Whether you’re a single person getting a dog as a constant companion or thinking about adding one to a family home, it’s important to think about what breed you should get. And, of the thousands of breeds of dogs out there, doodles are becoming one of the most popular choices for all circumstances.
If you’ve been wondering “what doodle breed should I get?”, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular doodle breeds. We’ll also explore their temperament, size, and any health issues each breed may suffer from.
In the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which doodle is the best fit for your home and your lifestyle.
What is a “Doodle”?
Before we start breaking down the characteristics of each type of doodle, let’s take a moment to explain what a doodle actually is.
Put simply, a Doodle is a dog that is a cross between a Poodle and another type of purebred dog. This could be a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Schnauzer, Dalmatian, or anything else really. In fact, there are currently 28 different Doodle breeds recognized, and this number is almost guaranteed to keep climbing.
But why were Doodles bred? And what makes them such a popular breed?
There are a couple of reasons. First of all, most breeds of Doodle are low shedding. This means that they don’t leave dog hair all over your clothes or your home and, most importantly, it makes them hypoallergenic.
So, suddenly, people who weren’t able to enjoy having a dog in their home before could now enjoy the benefits of a canine companion.
Secondly, Doodles are famed for their excellent temperaments. This makes them a good choice for family homes as they’ll be unlikely to snap at any loud, boisterous children.
Where to find a Doodle
When it comes to finding a Doodle, we’d always recommend visiting your local animal shelter or dog rescue first. Unfortunately, Doodles are quite common residents of these places due to the fact that their original owners are unable to keep up with the costs of caring for them.
A quick online search will also lead you to some rescue centers that specialize in placing Doodles with their forever homes. They’ll even educate you on how to care for them so they aren’t at risk of needing rehoming again.
If you’ve exhausted your options and you’ve had no luck with adopting a Doodle, the next best thing to do is look for a Doodle breeder. There are some things that a reputable breeder will ask you before you’re able to buy from them and they’ll have an extensive application process. For more information, check out our breeder guides covering most states of America and the UK.
- Top 3 best Doodle breeders in Illinois
- Top 4 best Doodle breeders in Ohio
- Top 4 best Doodle breeders in Texas
- Top 6 best Doodle breeders in New York
- Top 4 best Doodle breeders in Pennsylvania
- Top 4 best Doodle breeders in California
- Top 8 best Doodle breeders on the East Coast of America
- How to find the best UK Doodle breeders in 2021
This might seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually a good thing as you know you’ll be buying from a breeder rather than a puppy farm. Doodles advertised by puppy farms will ask you hardly any questions at all, and will be far more concerned about making the sale and getting rid of the dog.
What Type of Doodle Should I Get?
Now you know why Doodles were bred and the best place to get one from, it’s time to start thinking about which type of Doodle would be best for your home.
As we’ve mentioned above, there are currently 28 recognized doodle breeds. But, to make the selection process easier, we’ve listed some of the most popular below.
Cavapoo
A cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, Cavapoos are one of the best choices of Doodle for anybody looking for a smaller dog. Although we may be bias as we have a gorgeous Cavapoo called Rosie, but take a look at the information below and you’ll soon see the pros for owning this type of Doodle dog.
Character & Temperament
The first thing you need to know about Cavapoos is that they are fun-loving dogs that are filled with energy. This makes them an excellent choice for family homes, and they’ll love running around and playing with kids. However, it also means that they’ll need a good amount of daily exercise.
They are also very loyal and intelligent, which makes them easy to train. You might have to give them some exercise before their training session though, otherwise, you may find that they lack the attention required to learn a new skill.
Since they are one of the smaller Doodle breeds, they make a good choice for both homes and apartments. Again, however, it’s worth noting that they are highly energetic. So, if you do live in an apartment you’ll need to make sure you take your Cavapoo out for regular walks, runs, and games of fetch.
