The Top Ten Doodle Dogs
There's so many types of Doodles, how will you know which one is right for you?
Regardless of the breed mix there's several things of which you can be certain:
1. You will instantly fall in love with your Doodle the moment you meet her.
2. Doodles are very active. This is not a breed mix you'll want if you are an "inside" person.
3. Doodles can be vocal. If left alone, VERY vocal.
4. Doodles are intelligent. If you aren't consistent and set the rules (and stick by them), your dog will train you.
5. Doodles require lots of socialization with other dogs and exposure to unique sounds and sights. Otherwise, your Doodle will be an introvert and reserved (via her Poodle blood).
6. Doodles are expensive. Not just their initial cost, but also feeding, veterinary care and professional grooming.
7. Doodles don't do well left alone for long hours on a regular basis. They can become destructive, loud and, in some cases, mentally unsound.
8. There are some Doodle dogs that are just plain challenging and (in this author's opinion) should never have been crossed with Poodles. This includes Australian Shepherds, Scotties, Sheepdogs, Great Pyr, , Irish Setter, English Setter, Lhasa Apso, Weimaraner, and some others. There are decent crosses and indecent crosses. Be sure to do lots of research on the non-Poodle part of the Doodle you're looking to purchase. The pups may be super cute but you are unlikely to appreciate their personality.
Regardless of the breed mix there's several things of which you can be certain:
1. You will instantly fall in love with your Doodle the moment you meet her.
2. Doodles are very active. This is not a breed mix you'll want if you are an "inside" person.
3. Doodles can be vocal. If left alone, VERY vocal.
4. Doodles are intelligent. If you aren't consistent and set the rules (and stick by them), your dog will train you.
5. Doodles require lots of socialization with other dogs and exposure to unique sounds and sights. Otherwise, your Doodle will be an introvert and reserved (via her Poodle blood).
6. Doodles are expensive. Not just their initial cost, but also feeding, veterinary care and professional grooming.
7. Doodles don't do well left alone for long hours on a regular basis. They can become destructive, loud and, in some cases, mentally unsound.
8. There are some Doodle dogs that are just plain challenging and (in this author's opinion) should never have been crossed with Poodles. This includes Australian Shepherds, Scotties, Sheepdogs, Great Pyr, , Irish Setter, English Setter, Lhasa Apso, Weimaraner, and some others. There are decent crosses and indecent crosses. Be sure to do lots of research on the non-Poodle part of the Doodle you're looking to purchase. The pups may be super cute but you are unlikely to appreciate their personality.
Jackadoodle Sheepadoodle Pyredoodle
Here's the list of the top ten Doodles. They are ranked in order of popularity. I list information about them as a mix and about the 1/2 that is purebred so that you can get a better idea of how your dog will appear as well as behave.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a mix between Golden Retrievers and one of the variety of Poodles. The Goldendoodle is currently the most popular Doodle dog. It’s easy to understand why. From their long wavy hair to their big intelligent brown eyes and droopy ears, and endless ability to show affection, they’re hard to ignore.
About Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are easy to train, loyal, social and sensitive to the emotions of others. They are sturdy, solid dogs. They adore running, swimming and fetching. You can hardly find a more intuitive dog breed. They are well known as the perfect family dog. They are also a preferred breed for many types of performance exhibitions and as assistance dogs.
You can hardly get a dog with a better personality than a Goldendoodle! That’s one of the main reasons they’re so popular. They’re energetic, playful, love to work and are easy to train. Most are highly social, too. They enjoy the company of other dogs, but equally enjoy the company of their human companions. This breed can best be described as always joyful. Their life span averages between 10 – 14 years, depending on the size variation.
Male Standard Goldendoodles can weigh from 65 – 90 pounds, depending on his genetics. While female Standard Goldendoodles average 60 – 70 pounds.
The size of a Goldendoodle depends on two factors – 1. The size of the Poodle parent, 2. the size of the Golden Retriever parent. A Golden Retriever paired with a Standard Poodle will produce very large offspring; some reaching over 80 pounds. Whereas a Golden Retriever paired with a Miniature Poodle will create Miniature Goldendoodles which can range anywhere from 45 – 60 pounds. Very small Goldendoodles may top out at 35 pounds. Breeders who choose small Golden Retriever parents and pair them with a Miniature Poodle will achieve the smaller Miniature Goldendoodle variants.
A Goldendoodle’s appearance depends greatly on which genes were inherited from the parents. Some can have shaggy, barely wavy coats and others sport tight curls. While purebred Golden Retrievers shed a lot (dust bunnies in every corner!), Goldendoodles shed far less, if at all. It depends on their coat. The looser the shag, the more shedding. Still nowhere near that of a typical Golden Retriever, though.
Goldendoodles can be any shade from a cream color to black, depending on the Poodle parent. They are long legged, stout, solid dogs. Goldendoodles also tend have large heads; the Miniatures with smaller heads as according to the overall size.
This breed mix tends to have wide-set brown, to amber, eyes. Folded over ears, and thick tail. It’s highly likely that you will also see webbing between his toes as he’s the product of two breeds created for water retrieving. Their barrel (abdomen) tends to be large, with sturdy hips and shoulders. A well bred Goldendoodle will be as long from his chest to tail base as he is tall from the paw pad to top of his shoulder.
While mixing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle does enhance the offspring’s overall vitality by possibly a longer lifespan, there’s still the possibility of genetic abnormalities arising. Goldens are prone to cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart and lung weakness, skin conditions, and Von Willebrand’s disease (a lack of a clotting protein in their blood). Add to this the typical health issues with Poodles and there’s a lot to consider. But, forewarned is forearmed. A professional breeder will test parent dogs for the majority of these conditions before breeding them, reducing the risk in the offspring.
Goldendoodles require a lot of exercise. If you live in an urban area this is not the dog to share your life with, unless you have access to a large, securely fenced area and lots of time to exercise your dog every day. This breed mix tends to be most at home in suburban and rural areas where there’s lots of opportunities to safely exercise. Also take care that you baby proof door-knobs, cupboards and shelves that may have enticing objects on them. This dog can figure out latches, doorknobs and puzzles, such as how to jump from ottoman to chair to front paws up on a shelf.
While they’re great for children of all ages, beware of allowing your dog to be with your children unsupervised. A large, exuberant dog can knock little ones over and be tempted to grab food from low hanging hands. Early training is recommended to offer your dog structure and direction, ensuring a more harmonious household.
Goldendoodles are great for any activity. From obedience and agility to assistance dog jobs, this hybrid should be at the top of the list. In fact, they thrive when put to work as it is stimulating and fulfilling their need to perform.
Labradoodle
The second most popular Doodle Dog is the Labradoodle. This breed mix is what started the entire Doodle Dog fad. An assistance dog breeder in Australia mixed Poodles with his Labrador Retrievers to create dogs to assist those who had allergies to dog fur. It took a while to achieve his goal of the perfect assistance dog, so he had many Labradoodle dogs along the way and had to find them homes. He marketed them as anti-shed Labradoodles that were super cute and shaggy. Their popularity went through the roof!
Originally bred to aid hunters in the field and retrieve from waterways, Labrador Retrievers prefer to be partners with their human companions than to be independent. They are hardy, stout, and strong willed making them great field dogs as well as an assistance dog, search and rescue work and performance. There’s a reason Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular breed for decades. They can do anything.
Despite the popularity of Labradoodles, there are few who can be anything other than a great companion or perform in obedience trials. Luckily, those are the most common reasons to purchase one. They love their families and enjoy the company of other dogs and people. Nobody is a stranger. They do, however, alert when seeing something new and unknown. Their life span averages 10-14 years.
Standard Male Labradoodles (Labrador mixed with Standard Poodle) can be anywhere from 70- 100 pounds. Standard female Labradoodles can be anywhere from 60 – 78 pounds. Miniature Labradoodles (Labrador mixed with a Miniature Poodle) vary between 35-60 pounds.
Your Labradoodle will likely have a shaggy coat that will require regular trimming to remain clean and easily managed. Like their Poodle parent, Labradoodles don’t shed much and shed hair can become caught in the coat and create knots. Coat colors range from tan to black and sometimes parti-colored if the Poodle parent is itself a parti-color. Typically, Labradoodles are black, brown or tan, the same variations seen in Labrador Retrievers.
They have long legs, long neck and thin tails, like their Poodle parent. Their eye color ranges from brown to amber and ears fold over. Labradoodle noses can be anywhere from black to light brown to pink, depending on the coloration of their parents.
You’ll need to understand typical health issues from both the Labrador Retriever and Poodle parents.
Both Labs and Poodles have the possibility of hip or elbow dysplasia. They have large, fast maturing bodies and high energy levels. Without a solid bone structure, joints can suffer. Labradoodles will also be prone to eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts. As Poodles can get Addison’s disease, this can also occur in a Labradoodle. Skin disorders are also possible, such as sebaceous adenitis, but easily treatable over the dog’s life. Von Willebrand’s disease is also something that can occur in Labradoodles, as it does appear in both Poodles and Labs.
