Doodle Dogs — 10 of the Most Popular Types of Doodles

As they’re not a purebreed, you won’t find any Doodle Dogs listed on the American Kennel Club (AKC) website, but they’re in lots and lots of US homes.

Doodle dogs — sometimes also known as designer dogs — have become increasingly popular in recent years. And, because it’s believed that there are as many as 40 different types of doodle dogs around, there’s a size, style, and personality, to suit just about every pet parent’s wish list.

A ‘Doodle Dog’ is the catch-all term for a Poodle mix dog — a Poodle that’s been crossbred with another breed to create a completely new hybrid altogether. Doodles were bred partially because the Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat, meaning it doesn’t shed fur (or nowhere near as much as most other breeds) so is more suitable to be owned by people living with allergies. 

Widely acknowledged as the first Doodle Dog, the Labradoodle emerged in Australia in 1989, bred by Wally Conron. Working as breed manager for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, Conron’s aim was to develop a guide dog for a blind lady whose husband was allergic to dogs — meaning a Labrador Retriever, the breed most often used as a guide dog, would be unsuitable.

The Labradoodle carries many of the characteristics that have made the Labrador Retriever one of the most popular dog breeds of modern times — happy, affectionate, enthusiastic, energetic and intelligent.

The much-loved Golden Retriever shares many qualities with the Labrador Retriever, so it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to learn that the Goldendoodle is a similar doodle dog in terms of size, appearance and personality. 

Despite its name, the Goldendoodle isn’t always golden; it can be black, white, cream or gray, or even a red color. These dogs have a friendly temperament, though they’re a high energy breed that loves lots of exercise. Expect to be taken on long walks — Goldendoodles are very active by nature.

An intelligent breed, a Goldendoodle is suitable for working roles, as service and therapy dogs.

Discover more about the Goldendoodle by reading our nine amazing facts.

Originating, it’s believed, from Canada, the Bernedoodle is a gorgeous combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. These doodle dogs are often large in size, capable of weighing between 70-90 lbs and standing as high as 29 inches tall — though they can come in three different sizes. These are Toy, Mini and Standard, and the size variance depends on which type of Poodle (Toy, Mini or Standard) was used during the breeding process.

Doodle dogs may have a reputation for generally being healthier than some pure breeds but they still need care — and a pet insurance plan is the best way of doing that. Use the 100% free Wag! Compare to find great pet insurance deals; your pup could be covered immediately!

The Old English Sheepdog is one of the oldest and most recognisable of dog breeds, with its thick, shaggy coat and lumbering stance. It’s a loveable breed, and also very intelligent. Paired with a Poodle, the result is the Sheepadoodle (don’t confuse it with the Shepadoodle, another of the popular doodle dog breeds and a blend of the German Shepherd and Poodle).

The gentle Sheepadoodle is a companion or watchdog, though it may still have traits associated with the working background of the Old English Sheepdog — it might show some herding instincts with young children. They love space to explore and roam, and thrive as part of the family.

The Aussiedoodle is a lively, energetic and highly intelligent doodle dog — displaying qualities noted in parent breeds the Australian Shepherd and Poodle. If you’re looking for an athletic, active dog, an Aussiedoodle could be perfect for you.

They’re fast learners, so it’s reasonably simple to train an Aussiedoodle; they love having a job to do and need lots of mental, as well as physical, stimulation. Their coat can vary from curly to wavy, depending on the more dominant parent breed.

Aussiedoodles are generally patient and friendly, content to spend time with their human family. Just don’t let this doodle dog get bored!

The Cavapoo is one of the small-medium doodle dog breeds, a cross between either a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The size can vary depending on the type of Poodle that’s the parent. Like many other doodle dogs, the Cavapoo is a low shedder so is suitable for a pet parent with allergies.

The Cavapoo is a fun-loving dog, playful and cute. They can be busy dogs, even a little hyperactive at times, so Cavapoos do need a regular amount of good exercise to keep them satisfied. Provided they get that, they’re usually quite happy to curl up with family members and their modest size makes them ideal for apartment living.

Get peace of mind for your pup with a Wag! Wellness plan. Choose from a series of plans depending on the level of coverage you need — all include annual checkups and boosters and a physical exam.

The Whoodle is a tough, hardy type of doodle dog — that’s the terrier in them. Whoodles aren’t generally recommended for first-time or inexperienced pet parents as they can be wilful and tenacious, and try to assume the role of pack leader. They need to know who’s in charge.

Trained and socialized properly, a Whoodle makes a lovely companion dog. They do have a high level of energy, so need around an hour of exercise every day to keep them happy and fulfilled.

This Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle cross is among one of the smaller types of doodle dogs; a Yorkipoo might weigh between 6-15 lbs only, and stand as tall as 4-14 inches.

As you might expect from a dog with a Terrier as a parent breed, the Yorkipoo can be a feisty character — this little pup has a big personality. They’re spirited dogs who aren’t afraid to share their feelings vocally on occasion, though they only need a moderate amount of exercise. 

They’re generally happy to play the role of a companion or lapdog, which makes them an excellent pet for someone who lives in an apartment or somewhere with a smaller living area, and for an older pet parent, too.

The Weimardoodle isn’t perhaps as widely known as other doodle dogs on our list but as a striking combination of the handsome Weimaraner, and of course the Poodle, it’s a good-looking breed.

Because both parent breeds are medium to large in size, the Weimardoodle is, too, weighing anywhere between 45 and 70 lbs. The Poodle influence means this doodle dog’s coat is different to the Weimaraner; instead of short and sleek, it’s dense and almost shaggy.

Weimardoodles are known for their loyalty, and bond with their pet parents. They have a gentle nature, making them friendly around children, and like an active lifestyle.

The presence of the elegant Dalmatian is unmistakable in the Dalmadoodle — that signature white coat with black spots is a real giveaway, after all. However, that coat isn’t smooth like a Dalmatian’s, but soft and fluffy, like a Poodle’s.

Dalmadoodles are active and energetic, so they need plenty of exercise and ideally some time off the leash to run and explore in secure areas. They like mental stimulation too, so love fun and games. They are receptive to training, though may also show a stubborn side at times — so persist and be positive; a Dalmatian can be sensitive and easily upset.

These doodle dogs are kind and placid, happy to be part of the family and around children.

Whatever type of Doodle Dog you parent, make sure they’re getting the very best diet they possibly can. They deserve it! For recipe inspiration, visit our online partners, Dog Food Advisor — the website’s full of reviews and recommendations of the best food for your dog.