Size
As we’ve mentioned before, Cavapoos are small and they typically stand at around 12-14 inches tall. A healthy Cavapoo will never reach more than 20lbs on the scales either, which makes them quite manageable.
Potential Health Problems
Unfortunately, Cavapoos are prone to some health conditions that are passed down by their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents. These include congenital heart failure, progressive retinal atrophy, and some skin conditions.
Regular trips to the vet will help to catch these before they become too much of a problem. If you’re buying a Cavapoo from a breeder, it’s also worth asking for a complete medical history of the parents and grandparents, as well as the results of any DNA testing that confirms any hereditary diseases.
Lifespan
A healthy, well-cared-for Cavapoo has a life expectancy of around 12-14 years. However, as smaller dogs, you may find that they exceed this by a year or two.
Labradoodle
The second type of doodle on our list is the famous Labradoodle. This is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
Character & Temperament
Labradoodles are super-intelligent, highly energetic dogs. This makes them fairly easy to train, but you’ll need to give them a decent amount of exercise before a training session, otherwise, you may find they aren’t able to focus on what you’re teaching them for more than a few minutes at a time.
They are a good choice for family homes as they are easy going and have a low sensitivity level. This means that they won’t be emotionally affected by loud voices or people coming and going throughout the day. They are also incredibly loyal dogs.
However, since they are such a high-energy breed, you shouldn’t get a Labradoodle unless you can give them at least 60 minutes of high-intensity exercise every day. This could be running, playing fetch, or swimming. A simple walk simply won’t cut it as far as a Labradoodle is concerned.
They also aren’t the best choice for apartments as they are simply too energetic for a smaller space, and they’ll need a backyard that they can get out and explore during the day.
Size
Labradoodles come in three different sizes – Standard, Medium, and Miniature Labradoodles. As with all dogs, their height is measured from the bottom of their paws to their withers, which is the highest point of their shoulder.
The average height of a Standard Labradoodle is 21-24 inches, and their ideal weight is between 50lbs – 60lbs.
A Medium Labradoodle’s average height is 17-20 inches and their ideal weight is between 30lbs – 45lbs.
Miniature Labradoodles typically measure between 14-16 inches when fully grown, and hit the scales between 15lbs – 25lbs.
Potential Health Problems
For the most part, Labradoodles are fairly robust dogs that don’t suffer from many health problems. However, there are a couple of things that they may suffer from a little later in life.
The first of these is hip dysplasia, which can be diagnosed with an x-ray. This can cause a limp or lameness along with leg pain. Older Labradoodles may also suffer from arthritis which a veterinarian will likely prescribe medication for.
Throughout their lives, Labradoodles may also suffer from ear infections. This is because they have floppy ears that can gather moisture and warmth, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Luckily, this is quite easy to prevent with regular ear cleaning.
Lifespan
A Labradoodle that doesn’t suffer from any of the health problems listed above, is fed the correct diet and gets enough daily exercise can live for around 15-17 years.
Goldendoodle
The next type of Doodle on our list is the Goldendoodle, which is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
Character & Temperament
The first thing you need to know about Goldendoodles is that they are highly intelligent. This makes them really easy to train and, unlike Labradoodles, they can pay attention to the task at hand without having to burn any excess energy beforehand.
They are also loyal dogs and they are great with children, so they are an excellent choice for family homes. And, while their energy levels are lower than a Labradoodle’s, they still enjoy a good game of fetch whenever the opportunity arises.
Goldendoodles are quite adaptable dogs too, so they can do well living in an apartment as long as they are walked regularly. Put simply, they’re quite happy living anywhere as long as they’ve got a loving owner by their side.
Size
As with Labradoodles, Goldendoodles come in three different sizes – Large, Small Standard, and Miniature Goldendoodles. Their size ultimately depends on what type of Poodle was used to breed them.
A Large Goldendoodle can measure up to 2ft from the floor to their withers, and their average weight is around 50lbs – 90lbs.
A Small Standard Goldendoodle will measure between 17-20 inches in height and weigh between 40lbs – 50lbs.