Both parents of Labradoodles tend to easily get ear infections. This is due to their folded over ears having less air circulation, as well as their love for water. Moisture is trapped within the ear canal, creating the perfect atmosphere for bacteria. Lymphoma is also common, as Labs and in respect, Labradoodles become middle aged. Epilepsy is common in poorly bred Labs and even in some very carefully bred dogs. It will require lifelong monitoring via medications. Inflammatory Bowel Disease has been a common issue with Labs and is now often seen in Labradoodles.
From outright kooky to serious or shy, Labradoodles have a lot of variety in their personalities. Sometimes they’re all three at once. You may be able to attribute this to Labrador Retrievers having some Poodle in their genetics prior to being mixed again with Poodles. In fact, if you were to mix a Labradoodle with a Poodle parent for a ¾ Poodledoodle, you can wind up with some mentally unbalanced offspring.
Labradoodles are very active dogs. They need to run a lot. They need a safely fenced yard or large acreage to satisfy their energy levels. This is not the type of dog to have if you live in the city, or a small home. They thrive within an active lifestyle, with lots of opportunity to exercise. Do not consider this breed mix unless you have a safely fenced yard, or at least access to one. If you must be away from home for long periods of time, contemplate doggie daycare. One walk a day will not be enough to keep them out of trouble.
As a highly active breed mix, Labradoodles are well matched with older children, young adults and other active families. They are easily trained and love to learn. Training your Labradoodle at a young age will prevent many future behavior problems. It’ll also be important to socialize your dog, as many Labradoodles can be quite reserved with new people. Keeping your Labradoodle stimulated with a lot of interactive toys, going out and exploring new places, and meeting new people will be important in creating a well-balanced Labradoodle.
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are one of the most popular Doodle Dogs. Produced by mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog mother with a Poodle father (of various sizes to produce the standard, miniature and toy sized Bernedoodles). They originated in 2003 by SwissRidge Kennels with great success. They also now breed Australian Labradoodles (who are a mix of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel) with Bernese Mountain Dogs. The offspring are laid-back, super cute, sweet and intelligent dogs who thrive in any environment.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, working dogs bred to aid farmers by guarding and driving cattle herds in Alpine environments. A stout, hard-working dog that can do it all. He is happy laying at your feet, playing with children and adores cuddling. Paired with a Poodle, you may get an energetic and intelligent dog with a high work drive, though that does greatly depend on their size. The larger the Bernedoodle, the more energetic it will be, as Standard Poodles tend to have a higher energy level than the other Poodle varieties. The mixing of the Bernese Mountain Dogs greatly reduces the chances of your Bernedoodle being super hyper, as Bernies are very relaxed in general and this trait is often passed along into their offspring.
A large Bernese Mountain Dog mother with Standard Poodle father can range between 23 – 29 inches tall at their shoulder and weigh 70-90 pounds.
Mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog mother with Miniature Poodle father results in offspring anywhere from 18-22 inches tall and weight at 25–50 pounds. And, mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog mother with a Toy Poodle (done via artificial insemination in most cases) can result in offspring from 10–25 pounds and stand anywhere from 12-17 inches at the shoulder.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are tri-colored – black, tan and white. Thus, Bernedoodles can also be a variety of color combinations, especially when mixed with a Poodle. There’s Oreo Bernedoodles who are black and white. Red tri-colored Bernedoodles who are brown, black and white. And the merle Bernedoodle who has marbled white and gray patches on a black coat. The latter tends to be the most expensive as they are challenging to create.
Bernedoodles also have a wide variety of coats. Their Bernese Mountain Dog parent has a double, thick coat that tends to shed a lot. Mix them with Poodles and you can have any combination of straight, wavy, or curly Bernedoodles. The more the Poodle parent influences the coat, the less shedding will occur. But make no mistake, these dogs shed.
This breed mix tends to have large dark to light brown wide-set eyes, round head and muzzle, with heavy droopy ears. They also have a solid build, making them strong dogs. Even the minis are solidly built, favoring some of their Bernese Mountain Dog parent’s genetics.
Overall, Bernedoodles are very healthy, hardy dogs. Sometimes genetic heritage cannot be overcome and they can be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, skin sensitivities, digestive disorders and immune system issues. The smaller the Bernedoodle, the closer they are genetically to the smaller Poodle varieties, making them prone to the typical Poodle structural issues as well as Von Willebrand’s and Addison’s diseases.
Bernedoodles have fantastic temperaments. As the Bernese Mountain Dog parent is gentle, loving, and willing to do anything for you, you can bet that a lot of that personality will be within your Bernedoodle, too. The rest of their personality, such as activity levels, attention levels and sociability will depend on their Poodle parent. The differences can be quite stark, in fact. Early socialization is of extreme importance!
Mixing the Bernese Mountain Dog with a Standard Poodle, will result not only in a large dog, but also one who may be slightly reactive to new stimuli, such as unfamiliar people, other dogs or new environments. It might just take a few minutes for things to process. Meanwhile, they prefer to observe these unknowns for a while, and then make their decisions. These larger varieties will also be energetic and in need of lots of exercise, though not as much as a Labradoodle.
Mixing the Bernese Mountain Dog with a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle will result in an outgoing, social dog, who loves attention from everyone. They are equally thrilled with sitting on your lap as with chasing you around the yard or playing fetch. They also excel as therapy dogs, for they have lots of love to give.
Large Bernedoodles require space to run. While they do okay in an urban setting, provided there’s daily walks and chances to socialize with other dogs, they do not fare well left alone for long hours each day. Some develop separation anxiety as they’re very dependent on their human companions for comfort. If you must be away for work, consider doggie daycare at least 3 days each week. Your Doodle Dog will need to get rid of his energy, making him less likely to develop anxieties from loneliness.
The smaller varieties of Bernedoodles thrive in any environment, but like their larger cousins, they do not fare well left alone for long periods of time. They have the need for stimulation in the form of engaging their brains and the comfort of their families around them.
All Bernedoodles do well with children and adults of all ages. They are loyal and loving. Do take some caution with infants and toddlers, however, as this is a boisterous dog when happy, and little ones can easily be knocked down by their exuberance.
They are perfect with the elderly and infirm. In fact, they’re the perfect assistance dog and emotional support dog. Bernedoodles excel in any activity they are trained to perform, from helping others, to the show ring and beyond.
Cockapoo
The Cockapoo was one of the first designer dog breeds created. They originated in the late 1950s, bred to be companion dogs. They are a cross of the smallest sporting breed, Cocker Spaniel, with a Miniature Poodle.
Cocker Spaniels have been around since before firearms. They were utilized to flush ground birds so that hunters could throw nets over them. They are also great alert dogs, very aware of their environment and quick to respond to intruders with a loud, high-pitched bark. Cockers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States since the 1940s, when Disney’s Lady and The Tramp debuted, featuring a Cocker Spaniel. This breed has also been a favorite of U.S. Presidents.
As Cockapoo breeders prefer to keep them at around 20-25 pounds, they don’t breed their Cocker Spaniels with Standard Poodles. It’s always the smaller varieties of Poodles, either Miniature or Toy. Many other Doodle Dog breeders infuse their bloodlines with Cocker Spaniels from time to time in order to achieve a smaller dog, such as the Mini-Goldendoodle, or Mini-Bernedoodle. Having Cocker Spaniel genes actually helps the offspring be more mentally and physically sound than just pairing two breeds. Cockapoo lifespans average 13-15 years.
The typical Cockapoo is 10-20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 10-30 pounds depending on their Poodle parent.
Cocker Spaniels tend to be compact, with a slightly sloping back, chiseled facial features, and long droopy ears. Their eyes are large, almond shaped and look directly forward. Eye color is generally a soft brown, with an intelligent expression. The Cocker Spaniel square back becomes longer with the infusion of Poodle genes. Beware of any Cockapoos, however, who have a less than square appearance (longer back with short legs). They may be prone to back problems as they age.
Cockapoos can be any color between white and black. As Cocker Spaniels very between white, tan, brown, black and some parti-colors, Poodles are equally colorful. As the parti-colors are more difficult to achieve, they are often more expensive.
Their coats vary between straight to curly; the most typical is wavy. The tighter the wave, the less shedding, as their hair is more like their Poodle parent. Both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles require regular professional grooming. They are small dogs and long hair will pick up debris, causing tangles.
Cockapoos are one of the healthier Doodle dogs. They truly benefit from the hybrid vigor of mixed breed dogs. Cockapoos still have genetics similar to their parents, so there’s always the possibility of having one of their health problems.
