crossing a purebred dog with a Poodle. Over the years, doodles have carved their niche in the world of designer dogs, so it's no wonder that there are so many variations.

From the well-known Labradoodle to the lesser known Chi-Poo, each breed mix creates a unique set of physical traits and personality types. Let’s explore the awesome world of doodle dogs and what makes them so popular today.

What is a doodle dog?

When you see a doodle, you’re looking at a crossbreed. “Doodle” is a term added to a mixed breed’s name to indicate that it comes from a Poodle parent. For example, the Goldendoodle is a mix of a Poodle and Golden Retriever while the Labradoodle is a mix of a Poodle and Labrador Retriever.

While doodles aren’t currently recognized as their own individual dog breeds, they have grown to be highly sought-after dogs nonetheless. People love them for their textured fur, intelligence and trainability, gentle nature, and, perhaps most notably, their hypoallergenic coats. Because their parentage is so varied, doodles come in many sizes and colors with each mix bringing a unique set of traits to their respective doodle.

History of Poodle mixes

Before doodle was the name for Poodle mixes, there was the cockapoo. In the 1950s and ‘60s, this mix of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles was incredibly popular. Cocker Spaniels became popular after the success of Lady and the Tramp, leading many families to seek their loving and calm personalities in a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed.

The official “doodle” came about in the late 20th century when Monica Dickens bred a golden retriever with a poodle in an attempt to create a dog that was gentle like a golden and smart like a Poodle. Thus, the Goldendoodle was born. By the 1990s, the Goldendoodle was the “it” breed and considered a designer dog.

Around that time, Australian breeder Wally Conron was attempting to assist a friend in need of a hypoallergenic guide dog. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, the low-shedding coat of the Poodle was the perfect place to start reducing pet allergens. So, he combined the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle to get an easily trainable dog that was more allergy-friendly. To make the dog marketable and desirable to the public and thus encourage trainers of purebred service dogs to take them on, he gave them the name “Labradoodles.” The public soon fell in love, increasing demand for the new mix. The plan worked, and not only did Labradoodles become a household name, but they are regarded today as one of the best breeds for service dog training.

From there, breeders began combining Poodles with other dog breeds and adding “doodle” to the name, much to Conron’s chagrin. However, the public’s desire for a trainable dog with a low-shedding coat extended beyond Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Soon Poodles were bred with breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, and even Chihuahuas. There is now a doodle dog to meet almost everyone’s desired personality and physical traits for their perfect dog.

Are doodles really hypoallergenic?

The term “hypoallergenic” can be misleading, because as we’ve mentioned, no dog is entirely allergy-free. Allergic reactions can be caused not only by the dog’s fur and dander but also by saliva and urine. Allergies are unique to each individual, so it’s not possible to tell what will trigger an allergic reaction.

While the initial purpose of breeding of many doodle dogs is to create a hypoallergenic seeing-eye dog, there is no guarantee that the puppies of a poodle bred with another dog will not shed their fur. If you are in the market for a doodle specifically for its low-shedding reputation, work with a reputable breeder to select a puppy with a non- or low-shedding coat. Learn more about the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergies to help decide on which dog is best for you.

10 popular types of doodles

While not every Poodle mixed breed is labeled a “poo” or “doodle”, these favorites earned their titles through careful and responsible breeding. Each poodle mix was bred to meet certain desired traits, and many are even developing breed standards. That said, none of them are recognized by formal kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or the British Kennel Club as of 2025.

But because doodles have flourished as family pets, a huge variety of crossbreeds or “designer dogs” have been created to suit demand. And thanks to the size variation within Poodles, they can be paired up with most other dog breeds. With so many options, how do you know which doodle dog is the best fit for your lifestyle?

1. Goldendoodle

We would be remiss if we started anywhere other than the first intentional crossover: the Goldendoodle. This classic doodle is known for having a clown-like personality due to their Golden Retriever's parentage. They are typically outgoing and love being around people, so they make excellent dogs for families with children.

While most Goldendoodles have gold, curly fur, they come in a variety of colors, much like Poodles. And as with most other doodles, the Goldendoodle’s size is heavily impacted by the type of Poodle (standard, miniature, and toy). Goldendoodles are also highly intelligent and energetic. They thrive in active environments with enrichment options. If you plan on adopting one, chances are you’ll be getting a dog that loves outdoor adventures and needs plenty of playtime.

2. Labradoodle

The dog that started the “doodle” name trend! Labradoodles are clever and trainable, making excellent working or service dogs. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles come in a variety of colors, so your Labradoodle can be any of those colors including apricot, black, silver, chocolate, red, and cream, or a combination thereof.

With the intelligence of the poodle and the hard-working nature of the Labrador Retriever, these dogs are highly trainable but need regular enrichment to keep them out of trouble. Their high-energy tendencies mean they love to exercise and make great jogging companions. They love families and children and do well with people overall assuming they are socialized early. As with all of the breed combinations on this list, children and dogs should always be supervised by an adult to ensure everyone’s safety.

3. Cockapoo

Though not named “doodle” (cockadoodle doesn’t quite have the same ring to it), the Cockapoo is another popular mix today. A Poodle cross with a Cocker Spaniel, this was another one of the first designer dogs to gain major popularity.

