Mixed-breed dogs as such as Poodle Mixes have become increasingly popular in the past couple of decades. There are a number of reasons for this, but the main one is that most people simply want a sweet, affectionate family pet.
Most dog buyers don’t concern themselves with breed standards and do not compete in dog shows. Their main focus is on getting a dog with a good personality and little to no health problems.
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Why Get a Poodle Mix
Poodle mixes are at the top of the list for many people who are looking for a family pet. To understand why, we have to look to the Poodle, as it is the common denominator across all these mixes.
The Poodle’s distinctive curly fur that can be shaped into all sorts of hairstyles is one of the main reasons why they’re chosen to be cross-bred with other dogs. This curly coat is said to be hypoallergenic, meaning that people with dog allergies are more likely to be able to live with a Poodle or Poodle mix.
However, that’s not all the Poodle brings to the table. Poodles tend to have a very pleasant disposition, and are sweet and loving companions for their owners. They enjoy making humans happy, and will not hesitate to play and clown around for friends and strangers alike.
These traits, combined with the Poodle’s razor-sharp intellect and trainability, make the Poodle a highly desirable dog. It’s no surprise that breeders and dog lovers would want to combine the Poodle with other dog breeds.
Most Poodle mixes will have most of the positive qualities of the Poodle, as well as the positive qualities of the other parent breed. These days there are dozens of Poodle mixes on the market today, but we’ll be taking a look at some of the most popular and successful mixes.
Most Popular Poodle Mixes
1. Cavoodle
The Cavoodle is one of our favourite Poodle mixes. This hybrid of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle is one of the most adorable mixed breeds you’re likely to find. The Poodle side brings an easygoing nature to the Cavoodle, while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lends its outgoing and friendly personality to the breed.
Most Cavoodles are perfectly content to spend their days lounging around the house with their owners. As a hybrid of two companion dog breeds, they do not tend to be very high-energy dogs. They thrive on human contact and attention. Because Cavoodles are the product of two small breeds, they can adapt well to apartment living.
2. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo combines the pure-white Maltese with the Toy or Miniature Poodle. Like both parent breeds, the Maltipoo tends to be sweet and gentle, with a pleasant temperament. They make great companions for any size of family, or even solitary dog owners. The breed is so affectionate and well-attuned to human emotions that they’re even known to be trained as therapy dogs.
Both the Maltese and the Poodle are non-shedding breeds, so most Maltipoos are hypoallergenic as well.
Maltipoos are a great choice for first-time dog owners as they’re eager to please and are easy to train. They thrive in any type of home, so long as they get lots of loving attention from their owners and the rest of the family. Maltipoos are sensitive dogs who enjoy giving and receiving love. As a bonus, they look adorable when you dress them up.
3. Groodle
The Groodle or Goldendoodle is a hybrid dog breed resulting from mixing the Poodle with the Golden Retriever. Both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever are famous for their intense love for people, and the Groodle is no different.
The Groodle inherits the best qualities of the parent breeds, and they tend to be incredibly intelligent, affectionate and low-shedding. They also excel in many roles, as both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are sporting dogs.
Groodles tend to be on the larger side, depending on the size of the Poodle that is bred with a Golden Retriever. They love the outdoors and playing in water, and are an ideal pet for owners with an active lifestyle.
4. Labradoodle
Labradoodles were one of the first intentionally cross-bred Poodle mixes, and were intended to be guide dogs for people with dog allergies. The creation of the breed was such a success that it can be argued that the Labradoodle kicked off the Poodle mix craze.
The very first Labradoodles were smart, highly social dogs with the right temperament to be trained as guide dogs. Not only that, they were also hypoallergenic. Most Labradoodles, especially dogs from Australian breeders, live up to that heritage.
The Labradoodle is an active, high-energy companion who loves life and loves spending time with their owner. Their enthusiasm for everything is infectious, which is why they remain one of the most popular Poodle mixes.
5. Yorkie Poodle
The Yorkie Poodle or Yorkipoo is a charming hybrid of two very popular dogs – the Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature or Toy Poodle. These tiny dogs are both beautiful and energetic, and they love to play any moment they aren’t snuggling up to you.
Living with the Yorkie Poodle is a delight, as their main purpose in life seems to be to play around and have fun. They’re always willing to do tricks or clown around for friends and family alike, and their good-natured disposition lets them get along with anyone.
Most Yorkiepoos are more mellow than the Yorkshire Terrier, while being more outgoing and friendly to strangers than the Miniature or Toy Poodle. This results in a well-balanced dog who can also reside with allergy sufferers.
6. Shihpoo
The Shihpoo or Shoodle is a true companion dog – these fun-loving little pups radiate warmth and affection. They love being pampered and cuddled, and thrive when they’re getting attention from their owners.
Most Shihpoos are the result of a Shih Tzu being bred with Miniature or Toy Poodle. This produces a small, low-shedding dog that adapts well to almost any environment, whether a large family home or small apartment.
A typical Shihpoo combines the loyal and adorable personality of the Shih Tzu with the intelligence and gentle nature of the Poodle. It’s hard to go wrong with such a mix, as most Shihpoos end up being playful, moderate-energy dogs that are easy to raise and care for – exactly what most dog owners want.