Cockapoos are prone joint issues if overweight, ear infections if they are not kept groomed with weekly ear cleanings, eye infections from environmental allergic reactions, and progressive retinal atrophy, a common issue with their Cocker Spaniel parent.
This Doodle dog thrives in any environment, except one where he would be alone for long periods of time, or unable to get at least one good exercise period each day. Cockapoos are rarely overly sensitive or insecure, always ready to make new friends in new places.
Though Cockapoos are energetic dogs, they’re fine in an apartment provided they get plenty of exercise and aren’t left alone for long periods of time. Cockapoos thrive in suburban and rural settings, and adore playing with others. Cockapoos are very easily trained, using positive reinforcement. If exposed to anger, harsh handling, or infliction of pain, they will resort to fear behavior, which includes barking, snarling, and biting. If rewarded for good behavior, they will constantly strive to repeat it.
Cockapoos adore children of all ages, elderly and the physically challenged. In fact, they are great therapy and assistance dogs for those who require help with fetching items or alerting to sounds such as someone at the door or a ringing telephone.
Maltipoo
Maltipoos are a cross between Maltese and Toy Poodles, creating a sweet, cuddly, and intelligent dog who is great with people of all ages and all living conditions. You can hardly get a calmer, more forgiving Doodle dog than a Maltipoo.
Maltese have been a popular toy sized dog for centuries. The breed enjoyed the popularity of wealthy Romans in 1500 B.C.E. and continued it’s popularity through modern times. In fact, a wealthy woman would not step out without having her Maltese peeking out from a sleeve, or neckline of her dress. Maltese are also part of early Christianity, as the Apostle Paul was gifted a Maltese from the Roman Governor Publius. After the fall of Rome, the Chinese kept the breed alive, crossing them with their own toy breeds, refining the Maltese to their current appearance.
Most Maltipoos are mixed with either Miniature or Toy Poodles. As the idea is to keep them on the small side, it is far more common to utilize the genetics of the Toy Poodles, than the Miniatures. Their lifespan averages 12-17 years.
Maltese dogs are prized for their small size. They average around 7 pounds and no more than 8 inches at the shoulder. They are comprised mostly of their long silky fur, with stout little bodies beneath. The size of a Maltipoo will range between 8-20 pounds and 8 -14 inches tall at the shoulder (depending on the parent Poodle).
The majority of Maltipoos have white fur that can range from the Maltese’s long silky coat to the tight curls of a Poodle. They have a small but stout and sturdy body, with dark brown eyes and black nose. Maltipoos have a wide forehead, which also means wide-set droopy ears. They are primarily white, though sometimes can be gray or tan, or have several coat colors.
Like many toy breeds, Maltipoos are prone to dental problems as well as Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Portosystemic Shunt, Patellar Luxation and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) as well as Epilepsy and White Shaker Syndrome. A diet rich in red meat proteins will be important to prevent skin disorders due to food allergies.
Maltipoos are great in any environment, provided they have companionship. They make great apartments dogs, suburban or rural canine companions. They are also great with people of all ages as they are forgiving, even tempered and patient. But, like many small dogs, if not properly trained, can become quite annoying with excessive barking, resource guarding and not responding to cues quickly.
This breed mix loves to play and cuddle. Maltipoos can go from super playful, and outlast most young children, to enjoying a nap on the lap of your elderly parent. They are the Doodle dogs who have it all. This makes them easy pets for any living situation. They also tend to live harmoniously with cats and other dogs, making them an ideal canine for a multi-pet family. Maltipoos are easy to train. In fact, they are quite good with learning complicated concepts and responding to cues in high distraction areas. This makes them perfect candidates as emotional support, therapy and assistance dogs for those with hearing or mobility challenges.
Pomapoo
Pomapoos are a mix resulting from Pomeranians and Toy Poodles. Both are very small dogs, so you’re sure to have a small Doodle as a result. What isn’t certain, however, is whether you’ll get a full straight coat, or one full of curls. Pomapoos are sweet dogs who can adjust to almost any living situation and make great canine companions.
Pomeranians are a genetic mutation of German and Polish sled dogs, such as the Spitz of North Eastern Europe. By choosing smaller and smaller dogs to breed together, they created the Pomeranian, who averaged about 30 pounds. When Queen Victoria discovered these dogs on a trip to North Eastern Europe, she brought some home and became a Pomeranian breeder and exhibitor. Through her breeding programs she further reduced their size to their current stature.
Pomapoos are bold, demanding and inquisitive. They have a double coat, the undercoat being full and dense with the outer coat, coarser and longer fur. Their tails lift up over and onto their backs and are heavily plumed. This hybrid breed is affectionate with their family, intelligent, and alert, but can be reserved with strangers, tend to bark excessively, and doesn’t quickly accept new dogs. Early and consistent training is necessary or they will be barking at everything, resource guarding, fear biting, and be reactive. Their average life span is 12=14 years.
Pomapoos average 7-9 pounds, and 8-10 inches at the shoulder, similar in size and structure to their Pomeranian parent. As they’re a mix, it’s tough to know which genes will be prominent in their offspring. It depends largely on the size of the Poodle parent.
While small in stature like their Pomeranian parent, they will be finer boned, and their fur won’t be as thick due to their Poodle parent having only one coat instead of two. They tend to have small dark eyes with black noses, though their nose color could move toward brown in the lighter colored varieties. Pomapoo coat color depends on their parents, as both have color variations between black, brown and white. The rarer colors are apricot, silver or parti-colored and tend to be more expensive. Pomapoos have small, short noses, and ears that can’t decide if they’re upright or folded over; depends on their mood and the wind speed.
Pomapoos can be prone to any of the health concerns that are common to both Pomeranians and Small Poodle varieties. These include the Luxating-Patella, dental problems, Alopecia as well as the typical allergies of Poodles, but also issues particular to Pomeranians, such as hypothyroid, tracheal collapse, Cushing’s disease, pancreatitis, and numerous respiratory concerns. They can also have chronic weight issues which can exacerbate other health problems. Keeping them an appropriate weight will enhance their health, achieving a longer lifespan.
Pomapoos are highly adaptable. They thrive in any environment where they will be respected, properly exercised and well educated. They are the perfect dog for urban living or a small home, as they don’t require large yards for exercise, though they do enjoy them. They also fare well in suburban areas but tend to bark a lot at new people and other animals. If you live in a rural area, keep your dog leashed, as there may be wild creatures that consider your small dog a great meal.
First and foremost, train and socialize early. This will enhance your relationship and ensure a harmonious life with your Pomapoo. Secondly, if you have small or otherwise young children, always be observant of them when your Doodle Dog is present. A disrespecting youngster can inadvertently injure a small dog creating a Doodle dog who is fearful and distrusting of children. Pomapoos fare well with older children and play well with them for long periods of time, but are equally happy dozing in someone’s lap, making them ideal for elderly residents or those who are mobility impaired.
Pomapoos make great therapy dogs and emotional support dogs. They may even work well as hearing assistance dogs, for nothing escapes their notice. Some are highly intelligent and enjoy obedience and agility training; most of all trick training. Their sharp minds never forget anything, but some Pomapoos will check to see if their human companions have by testing their boundaries from time to time.
Pekapoo
Pekapoos are a result of pairing the smaller varieties of Poodles with the Pekingese, a long-haired, short-legged toy breed. This designer dog breed has been around since the 1950s, as one of the oldest Poodle mixes, way before Doodle Dogs were popular. Yet, these toy sized Doodle Dogs have maintained their popularity as they offer great companionship and have lots of spunk.
Pekapoos are generally the result of a first generation pairing, as breeding the Doodle dogs together can cause the offspring to have a greater chance of multiple health concerns. This is common for the majority of Doodle dogs; hence why they are not a recognized breed.
Pekingese dogs were originally from China, where they were a favorite of Emperors and royal households. From the beginning they were lap dogs and pampered pets. Their round bodies and rolling gait were bred into their structure to keep them from running away from court, but they are also very aware of their surroundings, barking in alarm at any intruders.
The Pekapoos average an 11-15 year life span, depending on maintaining proper weight, grooming, keeping them out of excessive heat (due to respiratory issues) and careful handling. It’s very easy for one to be horribly injured if stepped on. Pekapoos are hardier than their Pekingese parent, but still very fragile.
As Pekapoos are a mixed breed, there are no size standards, so the closest way to calculate the size of this Doodle Dog when mature is to consider their parents. They are generally 11 inches at the shoulder and can weigh 15-20 pounds. But, if one of the parents is a Toy Poodle, instead of a Miniature Poodle, that can reduce his overall size by a couple inches, to 6-9 inches at the shoulder and 7-14 pounds.