Cockapoos do best when they have daily physical activity and enrichment with their human companions. This will help prevent some behavioral issues from boredom. This breed is also very attached to their humans and can suffer from separation anxiety. You can help prevent this with early intervention and making them comfortable with being alone from puppyhood.

4. Bernedoodle

The Bernedoodle is a mix of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, and they run on the larger side topping out around 100 pounds (45 kg) for the standard breed. Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle are known for being outdoor working dogs, but don’t let that stop you. These loveable dogs also tend to do well with apartment living.

The most striking feature of the Bernedoodle is their fluffy, tri-color coat. These dogs tend to have the low-shedding curls of the poodle with the beautiful black, brown, and white coats of their Bernese Mountain Dog parent.

5. Shih-poo

Shih-poos are typically bred from toy poodles, so they are smaller compared to some of the other breeds on this list, weighing about 8 to 18 pounds (3.6 to 8.16 kg). Both Shih-Tzus and Poodles are low shedders, so they can be a great option for those allergic to dog fur.

Like many toy breeds, Shih-poos were bred to be ideal companion dogs. They are easy-to train and easy going, so they are ideal for apartment dwellers and those with a low-key lifestyle. While they are a good family dog, they do still have the physical limitations of small dogs. Always make sure they are supervised around children to avoid potential injury.

6. Shepadoodle

Bred from German shepherds and Poodles, the Shepadoodle is on the larger side of the doodle family. They come from two working breeds, so the Shepadoodle craves training and physical activity and is likely best not in the home of a first-time dog owner. However, with the right training regimen and regular exercise, these dogs can make wonderful companions.

These affectionate dogs love their people and form strong bonds with their family. But their larger size and high energy levels can cause accidental injuries to small people, so make sure the dog is well-trained and never unsupervised around young children.

7. Chi-poo

The Chi-poo is a combination of Chihuahua and toy Poodles. These small dynamos are full of personality in a compact size. The Chi-poo typically weighs between 5-15 pounds and combines the spirited personality of the Chihuahua and the intelligence of the Poodle.

Despite their small stature, these dogs thrive in high-energy environments, so daily walks and play will lead to a happier pup. These loyal companions bond with their families and can have the possessive personality of the Chihuahua, so make sure to socialize and thoroughly train them early. But if you’re looking for a clever companion, these dogs are a great match. With proper training and play they can make a happy home anywhere.

8. Schnoodle

A Schnoodle is an adorable mix of a Schnauzer and a Poodle. Like the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, the Schnoodle’s size is heavily dependent on the size of their poodle parentage. They can be small like the toy poodle, or larger like the standard Poodle. Their coats can be silky and straight or curly and come in a variety of Poodle colors.

The Scnhoodle is also known for its friendly nature. They are alert like the Schnauzer, and while that may make them a good guard dog, it’s more likely they will greet newcomers with a warm smile and request for pets. Like many dogs on this list, their energy levels require regular exercise and play time to keep them engaged and happy.

9. Maltipoo

Coming from Maltese and Poodle parents, the Maltipoo is another small dog with lots of energy to spare. Regular play time and walks are important to keeping this small breed happy. But they are loyal and loving, so they will bond with their family quickly and don’t like to be left alone frequently. While they are great for city and apartment dwellers, separation anxiety may be a concern if you are out of the house regularly.

Their coats range from the silky fur of the Maltese to the curly fur of the poodle and will likely require regular grooming to prevent mats. You may have to make regular trips to a professional groomer to keep everything in line, but their low-shed coats easily make up for the extra labor in maintenance.

10. Cavapoo

A delightful mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, Cavapoos have developed a reputation as intelligent, calm, and loving family dogs. They’re on the petite side too, making them well-suited for smaller homes with more limited space. These dogs actually tend to be so well at maneuvering different spaces and have such levelheaded temperaments that they are used as service and therapy dogs.

Fun fact: Cavapoos are also called “Cavoodles” in some areas.

Doodle health concerns

While reduced health risks can be a benefit of crossing breeds, it is not a guarantee, and doodles are no different. They can inherit the health issues of both their parent breeds, so doodles may be more susceptible to certain genetic disorders affecting Poodles and their other parent. These can include issues like joint dysplasia, ear infections, vision problems, and more chronic and debilitating diseases like von Willebrand’s Disease (a bleeding disorder).

It’s important to talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s risks. Regular vet exams and monitoring of your dog for possible symptoms are also important parts of responsible doodle pet ownership.

When looking to adopt a doodle puppy, selecting a responsible breeder will help reduce the risk of common genetic disorders. Speak to the breeder about your new pup’s parents and if any testing for common genetic issues has been done on the family line. It is best to work with a breeder who will allow you to meet your puppy’s parents and go over their health histories to ensure you have a healthy, happy dog.

Pet insurance for doodles

Getting dog insurance coverage at an early age in your dog’s life is an excellent way to help mitigate the financial burden of potential surprise medical needs. Regardless of ancestry, accidents and emergencies can happy to any dog at any time. And when they do, this can mean a steep vet bill that goes well beyond what you’ve budgeted for your dog’s healthcare. Protecting your doodle before these unwelcome surprises pop up is a great way to give yourself peace of mind, while helping your pup get the care they need.