The 9 Most Popular Poodle Mixes Compared (with pictures)

Labradoodles are such adorable, intelligent dogs that it’s understandable why so many people are choosing them as their family pets.

Labradoodles are one of several “Doodle” dogs, and each of them has its own attributes. How do you choose?

Choosing between a Labradoodle and other popular doodle breeds can be a difficult decision, especially if you’re going strictly by looks because they’re all so cute.

When we hear the words “doodle dogs”, we typically think of the Labradoodle because the Labradoodle was the first hybrid dog to come from combining a Poodle with the Labrador Retriever. However, people took notice and began breeding Poodles with other breeds, creating many new Doodle combinations.

After reading about the most popular Doodle dogs, if you decide that the Labradoodle is the dog for you, welcome to the club! I own two myself.

In fact, I’ve put together a guidebook to the breed, The Owner’s Guide To The Perfect Labradoodle, that is a must-have for any Labradoodle owner.

It covers the basics such as temperament, physical features, and daily care, but it also provides you with breed-specific details about:

Working with a breeder or adopting a rescue.
Preparing for the big homecoming day.
Crate training, housebreaking, and obedience training.
Exercising – both physical and mental.
Socialization.
Grooming – techniques and equipment.
Recommended toys and supplies.
And so much more.

It takes a lot to successfully raise a Labradoodle the right way.

This book will walk you through every step of your journey so that you can proceed with confidence, knowing you’re taking the best possible care of your little friend.

In the following, our goal is to highlight and compare some of the most popular Poodle-mix Doodle dogs to the Labradoodle.

Keep in mind that these comparisons are generalizations — all pups are not created equal.

We’ll be comparing these 8 Doodle breeds to the Labradoodle:

Goldendoodle — a Golden Retriever and Poodle mix
Bernedoodle — a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix
Aussiedoodle — an Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix
Maltipoo — a Maltese and Poodle mix
Cavapoo — a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix
Cockapoo — a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix
Schnoodle — a Schnauzer and Poodle mix
Whoodle — a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Poodle mix

Since all have Poodle in their blood, they’re all going to have some similarities, which typically makes choosing even harder.

No surprise, but Labradoodle owners will tell you that it would take a lot to top their Labradoodle.

However, Doodle dogs in general are among some of the most popular breeds for pets, service dogs, therapy dogs, or just family pets.

(Learn what exactly it is about Labradoodles that makes them so well suited to service-dog roles in this article.)

While some people choose their dogs solely on appearance, others base it on the dog’s size, personality, or other factors.

Knowing a little more about each Poodle-mix dog can often make it easier to choose if you want a Labradoodle or one of the many other Doodle dogs.

Here is an overview of various types of Doodle dogs and how each of them compares to the ever-popular Labradoodle.

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Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle dog is a mix between a Miniature or Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. If mixed with a Miniature Poodle, their weight and height will be reduced.

Weight Range: 50 to 90 pounds

Height Range: 18 to 24 inches at the shoulders

Goldendoodles were originally bred as a larger alternative to the popular Cockapoo.

They’re friendly, loving dogs but tend to want a lot of attention from their owners and often suffer from separation anxiety when they’re left alone.

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles look so similar that many people (even veterinarians) can’t tell the difference at first glance.

They’re both very similar in size, coat, and personality. The Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are both loving and playful dogs.

Differences Between the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle:

Hair – Goldendoodles tend to have longer hair than Labradoodles.
Grooming – Because of the longer hair, Goldendoodles may require more grooming than Labradoodles.
Coat color – Both breeds range in color. Some colors you might see include White, Red, Brown, Yellow, Black, Gray, Tan, Silver, and Cream. You’ll even see combinations of several colors as well.
Size – Labradoodles tend to be bigger than Goldendoodles, but a lot depends on the size of their parents. You’ll find a guide to Goldendoodle sizes here.
Friendliness – While both breeds are extremely friendly, Goldendoodles tend to be more outgoing right from the start, even with strangers. Labradoodles, while equally friendly, may sit back and observe a bit more before interacting. Their level of socialization at an early age plays a major role in this.
Attention – Goldendoodles will try to get into your space and require more of your attention. Labradoodles are perfectly OK with lying in their corner resting and relaxing.
Watchdog – Labradoodles make much better watchdogs than Goldendoodles. They are quick to alert you when someone’s approaching the door, that’s for sure!

Be sure to visit our Goldendoodle articles if you’re interested in these fantastic dogs.

Bernedoodle

The Bernedoodle is the result of mixing a Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog. Their size can vary a lot depending on if the Bernese was mixed with a Toy, Mini, or Standard Poodle.