Pekapoo appearance varies greatly as they are a first generation Doodle dog. On average, however, you can assume a few common characteristics, such as they will be slightly longer in the back than leg height, so a more elongated torso, like a Dachshund, though not quite as pronounced. It’s likely they’ll have long wavy hair which will require regular grooming to remain clean and easy to manage. Their snouts will be longer than the short-nosed Pekingese, and ears bigger though droopy like both parents. Their eyes will tend to be less bulging than a Pekingese, making them easier to keep clean.
Pekapoo coat color can favor either parent. While Pekingese dogs sometimes have a face mask (hair a darker color than the rest of their bodies), this does not appear as often on a Pekapoo, who tend to be all one color. They can be any color between black, shades of brown, silver, or cream. That also depends largely on their parents.
Besides the typical health problems of Poodles (PRA, Leg problems, liver problems and skin problems) they can also inherit some specific health issues from their Pekingese parents. These include heart murmurs, heart failure, organ system problems, eye ulcers, respiratory distress (depends largely on length of nose), glaucoma and eye fluid drainage. Many of the Pekingese health problems are related to how they’ve been specialized over millennia to have short noses, bulging eyes, and unnaturally short legs. The addition of Poodle blood does offer them more vitality, depending on which genes have been inherited.
This small Doodle Dog adjusts well to most environments, but thrives the most in apartments, or small homes. They’re a favorite of retired seniors, and families with older children, and respectful young children. Pekapoos need some exercise each day, but not excessive amounts like many Doodle dogs. Most Pekapoos are happiest when nestled on a lap and being stroked.
Pekapoos are super watch dogs and can therefore be great hearing assistance dogs, too. They do require early training and socialization, however, or can become quite annoying with excessive barking, resource guarding, and running off after squirrels. Be sure to maintain your Pekapoo in a temperature-controlled environment, as excessive heat can endanger his health. This includes outside exercise. Be sure to do his daily walks when it isn’t above 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
Yorkipoo
Yorkipoos may be small, but they have big personalities. They are a combination of Yorkshire Terriers, the smallest AKC recognized terrier breed, and Toy Poodles. They are athletic, territorial, love to play and enjoy lap time. Their small size makes them the perfect dogs for Urban areas or apartment living, yet they also thrive in suburban and rural environments.
The Yorkshire Terriers originated in Yorkshire, England, a product of Scottish immigrants who desired a dog who hunted vermin in the cotton and woolen mills where they worked. They mixed black and tan terriers from Scotland (not Scottish Terriers), with Paisley Terriers and possibly Maltese to attain their soft, silky coats. The result is a very tenacious dog, when aroused, and a desire to finish the job no matter the consequences. Yorkshire Terriers mature to only 7 pounds and rarely more than 6” at the shoulder. Their coats are considered hypoallergenic as they don’t shed much. Coat color is a combination of gray and tan, or black and cream.
Mixing a Yorkshire Terrier with a Toy Poodle enhances their intelligence and athletic abilities. The mix may also add some size to the offspring. Where a Yorkshire Terrier might resource guard, or insist on being King of the House, the influx of Poodle genes tamps that down a bit, giving the Yorkipoo more confidence and ability to share. Both parent dogs have low shed coats, so this is a great dog to have if you suffer from allergies. Both parent dogs also have a tendency for excessive barking. Training and socializing early will reduce this behavior. Yorkipoos can live anywhere from 11-15 years.
Yorkipoos are slightly larger than their Yorkshire Terrier parent, as even Toy Poodles are bigger than Yorkshire Terriers. They will average 3-14 pounds, and from 7-15 inches at the shoulder. This greatly depends on the size of the both parents.
The Yorkipoo can have a slightly wavy silky coat or a tighter curly coat. It all depends on which of his parents he favors. The coat color can also be a wide variety. From the gray and tan of the Yorkshire Terrier parent to the Toy Poodle’s coloring, with mixed breed dogs, you never know until it happens. This is also the case with body structure. The offspring can be small boned, appearing fragile like the Yorkshire Terrier, or a bit more robust like the Poodle. Either way, you can be certain the Yorkipoo will be small and fit nicely on your lap for a long snooze.
Yorkipoos have the possibility of suffering from many of the same health issues as Toy Poodles. These include Addison’s Disease, Porto-systemic Shunt, Epilepsy, Patellar Luxation, Legg-Calve-Parthesis, and hypothyroidism. Mixing two toy sized dogs together enhances the possibility of any of these health issues being prominent.
As Yorkipoos are very small dog, they fit in well in a small home or apartment. They’re great with people of all ages, but do not appreciate a lot of commotion in the household. Also, be certain to observe your dog at all times when he’s with young children. Yorkipoos fare very well with the elderly, or mobility challenged. They can relieve themselves in a litter box, or pee pad if they don’t have access to an outside relief area, and as long as they get a bit of exercise each day, they’re happy to relax and cuddle for long periods of time.
As with all dogs, be sure to train and socialize your Yorkipoo when he’s young. Puppies learn quickly and enjoy the process. Adult dogs need to be redirected from inappropriate behavior for them to learn some concepts that are very easily taught to a puppy. Your Yorkidoodle is thrilled to chase toys down a hall, or in a yard, making them great companions for children of all ages. They also are great comfort dogs, as Yorkipoos thoroughly enjoy being fussed over and getting lots of attention.
Cavapoo
Cavapoos are the perfect toy sized Doodle dog. They are a mix between Toy Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Both parents have great temperament, intelligence, high cuddle factor and live comfortably in most environments. They adore people of all ages, but can be a bit reserved around new dogs, because they know their size and dislike being stepped on or pushed around.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were a favorite of England’s King Charles who loved his dogs so much that he took them everywhere he travelled. They were even allowed in Parliament. The breed has remained popular in England but didn’t cross the Atlantic to the United States until the 1950s.
The first litters of Cavapoos were bred in Australia, in the 1990s. They were an instant world-wide hit. They are loyal, loving, gentle and graceful. Living from 12-15 years, they are great canine companions.
Cavapoos can weigh 13-18 pounds, heavily dependent on whether the Poodle parent is a Miniature or Toy. They’re height at the shoulder is 12-13 inches, making them a substantial toy sized dog without being fragile.
Cavapoos are about as cute as a dog can be, with silky wavy fur, big brown eyes and droopy ears. They can be any combination of colors from brown and white, to all tan, or tri-color (black, tan and white). Cavadoodles have a square build, with curly tails and round heads. Their nose is round and adorable, with super cute cheeks. Their facial expression is always full of affection and trust.
While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have few inherited health problems, there are some of which to be aware. These include cataracts, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and ear problems, such as frequent infections. Other health concerns include heart murmurs, Luxating Patellas and eye irritation as they have large eyes that bulge a bit. It is very important to maintain eye health with saline rinse several times each week and to trim the fur around their eyes to prevent irritation.
Cavapoos are great everywhere. They tend to be generally quiet apartment dogs; only barking when someone knocks. They can be energetic on hikes and enjoy training sessions immensely. Cavadoodles are great with people of all ages, very patient with youngsters and enjoying cuddling on your lap. They are also fantastic with the elderly, as they really don’t require lots of exercise; satisfied with one nice walk a day and regular relief times.
Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, making it lots of fun to go through the process. Though highly intuitive, it is important to educate your Cavapoo to help him remain relaxed and understand how to negotiate his environment appropriately. They require daily brushing as their coats are fine haired, and a regular schedule for professional grooming to keep his coat trimmed and clean.
Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles are a designer Doodle dog created by pairing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle. There are 3 varieties of Aussiedoodles, just as there are 3 varieties of Poodles – Standard, Miniature and Toy. Where Australian Shepherds can be between 35 – 60 pounds, adding the Poodle can significantly change the offspring, not only in size, but also coat, and personality.
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This mix can be highly challenging to live with and train. They are not a good choice for a first dog, or in a home with young children. Australian Shepherds have strong herding instincts and running children can arouse this instinctual behavior. The addition of Poodle characteristics creates a super active and independent dog.
Australian Shepherds were created by mixing a variety of herding collies such as Border Collies and other farm-type Collies from Europe during the 1900s. There is no consensus, however, on their country of origin. They are ideal stock dogs with their strong medium sized bodies and ability to work all day with their human partners. Just after World War II, their popularity exploded on the horse show and rodeo circuits. Their beauty and agility have made them the ideal performance dog in obedience, agility and other dog sports.
Aussiedoodles, are a mix of two high energy and intelligent breeds. They are working dogs, in need of a job. Their life span averages between 10-14 years of age, and they tend to have few health concerns. They do, however, require a lot of training, consistency and direction or trouble is their middle name.
It is difficult to set an average size on the size or weight of an Aussiedoodle as it is entirely dependent on their parents. The best means of guessing the ultimate size at maturity is to look at their parents. With that in mind, they can be anywhere from 25 – 60 pounds and their height at the shoulder 14 – 23 inches.
Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats. Aussiedoodles have the benefit of the single coat Poodle genes, but the offspring aren’t consistent on which parent they will favor. Often, it’s a combination which means a very thick and curly coat that requires a lot of attention. Their coat can be any variety of colors from black and white, liver and white, merle and white, or silver and white.
Aussiedoodles are generally solid medium sized dogs with wide set eyes and folded over ears with a long pointy snout. Most are born with tails which can vary between thick at the base tapering to thinner at the end, to thin from base to tip.
This Doodle dog has a very good health record. Australian Shepherds are a healthy breed, and adding their genetics to a Poodle will minimize the Poodle health concerns. Yet, he’s still a mix and you’ll need to be aware of problems such as Cushing’s Disease, Hip Dysplasia, PRA, and possibly a sensitivity to Ivermectin, a common parasite preventative.
The ideal environment for Aussiedoodles is having lots of safe space to run. This means they would not fare well in an apartment or urban setting. A house with a yard, on a farm with a job or living with someone who leads an active lifestyle they share with their canine companion is ideal. A home with young children and lots of commotion is not recommended. As with their Australian Shepherd Parent, they can be overly territorial, have a tendency to herd anything that moves, and jump up on people a lot. This Doodle dog is not recommended for a home with elderly relatives either living there or visiting often.
Aussiedoodles require lots of contact with their human companions. They also requires a lot of training, using positive reinforcement motivating them to perform, along with consistency and a job to do. You must establish that your Aussiedoodle is not in charge, you are.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a mix between Golden Retrievers and one of the variety of Poodles. The Goldendoodle is currently the most popular Doodle dog. It’s easy to understand why. From their long wavy hair to their big intelligent brown eyes and droopy ears, and endless ability to show affection, they’re hard to ignore.
About Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are easy to train, loyal, social and sensitive to the emotions of others. They are sturdy, solid dogs. They adore running, swimming and fetching. You can hardly find a more intuitive dog breed. They are well known as the perfect family dog. They are also a preferred breed for many types of performance exhibitions and as assistance dogs.
You can hardly get a dog with a better personality than a Goldendoodle! That’s one of the main reasons they’re so popular. They’re energetic, playful, love to work and are easy to train. Most are highly social, too. They enjoy the company of other dogs, but equally enjoy the company of their human companions. This breed can best be described as always joyful. Their life span averages between 10 – 14 years, depending on the size variation.
Male Standard Goldendoodles can weigh from 65 – 90 pounds, depending on his genetics. While female Standard Goldendoodles average 60 – 70 pounds.
The size of a Goldendoodle depends on two factors – 1. The size of the Poodle parent, 2. the size of the Golden Retriever parent. A Golden Retriever paired with a Standard Poodle will produce very large offspring; some reaching over 80 pounds. Whereas a Golden Retriever paired with a Miniature Poodle will create Miniature Goldendoodles which can range anywhere from 45 – 60 pounds. Very small Goldendoodles may top out at 35 pounds. Breeders who choose small Golden Retriever parents and pair them with a Miniature Poodle will achieve the smaller Miniature Goldendoodle variants.
A Goldendoodle’s appearance depends greatly on which genes were inherited from the parents. Some can have shaggy, barely wavy coats and others sport tight curls. While purebred Golden Retrievers shed a lot (dust bunnies in every corner!), Goldendoodles shed far less, if at all. It depends on their coat. The looser the shag, the more shedding. Still nowhere near that of a typical Golden Retriever, though.
Goldendoodles can be any shade from a cream color to black, depending on the Poodle parent. They are long legged, stout, solid dogs. Goldendoodles also tend have large heads; the Miniatures with smaller heads as according to the overall size.
This breed mix tends to have wide-set brown, to amber, eyes. Folded over ears, and thick tail. It’s highly likely that you will also see webbing between his toes as he’s the product of two breeds created for water retrieving. Their barrel (abdomen) tends to be large, with sturdy hips and shoulders. A well bred Goldendoodle will be as long from his chest to tail base as he is tall from the paw pad to top of his shoulder.
While mixing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle does enhance the offspring’s overall vitality by possibly a longer lifespan, there’s still the possibility of genetic abnormalities arising. Goldens are prone to cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart and lung weakness, skin conditions, and Von Willebrand’s disease (a lack of a clotting protein in their blood). Add to this the typical health issues with Poodles and there’s a lot to consider. But, forewarned is forearmed. A professional breeder will test parent dogs for the majority of these conditions before breeding them, reducing the risk in the offspring.
Goldendoodles require a lot of exercise. If you live in an urban area this is not the dog to share your life with, unless you have access to a large, securely fenced area and lots of time to exercise your dog every day. This breed mix tends to be most at home in suburban and rural areas where there’s lots of opportunities to safely exercise. Also take care that you baby proof door-knobs, cupboards and shelves that may have enticing objects on them. This dog can figure out latches, doorknobs and puzzles, such as how to jump from ottoman to chair to front paws up on a shelf.
While they’re great for children of all ages, beware of allowing your dog to be with your children unsupervised. A large, exuberant dog can knock little ones over and be tempted to grab food from low hanging hands. Early training is recommended to offer your dog structure and direction, ensuring a more harmonious household.
Goldendoodles are great for any activity. From obedience and agility to assistance dog jobs, this hybrid should be at the top of the list. In fact, they thrive when put to work as it is stimulating and fulfilling their need to perform.
Labradoodle
The second most popular Doodle Dog is the Labradoodle. This breed mix is what started the entire Doodle Dog fad. An assistance dog breeder in Australia mixed Poodles with his Labrador Retrievers to create dogs to assist those who had allergies to dog fur. It took a while to achieve his goal of the perfect assistance dog, so he had many Labradoodle dogs along the way and had to find them homes. He marketed them as anti-shed Labradoodles that were super cute and shaggy. Their popularity went through the roof!
Originally bred to aid hunters in the field and retrieve from waterways, Labrador Retrievers prefer to be partners with their human companions than to be independent. They are hardy, stout, and strong willed making them great field dogs as well as an assistance dog, search and rescue work and performance. There’s a reason Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular breed for decades. They can do anything.
Despite the popularity of Labradoodles, there are few who can be anything other than a great companion or perform in obedience trials. Luckily, those are the most common reasons to purchase one. They love their families and enjoy the company of other dogs and people. Nobody is a stranger. They do, however, alert when seeing something new and unknown. Their life span averages 10-14 years.
Standard Male Labradoodles (Labrador mixed with Standard Poodle) can be anywhere from 70- 100 pounds. Standard female Labradoodles can be anywhere from 60 – 78 pounds. Miniature Labradoodles (Labrador mixed with a Miniature Poodle) vary between 35-60 pounds.
Your Labradoodle will likely have a shaggy coat that will require regular trimming to remain clean and easily managed. Like their Poodle parent, Labradoodles don’t shed much and shed hair can become caught in the coat and create knots. Coat colors range from tan to black and sometimes parti-colored if the Poodle parent is itself a parti-color. Typically, Labradoodles are black, brown or tan, the same variations seen in Labrador Retrievers.
They have long legs, long neck and thin tails, like their Poodle parent. Their eye color ranges from brown to amber and ears fold over. Labradoodle noses can be anywhere from black to light brown to pink, depending on the coloration of their parents.
You’ll need to understand typical health issues from both the Labrador Retriever and Poodle parents.
Both Labs and Poodles have the possibility of hip or elbow dysplasia. They have large, fast maturing bodies and high energy levels. Without a solid bone structure, joints can suffer. Labradoodles will also be prone to eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts. As Poodles can get Addison’s disease, this can also occur in a Labradoodle. Skin disorders are also possible, such as sebaceous adenitis, but easily treatable over the dog’s life. Von Willebrand’s disease is also something that can occur in Labradoodles, as it does appear in both Poodles and Labs.
Both parents of Labradoodles tend to easily get ear infections. This is due to their folded over ears having less air circulation, as well as their love for water. Moisture is trapped within the ear canal, creating the perfect atmosphere for bacteria. Lymphoma is also common, as Labs and in respect, Labradoodles become middle aged. Epilepsy is common in poorly bred Labs and even in some very carefully bred dogs. It will require lifelong monitoring via medications. Inflammatory Bowel Disease has been a common issue with Labs and is now often seen in Labradoodles.
From outright kooky to serious or shy, Labradoodles have a lot of variety in their personalities. Sometimes they’re all three at once. You may be able to attribute this to Labrador Retrievers having some Poodle in their genetics prior to being mixed again with Poodles. In fact, if you were to mix a Labradoodle with a Poodle parent for a ¾ Poodledoodle, you can wind up with some mentally unbalanced offspring.
Labradoodles are very active dogs. They need to run a lot. They need a safely fenced yard or large acreage to satisfy their energy levels. This is not the type of dog to have if you live in the city, or a small home. They thrive within an active lifestyle, with lots of opportunity to exercise. Do not consider this breed mix unless you have a safely fenced yard, or at least access to one. If you must be away from home for long periods of time, contemplate doggie daycare. One walk a day will not be enough to keep them out of trouble.
