Poodle Cross Breeds - Top 10 Poodle Crosses

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK and for very good reason! Their versatile looks make them a firm favourite amongst dog groomers around the world - with beautiful bouffant hair that can be shaped into many stylish up-dos (we’re totally not jealous).

Not only do Poodles come in a range of sizes from Miniature to Standard, but they’re also bred with other dogs to create a variety of cross breeds, lovingly known as Doodle Dogs.

Poodle refers to the offspring of a purebred Poodle and any other purebred dog. Whilst it’s true that some mixed breed dogs can be born out of accidental breeding, most Poodle mix breeds are bred with clear intention!

This is because Poodles have a great temperament and are also:

• Friendly

• Great with children

• Hypoallergenic 

• Super duper clever 

If you’re interested in learning more about types of poodle cross breeds, you’re in the right place. Though there are lots of other dog breeds crossed with poodles, we’re here to discuss the top 10 most popular.

A firm family favourite, the Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. These dogs are great with kids and look like curly teddy bears - how sweet!

This cheerful chappy has a great temperament - though do note they require regular grooming to maintain their luscious locks. Cockapoos make excellent family pets and many have hypoallergenic coats, great for anyone in the family with allergies.

If you have a cockapoo and want to see the different ways their hair can be styled (paired with high-quality images, of course) then once again Waggel has you covered. See our cockapoo haircuts post here for some cuteness overload.

We also have an excellent guide to all the cockapoo colours and coat types.

The Labradoodle is one of the most popular Poodle cross breeds and quite literally epitomises the meaning of Gentle Giant. These cuties are considered one of the most friendly dogs and are great companions for those who love activities such as hiking and running.

Crossed with the beloved Labrador, the Labradoodle is a high-energy pooch who is great with children. They'll love to play for hours so be sure to give them plenty of exercise and keep an active lifestyle.

They’re also an intelligent dog breed that’s sure to pick up a few tricks if you’re invested in their training!

The Cavapoo (also known as a Cavoodle, but we don’t think that name sounds half as good) is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.

They’ve seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years due to their playful and docile nature. They also don’t shed very much which is great for your clothes and your allergies.

Another popular choice as an excellent family companion, the Cavapoo enjoys playtime with children and adults alike meaning they’re sure to bring out your inner big kid.

So, if you're an active family looking for a dog with high energy levels, then this is the perfect choice for you.

The Maltipoo is a popular and fun-loving cross between a Poodle and a Maltese. These little guys are super affectionate and are adaptable to any kind of home. Whether you live alone or have a family, the Maltipoo is easygoing and sure to give you lots of snuggles and affection all day long.

Maltipoos are considered a great first dog for a newbie pet owner. However, they are sensitive little souls and don’t like being left alone for long periods of time - perhaps the perfect pooch for remote workers or stay-at-home pet parents.

However, they are a smaller dog so are perfect for apartment living. They're also a low-shedding dog and can keep any smaller living space almost hair free.

They can have a curly coat or a wavy coat and come in a variety of colours with the most common being white.

The Pomapoo is a mix between a Pomeranian and a Toy Poodle making them a compact little companion with a great temperament from both sides of the family tree.

Because of their small stature, Pomapoos also make great apartment dogs but can easily blend into family life within a larger home getting on very well with kids of all ages. Although they are small, they are mighty - holding their own and displaying oodles of poodle confidence.

The Yorkie Poo is a sassy but smart pup with bundles of energy. Though they are petite, the Yorkie Poo doesn’t forget their terrier roots and is known for playing well with children and other dogs!

Yorkie Poos are the offspring of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy or Miniature Poodle. This cross breed cutie loves lots of cuddles and responds very well to positive reinforcement training. Suitable for owners of all ages, the Yorkie Poo needs only 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day!

Whilst they might not have the most flattering name, the Shih-Poo is a hypoallergenic pup with lots of personality. With a friendly face and temperament to match, the Shih-Poo is a cross between the popular Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle.