Weight Range: 10 to 90 pounds

Height Range: 10 to 29 inches at the shoulders

Because the Bernedoodle is a mixed breed, there can be a lot of variation in the litter.

There has been a lot of inbreeding of these dogs throughout the years, which has resulted not just in health issues but also temperament problems.

You can find out more about common Bernedoodle health concerns here.

Inexperienced breeders often have puppies that are skittish, hyperactive, stubborn, or even slightly neurotic.

Unfortunately, Bernedoodles are not the only hybrid dog that occasionally has these problems.

When you’re dealing with two different breeds, you can never know exactly what you’re going to get in a litter.

Experienced breeders have the knowledge of genetics and know which sires and dams to mix but variations can still occur.

Although Bernedoodles are very cute dogs, it’s often been difficult to find a Bernedoodle that’s both attractive and has a calm personality.

Here are some of the potential differences between Bernedoodles and Labradoodles.

Differences between the Bernedoodle and Labradoodle:

Maintenance – Labradoodles are very low maintenance while Bernedoodles are moderate maintenance.
Watchdogs – Both dogs make very good watchdogs.
Friendliness – While both are friendly, lovable dogs, Bernedoodles are more outgoing and sociable than Labradoodles.
Family dogs – Both breeds make good family dogs and enjoy being around children.
Coat – The Bernedoodle’s coat is dense, hard, thick, and wavy, while the Labradoodle’s coat is generally fine, long, silky and soft. (Find Bernedoodle grooming tips here.)
Competition – Labradoodles generally excel in various activities, such as agility, hunting, tracking, search and rescue, retrieving, and obedience. Bernedoodles may do well in these activities, but are more into playing and socializing.
Shedding – Bernedoodles will shed slightly more than Labradoodles.
Intelligence – Both dogs are extremely intelligent.

Is a Bernedoodle for you? Check out our Bernedoodle articles to help you decide.

Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle is a mix between a Poodle and an Australian Shepherd.

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle fall in the canine Einstein family, so it’s not unusual that Aussiedoodles are extremely intelligent and highly trainable dogs.

Depending on if the Shepherd was crossed with a miniature or a standard Poodle, the Aussiedoodle size can vary significantly. (Learn about average Aussiedoodle sizes here.)

Weight Range: 25 to 70 pounds

Height Range: 14 to 23 inches at the shoulders

Because of their intelligence, owners are advised to find jobs to keep the dog busy, whether it’s retrieving balls, pulling things around the yard, or fun agility work.

The Australian Shepherd has always been a herding dog. This trait makes the dog want to keep people together in a group.

They often try to do this with family members, particularly children, by nipping at their legs or bumping into them.

What is often mistakenly considered as aggression is just them trying to herd. Can they do well in a family? Absolutely.

Encouraging good behavior consistently at a young age can eliminate excessive herding tendencies with Aussiedoodles.

They are also extremely loving and cuddly dogs. There are similarities and differences between Aussiedoodles and Labradoodles.

Differences between the Aussiedoodle and Labradoodle:

Friendliness – Both dogs are friendly, but Aussiedoodles will automatically make anyone they meet part of their family. Labradoodles usually take a while to get to know someone before they approach them.
Cuddling style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Labradoodles enjoy an occasional cuddle from their master, but Aussiedoodles can take it to the extreme, often becoming Velcro dogs with their owners. They crave attention.

Working dogs – They both make great working dogs.

Maintenance – Like Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles don’t shed very much, but the Aussiedoodle’s fluffy and shaggy coat requires brushing almost daily.
Water – Both dogs love swimming and spending time in the water.

Considering an Aussiedoodle? Head over to our Aussiedoodle articles to see if they’re right for you.

Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a hybrid, designer dog resulting from crossing a Poodle with a Maltese. Because the Poodle is usually either a toy or a miniature Poodle, the Maltipoo is not a really large dog.

Weight Range: 5 to 20 pounds

Height Range: 8 to 14 inches at the shoulders

Maltipoos can be ideal dogs for first-time pet owners, but work even better for homes with older children or elderly people.

They catch on to what you want very quickly, making them easy to train.

Maltipoos are very sensitive to their owner’s needs and wants. They need lots of exercise to avoid pent-up energy, which can result in chewing and damaging property.

They differ from Labradoodles in a few ways.

