10 Poodle Mixes that don’t Look like Poodles

You may or may not be aware that the classic “Doodle” look is just how a Poodle looks that hasn’t been trimmed. The classic Poodle look dates back to the days of when they were working dogs. Retrieving ducks and other waterfowl meant much of their working day was spent in and out of the water. The cut which we associate with the Poodle was, in fact, to protect their vital organs from the cold whilst enabling them to be more efficient swimmers.

This is the natural look of the Poodle…

…we could all be forgiven for thinking that this, in fact, is a Doodle! It’s actually just Sebastian before the clippers got him. As the saying goes, you can Poodle a Doodle and you can Doodle a Poodle, it’s all in the clip. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 10 Poodle mixes that don’t look like Poodles. Most often your Doodle will be recognizable as such but take a look at our photos where we have captured some beautiful outliers.

Poodle Mixes that don’t Look like Poodles

Many Doodles have that classic teddy bear look. In fact, it’s what endears many of us to them initially. However, they are an eclectic bunch and there is a multitude of appearances that would leave you unaware that they are even a Doodle. This is often when they are flat coated. Flat-coated means they are unfurnished and usually occurs in the F2 generation. However, there are also many bearded Doodles who just don’t have that Poodle look.

NB: Under parent breeds for the following Doodles, we have detailed which size Poodle is usually used for the cross. However, sizes outside these named are also sometimes used.

Newfypoo

Nellie

Parent Breeds: Newfoundland and Poodle (Standard)

Coat Type and Color: Most commonly Newfypoos are seen in black or brown with a long, wavy coat. However, there are still many alternatives to be found with colors also including grey and cream. Particolored Newfypoos can also be found along with merle. Coat types range from tight curls like the Poodle to straight like the Newfoundland. Their coat type will depend on how much they shed and how often you will need to brush them.

Average Size: Weight: 70lbs – 100lbs / Height: 22” – 30”

Brief Description: Both the Newfypoo’s parent breeds are water dogs. The Poodle as a duck retriever and the Newfoundland hauling fishing nets from the Canadian seas. This makes them an adept swimmer with an insane love for the water. They will need a good amount of exercise but choose a good hike over a long run as they are not the most energetic of dogs. They are however a gentle giant who will love and protect you. They can be stubborn though so don’t let this clever pooch get the better of you when it comes to training. Positive reinforcement is the way to go but the occasional tasty reward will also be most welcome.

Cavapoo

Roxy

Parent Breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle (Toy / Miniature)

Coat Type and Color: Cavpoos can have a tight, curly coat or loose, shaggy cost. They can even be flat coated which usually occurs with the F2 Cavapoo. They come in a variety of colors including solid red, whites, and blacks. The Blenheim (red & white) look of that Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can also be seen in the Cavapoo along with tricolor (black, tan & white).

Average Size: Weight: 9lbs – 25lbs / Height: 9” – 12”

Brief Description: Historically the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a companion and lap dog who requires minimal exercise outside of a daily walk and playtime. For this reason, the Cavapoo is usually a great choice for those who are less active and live in smaller homes or apartments without yards. The Cavapoo doesn’t do well on their own so shouldn’t be considered if you are out of the home daily and/or for large amounts of time. They are affectionate and loving and you may find yourself with a new shadow should you welcome one into your home.

Aussiedoodle

Gabe

Parent Breeds: Australian Shepherd and Poodle (Standard / Miniature)     

Coat Type and Color: Parti and tri-colored Aussiedoodles are seen more often than solid colors and merle is often also featured due to the gene found in the Australian Shepherd. This breed often looks shaggy and tousled due to the combination of the parent’s coat attributes. They will need regular brushing to keep the coat healthy and unmatted.

Average Size: Weight: 45lbs – 70lbs / Height: > 15” (Standard Aussidoodle)

Weight: 15lbs – 45lbs / Height: 10” – 15” (Miniature Aussiedoodle)

Brief Description: The Aussiedoodle is a loving and loyal bundle of fun and energy. They are going to need a lot of exercise so are best suited to an active home. They can make great therapy dogs due to their ability to form special bonds and ‘read’ human emotions. They are highly intelligent which can lead to problems if their needs aren’t met or obedience training isn’t undertaken correctly. Watch out for them trying to outsmart you. With all the appropriate training and an active lifestyle to accommodate their physical and mental needs, this breed will bring you joy, happiness, and unconditional friendship.

Bernedoodle

Hank is an F1b reverse

Parent Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle (Standard)        

Coat Type and Color: Colors can include black, black & white, black and brown, and of course the beautiful tricolor that is so prevalent in the Bernese Mountain Dog. The coat can vary from wavy to curly and is often soft to the touch. They will need regular brushing to keep the knots away.

Average Size: Weight: 70lbs – 90lbs / Height: 23” – 29”                 

Brief Description: The Bernedoodle is playful and loyal. They can be rowdy and stubborn though so a rigorous and consistent training regime with plenty of positive reinforcement is of the utmost importance. Like many of their Doodle cousins, they can make a great therapy dog due to their calm and intuitive nature. They will need plenty of exercise and you will also need to keep them mentally stimulated with games and puzzles.

