7 Best Poodle Mixes for Families [with photos]

Standard Poodles are well-known for their style, intelligence, and friendliness. However, some families may be intimidated by the large size or athletic demeanor, which is where the best Poodle mixes for families come in, combining the best traits of Poodles and other breeds.

Some Poodle mixes can have the same hypoallergenic traits as their Poodle heritage, with other traits bred in to make them a better fit for specific needs. Breeding dog mixes can be very particular.

Searching for the best Poodle mix for your family doesn’t have to be difficult, and I’ve spent some time compiling a list of Poodle mixes for easy comparison. So let’s find the Poodle mix that will be the perfect addition to the family.

Labradoodle

Mix: Labrador Retriever and Poodle

Pros: Very playful, sociable, hypoallergenic

Cons: Need higher activity levels

Labradoodles are a popular mix between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Labrador Retrievers are a personal favorite, as I grew up with multiple in the family. These loving dogs are known for their affectionate and eager attitudes.

Highly food-motivated, Labrador Retrievers are fun companions that are easy to train. They have relatively high athletic requirements, which passes to the Labradoodles, who prefer more active lifestyles but can adjust to relaxation.

Labradoodles tend to be larger and stand from 21 to 24 inches. Their coats usually take after Poodles and are one of the best hypoallergenic Poodle mixes for families and can come in the Labrador Retriever colors of yellow, black, and chocolate. The average Labradoodle lifespan is around 12 to 14 years.

Bernedoodle

Mix: Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle

Pros: Devoted to family, tender and playful, beautiful coats

Cons: Can need socialization help

Bernedoodles are the giant mix between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. The grand size of these dogs matches the size of their hearts, as they’re known to be gentle and lovable with their families. Extremely loyal, Bernese Mountain Dogs pass on some great traits to these mixes.

Bernese Mountain Dogs have striking features with black, white, and rusty orange coats. Bernedoodles sometimes inherit this coloration with Poodle curls. Unfortunately, these lovely coats come at a small price, shedding more often than their purebred Poodle counterparts.

Bernedoodles stand around 10 to 29 inches tall and have an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years. Although these dogs are fiercely loyal and loving to their family, they can use extra help socializing with strangers. 

Schnoodle

Mix: Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle

Pros: Intelligent and easy to train, friendly, hypoallergenic

Cons: Need help with dog socialization

The Schnoodle is a compact mix between the Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle. Both breeds have hypoallergenic traits, making Schnoodles one of the best Poodle mixes for families that need low shedding.

Miniature Schnauzers are known for being healthy and family-friendly dogs. They’re incredibly clever, brave, and committed to their family. Although they love the people they meet, they might need help socializing with other dogs.

Schnoodles feel similarly, but their happy attitudes mean they’re willing to try to be trained with other dogs. Schnoodles aren’t prone to many health issues and live around 10 to 15 years. The mix of miniatures leads to Schnoodles standing 10 to 26 inches tall.

Boxerdoodle

Mix: Boxer and Poodle

Pros: Intelligent, athletic, loving

Cons: Potential heart issues, need higher activity

Boxerdoodles are a high-energy Poodle and Boxer mix. These are among the best Poodle mixes for families that enjoy getting out and playing with their pup. Boxerdoodles love their family and are very faithful dogs.

Boxers pass on a playful demeanor that’s adaptable to different situations. Their muscular looks aren’t just for show, and both Boxers and Boxerdoodles tend to have athletic tendencies.

Unfortunately, Boxers are prone to heart issues, especially cardiomyopathy. Therefore, Boxerdoodles can be at risk, and there are genetic tests for concerned owners.

Boxerdoodles still tend to live about 10 to 12 years. These dogs stand 10 to 25 inches tall and enjoy bounding around the yard.

Shih-poo

Mix: Shih Tzu and Teacup Poodle

Pros: Small, pretty hypoallergenic, very loving

Cons: Can have anxiety when left alone

One of the smaller breeds, the Shih-poos are the best Poodle mix for families in apartments. Combining the easygoing and devoted love of Shih Tzus and the intelligence of Teacup Poodles, the Shih-poo is an ideal family dog.