As a highly active breed mix, Labradoodles are well matched with older children, young adults and other active families. They are easily trained and love to learn. Training your Labradoodle at a young age will prevent many future behavior problems. It’ll also be important to socialize your dog, as many Labradoodles can be quite reserved with new people. Keeping your Labradoodle stimulated with a lot of interactive toys, going out and exploring new places, and meeting new people will be important in creating a well-balanced Labradoodle.
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are one of the most popular Doodle Dogs. Produced by mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog mother with a Poodle father (of various sizes to produce the standard, miniature and toy sized Bernedoodles). They originated in 2003 by SwissRidge Kennels with great success. They also now breed Australian Labradoodles (who are a mix of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel) with Bernese Mountain Dogs. The offspring are laid-back, super cute, sweet and intelligent dogs who thrive in any environment.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, working dogs bred to aid farmers by guarding and driving cattle herds in Alpine environments. A stout, hard-working dog that can do it all. He is happy laying at your feet, playing with children and adores cuddling. Paired with a Poodle, you may get an energetic and intelligent dog with a high work drive, though that does greatly depend on their size. The larger the Bernedoodle, the more energetic it will be, as Standard Poodles tend to have a higher energy level than the other Poodle varieties. The mixing of the Bernese Mountain Dogs greatly reduces the chances of your Bernedoodle being super hyper, as Bernies are very relaxed in general and this trait is often passed along into their offspring.
A large Bernese Mountain Dog mother with Standard Poodle father can range between 23 – 29 inches tall at their shoulder and weigh 70-90 pounds.
Mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog mother with Miniature Poodle father results in offspring anywhere from 18-22 inches tall and weight at 25–50 pounds. And, mixing a Bernese Mountain Dog mother with a Toy Poodle (done via artificial insemination in most cases) can result in offspring from 10–25 pounds and stand anywhere from 12-17 inches at the shoulder.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are tri-colored – black, tan and white. Thus, Bernedoodles can also be a variety of color combinations, especially when mixed with a Poodle. There’s Oreo Bernedoodles who are black and white. Red tri-colored Bernedoodles who are brown, black and white. And the merle Bernedoodle who has marbled white and gray patches on a black coat. The latter tends to be the most expensive as they are challenging to create.
Bernedoodles also have a wide variety of coats. Their Bernese Mountain Dog parent has a double, thick coat that tends to shed a lot. Mix them with Poodles and you can have any combination of straight, wavy, or curly Bernedoodles. The more the Poodle parent influences the coat, the less shedding will occur. But make no mistake, these dogs shed.
This breed mix tends to have large dark to light brown wide-set eyes, round head and muzzle, with heavy droopy ears. They also have a solid build, making them strong dogs. Even the minis are solidly built, favoring some of their Bernese Mountain Dog parent’s genetics.
Overall, Bernedoodles are very healthy, hardy dogs. Sometimes genetic heritage cannot be overcome and they can be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, skin sensitivities, digestive disorders and immune system issues. The smaller the Bernedoodle, the closer they are genetically to the smaller Poodle varieties, making them prone to the typical Poodle structural issues as well as Von Willebrand’s and Addison’s diseases.
Bernedoodles have fantastic temperaments. As the Bernese Mountain Dog parent is gentle, loving, and willing to do anything for you, you can bet that a lot of that personality will be within your Bernedoodle, too. The rest of their personality, such as activity levels, attention levels and sociability will depend on their Poodle parent. The differences can be quite stark, in fact. Early socialization is of extreme importance!
Mixing the Bernese Mountain Dog with a Standard Poodle, will result not only in a large dog, but also one who may be slightly reactive to new stimuli, such as unfamiliar people, other dogs or new environments. It might just take a few minutes for things to process. Meanwhile, they prefer to observe these unknowns for a while, and then make their decisions. These larger varieties will also be energetic and in need of lots of exercise, though not as much as a Labradoodle.
Mixing the Bernese Mountain Dog with a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle will result in an outgoing, social dog, who loves attention from everyone. They are equally thrilled with sitting on your lap as with chasing you around the yard or playing fetch. They also excel as therapy dogs, for they have lots of love to give.
Large Bernedoodles require space to run. While they do okay in an urban setting, provided there’s daily walks and chances to socialize with other dogs, they do not fare well left alone for long hours each day. Some develop separation anxiety as they’re very dependent on their human companions for comfort. If you must be away for work, consider doggie daycare at least 3 days each week. Your Doodle Dog will need to get rid of his energy, making him less likely to develop anxieties from loneliness.
The smaller varieties of Bernedoodles thrive in any environment, but like their larger cousins, they do not fare well left alone for long periods of time. They have the need for stimulation in the form of engaging their brains and the comfort of their families around them.
All Bernedoodles do well with children and adults of all ages. They are loyal and loving. Do take some caution with infants and toddlers, however, as this is a boisterous dog when happy, and little ones can easily be knocked down by their exuberance.
They are perfect with the elderly and infirm. In fact, they’re the perfect assistance dog and emotional support dog. Bernedoodles excel in any activity they are trained to perform, from helping others, to the show ring and beyond.
Cockapoo
The Cockapoo was one of the first designer dog breeds created. They originated in the late 1950s, bred to be companion dogs. They are a cross of the smallest sporting breed, Cocker Spaniel, with a Miniature Poodle.
Cocker Spaniels have been around since before firearms. They were utilized to flush ground birds so that hunters could throw nets over them. They are also great alert dogs, very aware of their environment and quick to respond to intruders with a loud, high-pitched bark. Cockers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States since the 1940s, when Disney’s Lady and The Tramp debuted, featuring a Cocker Spaniel. This breed has also been a favorite of U.S. Presidents.
As Cockapoo breeders prefer to keep them at around 20-25 pounds, they don’t breed their Cocker Spaniels with Standard Poodles. It’s always the smaller varieties of Poodles, either Miniature or Toy. Many other Doodle Dog breeders infuse their bloodlines with Cocker Spaniels from time to time in order to achieve a smaller dog, such as the Mini-Goldendoodle, or Mini-Bernedoodle. Having Cocker Spaniel genes actually helps the offspring be more mentally and physically sound than just pairing two breeds. Cockapoo lifespans average 13-15 years.
The typical Cockapoo is 10-20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 10-30 pounds depending on their Poodle parent.
Cocker Spaniels tend to be compact, with a slightly sloping back, chiseled facial features, and long droopy ears. Their eyes are large, almond shaped and look directly forward. Eye color is generally a soft brown, with an intelligent expression. The Cocker Spaniel square back becomes longer with the infusion of Poodle genes. Beware of any Cockapoos, however, who have a less than square appearance (longer back with short legs). They may be prone to back problems as they age.
Cockapoos can be any color between white and black. As Cocker Spaniels very between white, tan, brown, black and some parti-colors, Poodles are equally colorful. As the parti-colors are more difficult to achieve, they are often more expensive.
Their coats vary between straight to curly; the most typical is wavy. The tighter the wave, the less shedding, as their hair is more like their Poodle parent. Both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles require regular professional grooming. They are small dogs and long hair will pick up debris, causing tangles.
Cockapoos are one of the healthier Doodle dogs. They truly benefit from the hybrid vigor of mixed breed dogs. Cockapoos still have genetics similar to their parents, so there’s always the possibility of having one of their health problems.
Cockapoos are prone joint issues if overweight, ear infections if they are not kept groomed with weekly ear cleanings, eye infections from environmental allergic reactions, and progressive retinal atrophy, a common issue with their Cocker Spaniel parent.
This Doodle dog thrives in any environment, except one where he would be alone for long periods of time, or unable to get at least one good exercise period each day. Cockapoos are rarely overly sensitive or insecure, always ready to make new friends in new places.
Though Cockapoos are energetic dogs, they’re fine in an apartment provided they get plenty of exercise and aren’t left alone for long periods of time. Cockapoos thrive in suburban and rural settings, and adore playing with others. Cockapoos are very easily trained, using positive reinforcement. If exposed to anger, harsh handling, or infliction of pain, they will resort to fear behavior, which includes barking, snarling, and biting. If rewarded for good behavior, they will constantly strive to repeat it.
Cockapoos adore children of all ages, elderly and the physically challenged. In fact, they are great therapy and assistance dogs for those who require help with fetching items or alerting to sounds such as someone at the door or a ringing telephone.
Maltipoo
Maltipoos are a cross between Maltese and Toy Poodles, creating a sweet, cuddly, and intelligent dog who is great with people of all ages and all living conditions. You can hardly get a calmer, more forgiving Doodle dog than a Maltipoo.