Goldendoodle

Lucy

Parent Breeds: Golden Retriever and Poodle (Standard / Miniature)

Coat Type and Color: There is a great selection of colors and coat types to be found with the Goldendoodle. The F2 generation will bring the most eclectic look to a litter. This is because of what is known as the ‘Grandfather effect’. Put simply, this means that the gene pool is larger leaving more room for variants. Colors will depend on the Poodle parent and can be anywhere from cream to black with patterns and solid colors both being seen. Coats again will vary from tight curls to waves to smooth and flat coated.

Average Size: Weight: 30lbs – 40lbs / Height: 24” – 26”

Brief Description: One of the most popular Doodle breeds the Goldendoodle is quiet yet intelligent and energetic. They will need lots of exercise and lots of playtime. In return they will shower you will love, affection and loyalty. They make great family dogs (with the correct approach and training) and will be comfortable around children and other pets. They even love strangers so if you are looking for a guard dog, the Goldendoodle isn’t your pooch.

Labradoodle

Bronte

Parent Breeds: Labrador Retriever and Poodle (Standard / Miniature)        

Coat Type and Color: Coats range from short and wiry to shaggy to tightly curled like the Poodle. The curlier the coat the more maintenance it will likely need but will also be less likely to shed. Colors are almost endless and Labradoodles colors can include black, white, cream, apricot, and tan. They can be solid or a mixture of two or even three different colors.

Average Size: Weight: 50lbs – 65lbs / Height: 21” – 24”

Brief Description: The ‘original’ Doodle! The Labradoodle was first bred in Australia as a guide dog for a lady whose husband suffered from allergies. Introducing the Poodle into the mix considerably reduced the risk of shedding which in turn made it less likely to trigger allergies. This is still the main basis for breeding most Doodle breeds. Loyal and intelligent they make both a great family pet and excellent therapy dog. They are full of energy so will need lots of exercise complemented with games and toys for mental stimulation.

Lhasapoo

Maggie

Parent Breeds: Lhasa Apso and Poodle (Miniature / Toy)     

Coat Type and Color: Black, brown, white, and mixes of each and all can be found in the Lhasapoo. Coats can be long and wavy or short and curly. The longer you keep their coat the more brushing they will need to keep it looking tidy and knot-free.

Average Size: Weight: 10lbs – 15lbs / Height: 9”– 13”

Brief Description: A lap dog and loyal companion the Lhasapoo can like the sound of their own voice and be quite the yapper. This can sometimes be brought into line with effective training but if nothing else it will make them a great watchdog. Generally good-natured they get on well with other pets and children as long as the play doesn’t become too rambunctious. Not needed masses of exercise the Lhasapoo will be quite happy with a moderate walk per day along with some playtime.

Bossi Poo

Rufus

Parent Breeds: Boston Terrier and Poodle (Miniature)         

Coat Type and Color: Colors include black, brown, white, and a mixture resulting in parti or abstract. Coat types will vary depending on the genes your Bossi Poo inherits. Typically the more like the Poodle coat the less they will shed.

Average Size: Weight: 25lbs – 50lbs / Height: 11”– 15”      

Brief Description: Loyal and intelligent the Bossipoo will usually be easily trained following a positive reinforcement program. They will respond well to treats and lots of praise and ultimately want to please you. The Boston Terrier responds much better to being left alone than the Poodle so there is less chance of your Bossi Poo suffering from separation anxiety than some other Doodle breeds. Early socialization will ensure that they mix well with all the family including children and other pets.

Sproodle

Coco

Parent Breeds: Springer Spaniel and Poodle (Standard / Miniature)

Coat Type and Color: Black, brown, black & white, and liver & white are the most common colors. Their coat will vary from the classic Doodle look with curls and furnishings to smooth, silky, and even flat coated.

Average Size: Weight: 30lbs – 60lbs / Height: 14”– 24”

Brief Description: Springers are known for their high energy levels and this will often be apparent in your Sproodle. Long walks, lots of play, and even swimming are all activities they will enjoy and will go some way to tiring them out. They are loving, loyal, and gentle. They make great family pets and lifelong companions. Obedient and intelligent they will love to learn new commands and tricks.

Bordoodle

Taff

Parent Breeds: Border Collie and Poodle (Standard)

Coat Type and Color: Usually medium in length and wavy this coat will need to be brushed regularly. As we are discovering though, there are many variations, and you will find some Bordoodles who are more like their Border Collie parent. Colors can include black, white, red, and sable. Patterns including parti are also seen in the Bordoodle.

Average Size: Weight: 30lbs – 60lbs / Height: 15”– 22”

Brief Description: Bordoodles are not as high energy as some of their Doodle cousins so won’t need as much physical exercise. However, the Border Collie and the Poodle are both extremely intelligent and this is passed down. Easily trained and eager to please they are known for their obedience and generally have a fantastic attention span.

In Summary

As you can see there really is no one Doodle breed that always does or always doesn’t look like a Poodle. Knowledgeable breeders can breed to minimize the chances of different looks. However, the Doodle really is the ‘box of chocolate’ breed and you never truly know what you’re going to get in terms of appearance.

We hope that you have enjoyed looking at our 10 Poodle mixes that don’t look like Poodles. You have to agree that no matter how the Doodle looks, they are pretty awesome and always fine-looking.

Just always remember that there is never any guarantee with a mixed breed. You may end up with a pooch who sports that classic Doodle (or Poodle) look but you may end up with one who looks like one of the beauties in our article. Either way, you will end up with a lifelong friend and companion who you will love no matter how they look.