As their name suggests, Miniature Goldendoodles are the smallest of the three and they have an ultimate height of 13-20 inches. They’re also the lightest, weighing between 15lbs – 30lbs.
Potential Health Problems
Just like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles may suffer from hip dysplasia later in life. They may also suffer from skin conditions and eye infections, but regular home checks and trips to your veterinarian will help to keep these in check before they become a real problem.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is between 10-15 years. However, as with all dogs, the smaller the dog is the longer their life expectancy, and a Miniature Goldendoodle may easily exceed the 15-year mark.
Cockapoo
Cockapoos are another hugely popular breed, especially amongst people who suffer from pet allergies. They are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
Character & Temperament
Cockapoos are friendly, confident dogs who are filled with boundless energy! This means that they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation every day. If they aren’t given this, they can soon become bored and this can lead to certain problems such as excessive barking and destructive behavior.
One of the reasons why people love Cockapoos is because they are so good with kids. And, since they have such a huge amount of energy, they are more than happy running around with children. They also have a low sensitivity level and won’t mind loud, boisterous playing.
Cockapoos are an extremely loyal breed of dog too, and they love spending time with their family. Once they have expended all of their energy, they’ll happily curl up with you on the sofa.
Size
Cockapoos come in 4 different sizes; Standard, Miniature, Toy, and Teacup. A Standard Cockapoo will reach a height of 15-18 inches at the shoulder, and will usually top the scales at 19lbs.
Miniature Cockapoos stand between 11-14 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 13-18 lbs.
A Toy Cockapoo is slightly smaller than the Miniature, and will stand between 9-10 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 12lbs.
The smallest of the four, a Toy Cockapoo will usually measure no more than 10-inches at the shoulder. They are also the lightest, and a healthy Toy Cockapoo will weigh less than 6lbs.
Potential Health Problems
One of the most common health problems that a Cockapoo may suffer from is Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This is a degenerative eye disease which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. This disease is much more common in Cocker Spaniels than Poodles, so there’s a 50-50 chance that they may develop it.
A Cockapoo may also develop hip dysplasia as they age and this can lead to arthritis. In some extreme cases, it may lead to total loss in function of the affected joint altogether. This can be fixed through corrective surgery.
Finally, one potential health problem that is synonymous with Cockapoos is Familial Nephropathy. This is a hereditary disease that causes early onset kidney failure. Regular trips to your vet will be able to check for this and appropriate medication may be prescribed if it’s caught early enough.
Lifespan
A Cockapoo has a lifespan of around 13 years. However, this is the average lifespan. Given the proper diet, regular exercise, and regular trips to the vet, a Cockapoo may exceed their average 13-year life expectancy.
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are dogs that are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle.
Character & Temperament
Bernedoodles are gentle dogs with goofy, playful personalities. They are also extremely loyal and love nothing more than cuddling up with their owners.
Highly intelligent, Bernedoodles are easy to train and this mostly comes down to the fact that both of their parents are also super-intelligent dogs. They also love to play and regular walks, runs, and games are essential.
While Bernedoodles are adaptable dogs, they would be better suited to a home with a garden that they can explore than living in an apartment. They get on really well with children and they have a low sensitivity level, so they won’t mind a change in routine or visitors coming and going from your home throughout the day.
One thing to note, however, is that as this breed of Doodles has a thick coat, Bernedoodles do need a lot of grooming.
Size
Bernedoodles come in three different sizes – Standard, Miniature, and Toy Bernedoodles. The largest, and most popular, of the three, is the Standard Bernedoodle. These can measure between 23-29 inches from floor to withers and hit the scales between 70lbs – 90lbs.
Miniature Bernedoodles stand between 18-22 inches tall, and they have an average weight of 25lbs – 50lbs.
Finally, the Toy Bernedoodle has an ultimate height of 12-17 inches, and their weight can range between 10lbs – 24lbs once fully grown.