Maltese have been a popular toy sized dog for centuries. The breed enjoyed the popularity of wealthy Romans in 1500 B.C.E. and continued it’s popularity through modern times. In fact, a wealthy woman would not step out without having her Maltese peeking out from a sleeve, or neckline of her dress. Maltese are also part of early Christianity, as the Apostle Paul was gifted a Maltese from the Roman Governor Publius. After the fall of Rome, the Chinese kept the breed alive, crossing them with their own toy breeds, refining the Maltese to their current appearance.
Most Maltipoos are mixed with either Miniature or Toy Poodles. As the idea is to keep them on the small side, it is far more common to utilize the genetics of the Toy Poodles, than the Miniatures. Their lifespan averages 12-17 years.
Maltese dogs are prized for their small size. They average around 7 pounds and no more than 8 inches at the shoulder. They are comprised mostly of their long silky fur, with stout little bodies beneath. The size of a Maltipoo will range between 8-20 pounds and 8 -14 inches tall at the shoulder (depending on the parent Poodle).
The majority of Maltipoos have white fur that can range from the Maltese’s long silky coat to the tight curls of a Poodle. They have a small but stout and sturdy body, with dark brown eyes and black nose. Maltipoos have a wide forehead, which also means wide-set droopy ears. They are primarily white, though sometimes can be gray or tan, or have several coat colors.
Like many toy breeds, Maltipoos are prone to dental problems as well as Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Portosystemic Shunt, Patellar Luxation and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) as well as Epilepsy and White Shaker Syndrome. A diet rich in red meat proteins will be important to prevent skin disorders due to food allergies.
Maltipoos are great in any environment, provided they have companionship. They make great apartments dogs, suburban or rural canine companions. They are also great with people of all ages as they are forgiving, even tempered and patient. But, like many small dogs, if not properly trained, can become quite annoying with excessive barking, resource guarding and not responding to cues quickly.
This breed mix loves to play and cuddle. Maltipoos can go from super playful, and outlast most young children, to enjoying a nap on the lap of your elderly parent. They are the Doodle dogs who have it all. This makes them easy pets for any living situation. They also tend to live harmoniously with cats and other dogs, making them an ideal canine for a multi-pet family. Maltipoos are easy to train. In fact, they are quite good with learning complicated concepts and responding to cues in high distraction areas. This makes them perfect candidates as emotional support, therapy and assistance dogs for those with hearing or mobility challenges.
Pomapoo
Pomapoos are a mix resulting from Pomeranians and Toy Poodles. Both are very small dogs, so you’re sure to have a small Doodle as a result. What isn’t certain, however, is whether you’ll get a full straight coat, or one full of curls. Pomapoos are sweet dogs who can adjust to almost any living situation and make great canine companions.
Pomeranians are a genetic mutation of German and Polish sled dogs, such as the Spitz of North Eastern Europe. By choosing smaller and smaller dogs to breed together, they created the Pomeranian, who averaged about 30 pounds. When Queen Victoria discovered these dogs on a trip to North Eastern Europe, she brought some home and became a Pomeranian breeder and exhibitor. Through her breeding programs she further reduced their size to their current stature.
Pomapoos are bold, demanding and inquisitive. They have a double coat, the undercoat being full and dense with the outer coat, coarser and longer fur. Their tails lift up over and onto their backs and are heavily plumed. This hybrid breed is affectionate with their family, intelligent, and alert, but can be reserved with strangers, tend to bark excessively, and doesn’t quickly accept new dogs. Early and consistent training is necessary or they will be barking at everything, resource guarding, fear biting, and be reactive. Their average life span is 12=14 years.
Pomapoos average 7-9 pounds, and 8-10 inches at the shoulder, similar in size and structure to their Pomeranian parent. As they’re a mix, it’s tough to know which genes will be prominent in their offspring. It depends largely on the size of the Poodle parent.
While small in stature like their Pomeranian parent, they will be finer boned, and their fur won’t be as thick due to their Poodle parent having only one coat instead of two. They tend to have small dark eyes with black noses, though their nose color could move toward brown in the lighter colored varieties. Pomapoo coat color depends on their parents, as both have color variations between black, brown and white. The rarer colors are apricot, silver or parti-colored and tend to be more expensive. Pomapoos have small, short noses, and ears that can’t decide if they’re upright or folded over; depends on their mood and the wind speed.
Pomapoos can be prone to any of the health concerns that are common to both Pomeranians and Small Poodle varieties. These include the Luxating-Patella, dental problems, Alopecia as well as the typical allergies of Poodles, but also issues particular to Pomeranians, such as hypothyroid, tracheal collapse, Cushing’s disease, pancreatitis, and numerous respiratory concerns. They can also have chronic weight issues which can exacerbate other health problems. Keeping them an appropriate weight will enhance their health, achieving a longer lifespan.
Pomapoos are highly adaptable. They thrive in any environment where they will be respected, properly exercised and well educated. They are the perfect dog for urban living or a small home, as they don’t require large yards for exercise, though they do enjoy them. They also fare well in suburban areas but tend to bark a lot at new people and other animals. If you live in a rural area, keep your dog leashed, as there may be wild creatures that consider your small dog a great meal.
First and foremost, train and socialize early. This will enhance your relationship and ensure a harmonious life with your Pomapoo. Secondly, if you have small or otherwise young children, always be observant of them when your Doodle Dog is present. A disrespecting youngster can inadvertently injure a small dog creating a Doodle dog who is fearful and distrusting of children. Pomapoos fare well with older children and play well with them for long periods of time, but are equally happy dozing in someone’s lap, making them ideal for elderly residents or those who are mobility impaired.
Pomapoos make great therapy dogs and emotional support dogs. They may even work well as hearing assistance dogs, for nothing escapes their notice. Some are highly intelligent and enjoy obedience and agility training; most of all trick training. Their sharp minds never forget anything, but some Pomapoos will check to see if their human companions have by testing their boundaries from time to time.
Pekapoo
Pekapoos are a result of pairing the smaller varieties of Poodles with the Pekingese, a long-haired, short-legged toy breed. This designer dog breed has been around since the 1950s, as one of the oldest Poodle mixes, way before Doodle Dogs were popular. Yet, these toy sized Doodle Dogs have maintained their popularity as they offer great companionship and have lots of spunk.
Pekapoos are generally the result of a first generation pairing, as breeding the Doodle dogs together can cause the offspring to have a greater chance of multiple health concerns. This is common for the majority of Doodle dogs; hence why they are not a recognized breed.
Pekingese dogs were originally from China, where they were a favorite of Emperors and royal households. From the beginning they were lap dogs and pampered pets. Their round bodies and rolling gait were bred into their structure to keep them from running away from court, but they are also very aware of their surroundings, barking in alarm at any intruders.
The Pekapoos average an 11-15 year life span, depending on maintaining proper weight, grooming, keeping them out of excessive heat (due to respiratory issues) and careful handling. It’s very easy for one to be horribly injured if stepped on. Pekapoos are hardier than their Pekingese parent, but still very fragile.
As Pekapoos are a mixed breed, there are no size standards, so the closest way to calculate the size of this Doodle Dog when mature is to consider their parents. They are generally 11 inches at the shoulder and can weigh 15-20 pounds. But, if one of the parents is a Toy Poodle, instead of a Miniature Poodle, that can reduce his overall size by a couple inches, to 6-9 inches at the shoulder and 7-14 pounds.
Pekapoo appearance varies greatly as they are a first generation Doodle dog. On average, however, you can assume a few common characteristics, such as they will be slightly longer in the back than leg height, so a more elongated torso, like a Dachshund, though not quite as pronounced. It’s likely they’ll have long wavy hair which will require regular grooming to remain clean and easy to manage. Their snouts will be longer than the short-nosed Pekingese, and ears bigger though droopy like both parents. Their eyes will tend to be less bulging than a Pekingese, making them easier to keep clean.
Pekapoo coat color can favor either parent. While Pekingese dogs sometimes have a face mask (hair a darker color than the rest of their bodies), this does not appear as often on a Pekapoo, who tend to be all one color. They can be any color between black, shades of brown, silver, or cream. That also depends largely on their parents.
Besides the typical health problems of Poodles (PRA, Leg problems, liver problems and skin problems) they can also inherit some specific health issues from their Pekingese parents. These include heart murmurs, heart failure, organ system problems, eye ulcers, respiratory distress (depends largely on length of nose), glaucoma and eye fluid drainage. Many of the Pekingese health problems are related to how they’ve been specialized over millennia to have short noses, bulging eyes, and unnaturally short legs. The addition of Poodle blood does offer them more vitality, depending on which genes have been inherited.
This small Doodle Dog adjusts well to most environments, but thrives the most in apartments, or small homes. They’re a favorite of retired seniors, and families with older children, and respectful young children. Pekapoos need some exercise each day, but not excessive amounts like many Doodle dogs. Most Pekapoos are happiest when nestled on a lap and being stroked.