Differences Between the Maltipoo and Labradoodle:

Noise – Unlike Labradoodles who tend to be quiet, Maltipoos love to bark and often need strict discipline to keep them quiet.
Size – Maltipoos are usually much smaller than Labradoodles.
Outdoors – Maltipoos prefer to spend most of their time indoors while Labradoodles enjoy romping around outside.
Alone time – Maltipoos also do not like being alone and may suffer from separation anxiety.
Maintenance – Maltipoos need daily brushing to prevent their hair from getting tangled. Periodic clipping is also advised. See our Maltipoo Grooming Guide for specifics.
Children – Because of their small size, Maltipoos shouldn’t be in homes with small children, unlike Labradoodles who do well with children of all ages.
Ideal home – Labradoodles generally do better in large homes with a yard in which they can run around and explore. Maltipoos do well in any size home, even small apartments.

More fun facts about these cute dogs can be found on our Maltipoo page.

Cavapoo

Also known as Cavoodle, the Cavapoo is a hybrid dog that comes from breeding a Poodle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Cavapoos are intelligent dogs with the potential to be very trainable. However, many would rather sit on their owner’s lap than learn to follow commands or perform tricks.

They are typically bred with Toy or Miniature Poodles, which puts them on the smaller side of Doodle dogs.

Weight Range: 7 to 25 pounds

Height Range: 9 to 14 inches at the shoulders

They make good family dogs but do better in homes with older children.

It’s not that they don’t like small children, but the dog’s small size makes them more susceptible to injuries from small children.

Cavapoos are very energetic dogs that will chase a ball indefinitely if allowed. They also do well in agility and obedience competitions.

Differences between the Cavipoo and Labradoodle:

Watchdogs – Cavapoos are not the greatest of watchdogs. Rather than alert their owners of a stranger at the door, they’ll greet the intruder with a smile. Their lack of watchdog traits is probably the biggest drawback of Cavapoos.
Size – They’re much smaller than Labradoodles.
Outdoors – Unlike Labradoodles who can survive for a long time outdoors and enjoy the outdoors, Cavapoos need to spend most of their time indoors. Because of their short muzzle, Cavapoos can’t spend much time out in the heat.
Therapy dog potential – Both the Labradoodle and the Cavapoo have the gentle disposition that makes them good therapy dogs.
Abilities – While both breeds do well in obedience and agility competitions, the Labradoodle also excels in hunting, retrieving, tracking, jogging, and search and rescue.
Adaptability – The Cavapoo is more adaptable to change and different surroundings than the Labradoodle typically is.

Want to learn more? We have several Cavapoo articles you’re sure to enjoy.

Cockapoo

Cockapoos are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle or a mix of two Cockapoos bred together. They’re also referred to as Cockerpoos or Cockapoodles.

If there is one word that could describe the Cockapoo’s coat it would be diverse. It might be scruffy and shaggy, or it might be very curly and have various colors and markings.

Weight Range: 19 to 30 pounds

Height Range: 10 to 13 inches at the shoulders

Cockapoos have a wonderfully cheerful personality and love making their owners happy.

They also find pleasure in the simplest things in life, whether it’s cuddling on their owner’s lap, running an agility course, playing the part of a therapy dog, or performing tricks to impress the family.

They’re a lovable, happy dog that gets along with just about everyone, including people, other dogs, and even cats.

Although they’re not known for being aggressive dogs, Cockapoos may do a lot of jumping, barking, or even chewing on things when they’re bored or alone.

There are a few differences between the Labradoodle and the Cockapoo.

Differences between the Cockapoo and Labradoodle:

Time alone – Whereas Labradoodles are perfectly content taking a nap in their crate or special spot, Cockapoos prefer to be with their owners as much as possible. Some owners claim they have to shut the door behind them just to get a little privacy from their Cockapoo!
Intelligence –Cockapoos and Labradoodles are both extremely intelligent and easily trained.
Maintenance –Whereas Labradoodles are very low maintenance dogs, Cockapoos have a scruffy coat that requires a lot of maintenance in the form of regular brushing and grooming.
Size – Cockapoos are substantially smaller than Labradoodles.
Personality – Labradoodles are often content being couch potatoes, a trait they get from the Labrador Retriever side. Cockapoos are anything but couch potatoes.
Exercise – Labradoodles require more time outside and enjoy getting exercise more than the Cockapoo.
Housing – Labradoodles prefer a large house with plenty of outdoor space to do their thing while Cockapoos will get be just fine in a small house or apartment.

There’s so much to love about these adorable pups! Be sure to learn more in our Cockapoo articles.

Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is a small dog that’s a cross between a Poodle and a Miniature Schnauzer. They’re known for being funny, charming, smart and very alert dogs.

Schnoodles make great companion and therapy dogs. They love “their people” and are perfectly content as lap dogs.