Potential Health Problems
Since both Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong, sturdy canines, there aren’t very many health problems that a Bernedoodle may suffer from. Regular vet checks and home inspections can help keep on top of most things such as skin conditions and infections.
However, as they mature into their senior years, bernedoodles may suffer from hip dysplasia or arthritis. A trip to your veterinarian’s office will confirm these conditions and the appropriate course of action will be prescribed.
Lifespan
When cared for properly and given the correct diet and exercise, you can expect a Bernedoodle to live for up to 15 years.
Schnoodle
Schnoodles are a cross between either Miniature or Giant Schnauzers and a Standard Poodle.
Character & Temperament
Schnoodles are an excellent choice for anybody that wants a dog that is both sociable and independent. They love to play and enjoy spending time with their owners, but they are equally as happy to spend some downtime by themselves.
They are also very intelligent, which makes them easy to train. And, as far as exercise is concerned, they’ll be happy with a daily walk and the occasional game of fetch. There’s no need to worry about running them for miles to burn off their pent-up energy.
One thing to be aware of with Schnoodles, however, is that they can be a little temperamental so they aren’t the best choice for homes with children. They simply won’t tolerate excessive noise or boisterous play.
Size
Schnoodles come in two sizes – Large and Miniature Schnoodles. The size you end up with is determined by their schnauzer parent.
Large Schnoodles can measure up to 26-inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 40lbs – 75lbs when fully grown.
Miniature Schnoodles are significantly smaller, measuring up to 15-inches at the shoulder and weighing around 7lbs – 16lbs.
Potential Health Problems
The biggest potential health problem that a Schnoodle may suffer from is an eye condition. They are prone to developing either cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy as they head into their senior years which, if left unchecked, can cause blindness.
However, regular trips to the veterinarian will help to catch these before they become an issue, along with any other potential health problems.
Lifespan
The life expectancy for a healthy Schnoodle is between 12-16 years. Miniature Schnoodles are more likely to meet the higher end of this age expectancy bracket and, providing they have a healthy lifestyle, they may even exceed it.
Sheepadoodle
A mix between Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles, Sheepadoodles are fluffy, adorable-looking dogs. But are they the right type of doodle for your home? Let’s find out!
Character & Temperament
The Sheepadoodle follows both of its parents in terms of intelligence. They are super smart dogs that are easy to train and they’ll pick up new skills and commands in a short amount of time.
Sheepadoodles are also able to pick up their owner’s emotions and act with empathy, heading over to you for a cuddle or with one of their toys if they sense you are feeling down. This is one of the reasons why they are becoming a popular choice of therapy dog.
Their gentle nature also makes them a good choice for homes with children, and they’ll love running and playing without becoming too boisterous.
Size
There are three sizes of Sheepadoodle and this means that there is a choice for any size home. The first is a Standard Sheepadoodle which typically measures between 18-27 inches and weighs 65lbs – 85lbs. These are the best choice for larger homes with a garden.
The next size is the Moyen Sheepadoodle. These are much smaller than the Standard Sheepadoodle, measuring 14-18 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 35lbs – 55lbs when fully grown. Again, these are a good choice for family homes but they are also suitable for apartments.
Finally, Toy Sheepadoodles are the smallest of the three. They measure no more than 15 inches at the shoulder and they weigh no more than 35lbs. This is the size to go for if you live in an apartment.
Potential Health Problems
As a Sheepadoodle ages, it can suffer from hip dysplasia and arthritis. They may also develop diabetes, but this can usually be prevented by feeding them the correct diet and making sure they take enough exercise.
Sheepadoodles are also prone to developing gastric dilation. This is caused by the overproduction of gas in the stomach and it can cause bloating, twisting, and shifting. Again, this is something that can be prevented with proper diet and portion control.
Lifespan
Toy Sheepadoodles are the longest living of the three sizes but, on average, you can expect a sheepadoodle to live for 12-15 years given the correct care.