Pekapoos are super watch dogs and can therefore be great hearing assistance dogs, too. They do require early training and socialization, however, or can become quite annoying with excessive barking, resource guarding, and running off after squirrels. Be sure to maintain your Pekapoo in a temperature-controlled environment, as excessive heat can endanger his health. This includes outside exercise. Be sure to do his daily walks when it isn’t above 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
Yorkipoo
Yorkipoos may be small, but they have big personalities. They are a combination of Yorkshire Terriers, the smallest AKC recognized terrier breed, and Toy Poodles. They are athletic, territorial, love to play and enjoy lap time. Their small size makes them the perfect dogs for Urban areas or apartment living, yet they also thrive in suburban and rural environments.
The Yorkshire Terriers originated in Yorkshire, England, a product of Scottish immigrants who desired a dog who hunted vermin in the cotton and woolen mills where they worked. They mixed black and tan terriers from Scotland (not Scottish Terriers), with Paisley Terriers and possibly Maltese to attain their soft, silky coats. The result is a very tenacious dog, when aroused, and a desire to finish the job no matter the consequences. Yorkshire Terriers mature to only 7 pounds and rarely more than 6” at the shoulder. Their coats are considered hypoallergenic as they don’t shed much. Coat color is a combination of gray and tan, or black and cream.
Mixing a Yorkshire Terrier with a Toy Poodle enhances their intelligence and athletic abilities. The mix may also add some size to the offspring. Where a Yorkshire Terrier might resource guard, or insist on being King of the House, the influx of Poodle genes tamps that down a bit, giving the Yorkipoo more confidence and ability to share. Both parent dogs have low shed coats, so this is a great dog to have if you suffer from allergies. Both parent dogs also have a tendency for excessive barking. Training and socializing early will reduce this behavior. Yorkipoos can live anywhere from 11-15 years.
Yorkipoos are slightly larger than their Yorkshire Terrier parent, as even Toy Poodles are bigger than Yorkshire Terriers. They will average 3-14 pounds, and from 7-15 inches at the shoulder. This greatly depends on the size of the both parents.
The Yorkipoo can have a slightly wavy silky coat or a tighter curly coat. It all depends on which of his parents he favors. The coat color can also be a wide variety. From the gray and tan of the Yorkshire Terrier parent to the Toy Poodle’s coloring, with mixed breed dogs, you never know until it happens. This is also the case with body structure. The offspring can be small boned, appearing fragile like the Yorkshire Terrier, or a bit more robust like the Poodle. Either way, you can be certain the Yorkipoo will be small and fit nicely on your lap for a long snooze.
Yorkipoos have the possibility of suffering from many of the same health issues as Toy Poodles. These include Addison’s Disease, Porto-systemic Shunt, Epilepsy, Patellar Luxation, Legg-Calve-Parthesis, and hypothyroidism. Mixing two toy sized dogs together enhances the possibility of any of these health issues being prominent.
As Yorkipoos are very small dog, they fit in well in a small home or apartment. They’re great with people of all ages, but do not appreciate a lot of commotion in the household. Also, be certain to observe your dog at all times when he’s with young children. Yorkipoos fare very well with the elderly, or mobility challenged. They can relieve themselves in a litter box, or pee pad if they don’t have access to an outside relief area, and as long as they get a bit of exercise each day, they’re happy to relax and cuddle for long periods of time.
As with all dogs, be sure to train and socialize your Yorkipoo when he’s young. Puppies learn quickly and enjoy the process. Adult dogs need to be redirected from inappropriate behavior for them to learn some concepts that are very easily taught to a puppy. Your Yorkidoodle is thrilled to chase toys down a hall, or in a yard, making them great companions for children of all ages. They also are great comfort dogs, as Yorkipoos thoroughly enjoy being fussed over and getting lots of attention.
Cavapoo
Cavapoos are the perfect toy sized Doodle dog. They are a mix between Toy Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Both parents have great temperament, intelligence, high cuddle factor and live comfortably in most environments. They adore people of all ages, but can be a bit reserved around new dogs, because they know their size and dislike being stepped on or pushed around.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were a favorite of England’s King Charles who loved his dogs so much that he took them everywhere he travelled. They were even allowed in Parliament. The breed has remained popular in England but didn’t cross the Atlantic to the United States until the 1950s.
The first litters of Cavapoos were bred in Australia, in the 1990s. They were an instant world-wide hit. They are loyal, loving, gentle and graceful. Living from 12-15 years, they are great canine companions.
Cavapoos can weigh 13-18 pounds, heavily dependent on whether the Poodle parent is a Miniature or Toy. They’re height at the shoulder is 12-13 inches, making them a substantial toy sized dog without being fragile.
Cavapoos are about as cute as a dog can be, with silky wavy fur, big brown eyes and droopy ears. They can be any combination of colors from brown and white, to all tan, or tri-color (black, tan and white). Cavadoodles have a square build, with curly tails and round heads. Their nose is round and adorable, with super cute cheeks. Their facial expression is always full of affection and trust.
While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have few inherited health problems, there are some of which to be aware. These include cataracts, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and ear problems, such as frequent infections. Other health concerns include heart murmurs, Luxating Patellas and eye irritation as they have large eyes that bulge a bit. It is very important to maintain eye health with saline rinse several times each week and to trim the fur around their eyes to prevent irritation.
Cavapoos are great everywhere. They tend to be generally quiet apartment dogs; only barking when someone knocks. They can be energetic on hikes and enjoy training sessions immensely. Cavadoodles are great with people of all ages, very patient with youngsters and enjoying cuddling on your lap. They are also fantastic with the elderly, as they really don’t require lots of exercise; satisfied with one nice walk a day and regular relief times.
Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, making it lots of fun to go through the process. Though highly intuitive, it is important to educate your Cavapoo to help him remain relaxed and understand how to negotiate his environment appropriately. They require daily brushing as their coats are fine haired, and a regular schedule for professional grooming to keep his coat trimmed and clean.
Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles are a designer Doodle dog created by pairing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle. There are 3 varieties of Aussiedoodles, just as there are 3 varieties of Poodles – Standard, Miniature and Toy. Where Australian Shepherds can be between 35 – 60 pounds, adding the Poodle can significantly change the offspring, not only in size, but also coat, and personality.
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This mix can be highly challenging to live with and train. They are not a good choice for a first dog, or in a home with young children. Australian Shepherds have strong herding instincts and running children can arouse this instinctual behavior. The addition of Poodle characteristics creates a super active and independent dog.
Australian Shepherds were created by mixing a variety of herding collies such as Border Collies and other farm-type Collies from Europe during the 1900s. There is no consensus, however, on their country of origin. They are ideal stock dogs with their strong medium sized bodies and ability to work all day with their human partners. Just after World War II, their popularity exploded on the horse show and rodeo circuits. Their beauty and agility have made them the ideal performance dog in obedience, agility and other dog sports.
Aussiedoodles, are a mix of two high energy and intelligent breeds. They are working dogs, in need of a job. Their life span averages between 10-14 years of age, and they tend to have few health concerns. They do, however, require a lot of training, consistency and direction or trouble is their middle name.
It is difficult to set an average size on the size or weight of an Aussiedoodle as it is entirely dependent on their parents. The best means of guessing the ultimate size at maturity is to look at their parents. With that in mind, they can be anywhere from 25 – 60 pounds and their height at the shoulder 14 – 23 inches.
Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats. Aussiedoodles have the benefit of the single coat Poodle genes, but the offspring aren’t consistent on which parent they will favor. Often, it’s a combination which means a very thick and curly coat that requires a lot of attention. Their coat can be any variety of colors from black and white, liver and white, merle and white, or silver and white.
Aussiedoodles are generally solid medium sized dogs with wide set eyes and folded over ears with a long pointy snout. Most are born with tails which can vary between thick at the base tapering to thinner at the end, to thin from base to tip.
This Doodle dog has a very good health record. Australian Shepherds are a healthy breed, and adding their genetics to a Poodle will minimize the Poodle health concerns. Yet, he’s still a mix and you’ll need to be aware of problems such as Cushing’s Disease, Hip Dysplasia, PRA, and possibly a sensitivity to Ivermectin, a common parasite preventative.
The ideal environment for Aussiedoodles is having lots of safe space to run. This means they would not fare well in an apartment or urban setting. A house with a yard, on a farm with a job or living with someone who leads an active lifestyle they share with their canine companion is ideal. A home with young children and lots of commotion is not recommended. As with their Australian Shepherd Parent, they can be overly territorial, have a tendency to herd anything that moves, and jump up on people a lot. This Doodle dog is not recommended for a home with elderly relatives either living there or visiting often.
Aussiedoodles require lots of contact with their human companions. They also requires a lot of training, using positive reinforcement motivating them to perform, along with consistency and a job to do. You must establish that your Aussiedoodle is not in charge, you are.