Doodles for Days: All About Doodles

Doodles for Days: All About Doodles

Exactly what are we talking about when we say doodles? To be certain we are not talking about the scribbles that we make on napkins, or scratch pads when we daydream or talk on the phone.

When we say doodles we mean dogs. Oodles and oodles of doodles in fact! A doodle is a specialized breed of dog that has on one end of its parental genomes a Poodle.What is on the other side of this two dog equation is up to the imagination of the breeders and the people who want them as their family member.

Currently the AKC does not recognize poodle mixed breeds, but that doesn’t stop the general public from loving the many different breeds of doodles out there!

Poodles are one of the more intelligent breeds and have been a favorite in all sizes from standard, to miniature, and toy. Because poodles shed very little they are a shoe in for people with allergies. No dog is completely allergy free but the poodle is high on this list.

Let’s take a look at some great doodle blends.

Goldendoodle

This is an extremely popular mix as the golden retriever and poodle rank in the top five for intelligence. This makes them easily trainable and incredibly friendly. These dogs can range in size but usually top out around 60 pounds.

Aussiedoodle

Australian shepherds are smart, agile and busy! Mix them with a poodle and you have a fun active pup for those who live a more adventurous lifestyle. When considering this blend of doodle be sure to seek out the Australian Shepherd’s characteristics so that you have a good idea of what to expect from this high octane loveable dog!

Labradoodle

The Labrador has been a family favorite for over 30 years. They are good with children and excel in service and as support animals. These doodles were the first in the “doodle” hybrid and bring intelligence, loyalty, and affection to their owners’ lives.

Yorkie-poo

If you are looking for a smaller doodle then the Yorkie-Poo is definitely one to consider. Understand though that the Yorkshire terrier may be small in stature but they live large and are not afraid to use their voice. These little bundles are packed with love for their people, and with early positive reinforcement they will delight you for years to come.

Shih-poo

This loveable little lap dog is the best of both pup parents. Delighting in spending as much time as possible on your lap is the goal of this little doodle. They love being pampered from their curly coats to their tiny paws!

Cockapoo

Looking like a teddy bear this cocker spaniel poodle blend is a favorite. They maintain those puppy eyes into adulthood and are suited for all ages. Being a homebody suits them just fine, they adore being with their human. If you have to be gone for long periods of time, getting a pet sitter or placing them in a doggie daycare will pay off in so many ways for you and your cockapoo.

Sheepadoodle

As the name suggests this Old English Sheepdog/poodle hybrid is a real big one! You’ll need to allow for plenty of exercise and playtime in order to fulfill the physical and mental needs of this breed of pup. The coloring on this doodle is adorable as they usually come in the “panda” look of black and white. Just because they are larger in size doesn’t mean that they don’t have the delightful personality that is inherent in most doodles. They are smart, loyal and very gentle for such large dogs. Many owners lovingly refer to their sheepadoodle as a goof, they strive to make their owners happy!

Bernedoodle

The Bernese Mountain dog is great for families with children. When blended with the poodle the bernedoodle can live up to eighteen years! We are seeing more and more of this hybrid doodle because of the public’s love for the Bernese Mountain dog. By blending the Bernese with a poodle they can enjoy the benefits of the hybrid and avoid many of the more common health problems associated with the Bernese Mountain dog.

Cavapoo

Here is a really fun mix of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle. Its coat is more inclined to seasonal shedding so isn’t as low on the non-allergy spectrum as the others we have reviewed. They are happy, fun little dogs that are also growing in popularity.

Schnoodle

No we are not talking about some delicious dessert, but the Schnauzer/poodle doodle! Because Schnauzers and poodles come in a variety of sizes you can expect to see the Schnoodle range in size from five to seventy pounds! They really thrive the best in homes with adults and older children, and are loyal and friendly.

Maltipoo

This little lap lounger and I do mean little, as most range from five pounds to less than twenty is made for smelling the roses! They do very well in small living areas making them ideal for apartments and town or patio homes. They do not require much in the way of exercise or stimulation. However, they still need that one on one attention from you through positive reinforcement training and light play. They are good with small children but please supervise when they are together as the bones on these little cuties are small and sometimes fragile.

Whoodle

Okay this is just a fun one to say . . . “Whoodle” a mix of Wheaten Terrier/poodle. This is one of the less common doodles and requires an experienced and patient pet parent.

They tend to be strong willed and will need your steady confident hand to guide them. They have boundless energy and are an excellent fit for the active household.

Pomapoo

Here is a highly affectionate spunky little doodle. They are easy to train but do tend toward separation anxiety as they love to be with their people. This pomeranian/poodle hybrid requires good socialization along with a pet sitter or doggie daycare in order to maintain this little one’s optimal mental health balance.

There are as many doodle mixes as there are dogs, so this is not an exhaustive list. Here is a little something to remember, because the doodles have little to no shedding you will need to consider getting them groomed on an every month to six week basis. So figure this expense in when thinking about your dog budget of healthcare, food, etc.

Conclusion

In closing be sure to research where your doodle is coming from, unfortunately there are many unscrupulous puppy mills out there. Always consider adopting from a shelter or rescue first. Finding the right doodle shouldn’t be a problem as long as you take the time to look at the doodle hybrid you want as your pet and make sure your lifestyle and the doodle’s blend of characteristics make a good fit!