Weight Range: 10 to 20 pounds

Height Range: 10 to 12 inches at the shoulders

Miniature Schnauzers tend to be quite protective of their home and their owners, so it’s important that they receive consistent training, socialization, and discipline at an early age.

In fact, Schnoodles need socialization more than anything else, and it should start as early as eight to ten weeks of age. Despite being such a small dog, Schnoodles are very sturdy.

The Poodles intelligence and willingness to please their own combined with the Schnauzer’s strength make a dog that does well in performance and competitions.

The one thing that both the Labradoodle and Schnoodle have in common is that they’re both good for novice dog owners and are both kid-friendly dogs.

Differences between the Schnoodle and Labradoodle:

Maintenance – The Schnoodle’s curly coat requires regular maintenance, which includes bathing, daily brushing, and regular clipping.
Outdoor – Unlike the Labradoodle, the Schnoodle prefers to spend most of the time indoors and should never be left outdoors for long.
Housing – Schnoodles do very well in any type of housing and are very adaptable to small apartments, not requiring much space.
Temperament – Labradoodles are much more laid back and relaxed than Schnoodles.
Coat – The Schnoodle’s coat may be curly, wavy, wiry, or straight – all traits that can be found in the Labradoodle’s coat.
Personality – The Schnoodle loves attention and being the center of attention. Labradoodles may enjoy the attention as well but don’t have to be the center of attention.

Whoodle

Also known as Sweatenpoo, the Whoodle is a cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Standard Poodle, although they may be also be crossed with toy or miniature Poodles if the breeder prefers a smaller Whoodle.

The Whoodle is a great family dog that gets along with people of all ages, whether they’re young children, active singles or elderly individuals.

Weight Range: 20 to 45 pounds

Height Range: 12 to 20 inches at the shoulders

Because they’re very active and playful dogs, they enjoy a home with a large yard where they can run around and play.

Due to their intelligence, they also require a lot of stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored, which can result in behavior problems.

They can also have a stubborn streak from time to time, especially when asked to do something they don’t want to do.

The Whoodle is usually born with a dark coat that lightens as the dog ages. Like the Labradoodle, the Whoodle seldom barks and is a relatively quiet dog.

Overheating in the summer is common, but they do very well in average and colder temperatures.

Because of their terrier DNA, they have the prey drive and are not always trustworthy around cats.

Differences between the Whoodles and Labradoodle:

Trainability – Both the Whoodle and the Labradoodle are intelligent and easily trained, but results may not be seen with the Whoodle as quickly as the Labradoodle. Whoodles do not respond well to harsh training or discipline.
Maintenance – The Whoodle’s long and wavy coat requires more brushing and grooming than the Labradoodle. Their hair should be trimmed every 8 to 12 weeks.
Coat color – The Whoodle comes in a lot more color varieties (black, chocolate, apricot, silver, red, or spotted) than the Labradoodle, which is typically black, black and tan, or blue brindle.
Coat texture – The Whoodle’s coat is more like hair than fur.

Doodle Dogs And Why They’re So Popular

What started out as one Labradoodle dog has evolved into many different breeds being mixed with Poodles to create a new kind of Doodle dog.

Because Doodle dogs are basically mixed breed dogs that can’t be registered as purebreds, many people wonder why they’re so popular and have become so well-known and sought-after.

Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get the following answers.

Low Shedding – Most, if not all, Doodle dogs shed very little, which makes them ideal for allergy sufferers.
Intelligence – They’re intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train for use as pets, therapy dogs, competitions or just obedience.
Versatile – Because of the combinations of breeds, most Doodle dogs are versatile dogs that look very comfortable in a “wine and candle” atmosphere but are just as content running around outdoors, retrieving, hunting, or swimming in the pond.
Personality – Doodle dogs are generally loving, playful, and affectionate dogs that want nothing more than to please their family members.
Looks – Regardless of what dog breed the Poodle is mixed with, the result is always an adorable and very attractive Doodle dog.
Trendy – Let’s face it. People love to follow trends, and Doodle dogs have been trending for many years, almost since the very first Labradoodle was created.

Well, that’s all, folks!

One of the most important things to factor when choosing your dog is what you have to offer each other and what you hope to have in a dog.

While everyone likes having people oohing and aahing over an adorable dog, it’s more important to choose the dog that will best meet your needs and those of your family.

If that just happens to be a Labradoodle, consider yourself very lucky! You won’t be disappointed with this awesome breed.

Just be sure you get started the right way and have all your bases covered by picking up a copy of our Labradoodle Guidebook.

You won’t find a more comprehensive, honest look at all aspects of the breed anywhere else.

The 9 Most Popular Poodle Mixes Compared! (with pictures) (2024)