Whilst Shih-Poos are very affectionate pups they are a tad stubborn which can make them difficult to train at times. But don’t let this put you off as they’re very charming and sure to provide lots of laughs with their cheeky character and with proper training, their personality will shine through.

They’re also affectionately known as ‘little lions’ due to their furry mane and feisty nature. How cute.

The Bernedoodle is a cross breed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. This means that like the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, these pups are pretty big!

However, they are affectionate and good-natured making them great dogs for families. Lovers of nature, the Bernedoodle could spend hours outdoors so it’s important to provide them with lots of stimulation - otherwise, you’ll have a big bored Bernedoodle on your hands!

The Sheepadoodle is one of the most highly recognised Poodle cross breeds. A combination of the Old English Sheepdog and Poodle, the Sheepadoodle has a shaggy appearance with lots - and we mean lots - of fur.

This Poodle cross breed only sheds when brushed making it a non-shedding pooch. Big in size and heart, the Sheepadoodle is adorable and friendly to all. Cute and curly, this Poodle mix has certainly melted the hearts of many dog lovers and will always make an excellent companion.

The Schnoodle is a cross breed between a Poodle and Schnauzer. This ‘designer dog’ has been around since the 1980s and has established itself as a family favourite ever since.

Energetic enough to hang out with the kids but calm enough to settle down and snuggle, the Schnoodle is a perfect mix of all the good stuff. They love lots of attention and make the best adventure buddy whether you’re out on a beach day or hiking through the woods. So, we have another dog perfect for a family with kids.

Poodles are incredible dogs with great personalities that are often bred with other dogs to create well-natured cross breeds. These Poodle cross breeds are very popular with families and first-time dog owners due to inheriting the positive characteristics of both parents.

From Schnoodles to Bernedoodles, to the Jackapoo, doodle dogs are a friendly bunch bred in a wide range of sizes suiting any kind of environment from studio living to country life. Most Poodle cross breeds are hypoallergenic meaning you probably won’t need to hoover the house as much - win!

These versatile pets share strong traits from each parent making them all unique, independent, and very, very cute.

Are doodles truly hypoallergenic?

Technically, no dog is allergy-proof, but most Poodle cross-breeds shed minimally. They are generally considered a better choice for allergy sufferers; however, their coats can trap dander if not properly maintained. Before committing, spend time with some doodles to test reactions, as each person could react differently.

Why is early training vital?

Poodle cross-breeds learn exceptionally fast but develop stubbornness if routines start late. Begin obedience training as early as 8 weeks when you get the puppy or start classes between 3-6 months for best results. Consistency builds confidence!

Does mixing sizes produce unpredictable results?

Sometimes! Breeding miniature Poodles with large breeds creates uncertain adult sizes. Ask breeders about grandparent sizes, too. You could end up with a larger or smaller dog than you expected, so it's best to do your due diligence first.

How much does doodle upkeep cost monthly?

Expect to pay £25–£40 for food, plus £40–£60 for recurring grooming. Factor in extra expenses for toys, healthcare, and destroyed shoes after forgotten walking sessions activate their cheeky side.

Luckily, Waggel has a handy breed cost calculator so you can see the estimated annual cost of owning a range of breeds across different regions of the UK.

Can I adopt a doodle or retired breeding doodles?

Yes! Many rescue groups specialise in rehoming adult doodles or those whose breeding days ended. Consider adoption for calmer, vetted companions. Doodle aid is a great place to start.

My neighbour’s Cockapoo howls when left alone, will mine do that too?

Some do, some don’t. Cockapoos are incredibly friendly people-magnets and can fret if left solo for long stretches.

The key to getting them used to being left alone is to start short departures from day one: pop out for five minutes, then ten, building up slowly. Leave a radio on low and a stuffed Kong to keep jaws busy.

If the howling starts anyway, a local behaviourist can nip it in the bud. This is far kinder than angry notes through the letterbox.