Shih-poos live to be pampered and like spending all of their time close to their loved ones. The happy dogs don’t cause much trouble while still being playful. Their neediness can make them nervous when left alone for long periods, but anxiety training can help.

Shih-poos have hypoallergenic coats, and it’s no wonder when they only stand 8 to 18 inches tall. These companions will be right by your side for 13 to 17 years.

Goldendoodle

Mix: Golden Retriever and Poodle

Pros: They are intelligent, easy for new owners

Cons: Need mental and physical stimulation

The Goldendoodle may be one of the most well-known Poodle mixes, combining the classic Golden Retriever and Poodle. Both breeds are extremely intelligent, making the Goldendoodle quite the clever dog.

Goldendoodles’ intelligence makes them easy to train but easy to get bored. Keeping a Goldendoodle entertained mentally and physically will usually be required for a happy dog.

Don’t worry because Goldendoodles also inherit some mellow nature from Golden Retrievers. Despite the stimulation needs, Goldendoodles are often an ideal dog for new owners because of their happy and affectionate attitudes.

Goldendoodles are pretty large, standing 20 to 24 inches tall. Their coats are light on shedding and come in the signature rich colors of Golden Retrievers. They’ll be helpful companions for 10 to 15 years.

You can get Mini and Teacup Goldendoodles by choosing a dog that has been crossed with a Toy Poodle.

Cockapoo

Mix: Cocker Spaniel and Poodle

Pros: Easy to train, fun, loving dogs

Cons: Higher prey drive, not the most hypoallergenic Poodle mix

Cockapoos are a mixed breed between Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. Cocker Spaniels are known for a relaxed demeanor that is easygoing with families.

Cocker Spaniels have been a well-loved breed for generations, first coming to America with the Mayflower in 1620. These dogs have been loved for generations and originally served as hunting companions.

Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, so Cockapoos tend to take suit and range from 10 to 17 inches in height. Cockapoos’ lifespan will provide 12 to 15 years of playful fun and companionship.

Because Cockapoos partially take after their hunting ancestors, some have found that Cockapoos have a slightly raised prey drive. This prey drive should be no problem for kids but could pose a threat if they share the household with smaller pets like birds or rodents.

Whoodle

Mix: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Poodle

Pros: Playful, intelligent, friendly

Cons: Sometimes stubborn, not for first-time owners

Whoodles are playful dogs with active habits from their Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Poodle heritage. These Poodle mixes are always fun to be around with their happy demeanor.

Wheaten Terriers are affectionate dogs that are known to be a bit stubborn. Unfortunately, Whoodles can pick up this trait, and they may not be one of the best picks for new dog owners.

However, Whoodles are still extremely intelligent and willing to be trained. They love their families and show their devotion in their desire to make trouble with their people. These pups will bring some adventure to life for around 12 to 15 years.

The breed stands 12 to 20 inches tall.

Finding the Best Poodle Mix for You

There are many guides covering how to choose a dog breed, and finding the best Poodle mix for families relies on many of the same principles. Bringing a dog into the family isn’t a light-hearted decision, as it’s a commitment to a companion.

When choosing the best Poodle mix for you, consider some of the following questions:

• Do I need my Poodle mix to be hypoallergenic?

• Can I handle the activity levels of the Poodle mix?

• Is this Poodle mix easy to train?

• How experienced do I feel with dog training?

• Do I want a dog to explore with or hang around the house?

• How long will I have this Poodle mix?

• Where can I adopt this Poodle mix?

• Am I expecting to breed my Doodle dog? How many puppies?

With mixed breed dogs, it can be particularly helpful to take the time to research the mixed breed and both parent dogs. Mixed breeding isn’t an exact science, and some dogs may lean more towards one side in their traits. Make sure you’re ready for this possibility.

Final Thoughts

Poodle mixes are loving dogs that inherit a great sense of intelligence and affection from their Poodle parents. Many of the Poodle mixes listed here have these traits in double from their mixed heritage.

Although mixed breeds aren’t always an exact science, these dogs often take on the best traits of their parents and result in stellar pups. So no matter what mix you choose, you’ll be sure to have a faithful friend.

The best Poodle mix for the family will ultimately be a personal choice based on specific needs, but any of these dogs will be loyal and loving companions. Poodle mixes are stylish dogs that are popular for a reason.