Irish Doodle
Another smaller breed of Doodle, the Irish Doodle is a cross between the Irish Setter and the Poodle.
Character & Temperament
Irish Doodles are fun-loving, sociable dogs that love spending time with humans and other dogs alike. They are also excellent family dogs and they’ll be happiest when running around and playing with children.
The downside to their energetic nature, however, is that they can lose attention quite easily. This means that training them takes a little longer as they’ll lose focus and get bored.
It’s often a good idea to let them run around for a while before you attempt a training session. But, after a while and with a lot of consistency and patience, you’ll have a well-trained, sociable dog that is suitable for both house and apartment living.
Size
Irish Doodles do come in both Toy and Miniature sizes, but these are pretty rare and you’re more likely to find a standard Irish Doodle. These measure around 13-15 inches from floor to shoulder, and weigh between 40-70lbs depending on the size of their poodle parent.
If you’re buying an Irish Doodle puppy from a breeder, it’s a good idea to ask to meet its parents. This will give you a better idea of how large you can expect your Irish Doodle to grow.
Potential Health Problems
As with most Doodles, hip dysplasia is the most common medical issue that an Irish Doodle may suffer from later in life. They can also develop blindness and deafness, and if this is a hereditary issue it will happen earlier in their life. Again, you can check this by asking your breeder to see the parents’ medical history before you purchase a puppy.
Lifespan
Sadly, Irish Doodles are one of the shortest-lived Doodle breeds and they have an average life expectancy of 10-13 years.
Great Danoodle
You’ll need a lot of space if you want to bring a Great Danoodle into your family, as both the Great Dane and Poodle mix used to breed makes for one very large dog!
Character & Temperament
It’s easy to look at a Great Danoodle and think it would be a ferocious dog given its sheer size, but this really isn’t true. Great Danoodles are gentle, easy-going dogs with a low sensitivity level. They’re also great with kids, although supervision is recommended as too much fun could lead to boisterous behavior.
Great Danoodles are smart dogs too, which makes them easy to train. Their loyalty also means that they’ll continue to follow your commands once they’ve learned them.
It’s not a good idea to get a Great Danoodle if you live in an apartment, though. This is simply because they are far too big for smaller spaces. Even with regular walks and exercise, they’ll find the limited room size of an apartment far too small to live in comfortably.
Size
As we’ve mentioned, Great Danoodles are a really big dog. They can grow up to 27-inches from floor to shoulder height, and weigh anywhere between 75lbs – 100lbs. This means that you won’t only need a lot of space to keep a Great Danoodle happy and comfortable, you’ll also need to be strong enough to handle it safely.
Potential Health Problems
As a bigger dog, there are some potential health problems that you need to be aware of with Great Danoodles. These include hip dysplasia, arthritis, cancer, and epilepsy.
Ask the breeder for a full medical history of the puppy’s parents and grandparents and, if there are any hereditary issues, it may be best to choose another breed. This is especially important if you feel you’ll be unable to cover the cost of any medical treatment required.
Lifespan
Great Danoodles tend to take on more of their Great Dane parent’s genes and, as such, they don’t have a very long lifespan. On average, the life expectancy of a Great Danoodle is 8 – 13 years.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is a type of Doodle for everybody! Some are better suited for larger homes with children, while others are quite happy living with a single person in an apartment. It’s all about finding what works best for your circumstances and, most importantly, making sure that the Doodle you choose will be happy in the home you provide.
It’s also important to think about whether or not you can financially support your doodle as they age. Some are more prone to medical conditions than others and this means they’ll need treatment which can be pretty expensive.
Finally, consider whether you have the time to meet the exercise requirements of your chosen Doodle breed. If you’ve got plenty of time free during the day, a high-energy breed is a perfectly suitable choice.
But, if you’re a working professional and you have limited spare time for exercise, it would be better to choose a doodle that enjoys their own company.
Whichever Doodle breed you feel is best for you, one thing is for certain – you’ll be bringing home a loyal dog who will bring years of joy into your life.