Oodles of Doodles and ‘Poos

Why Poodle Designer Breeds are so Popular

You’ve heard the names – Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Goldendoodles, Schnoodles – it seems like everyone is crazy for Poodle-inspired puppy breeds these days. Why are Doodles and ‘Poos so popular?

It’s no surprise Americans love Poodles and the breeds that mix with Poodles. After all, Poodles have been popular in America since pre-revolutionary days. Poodles originated in Europe, probably in Germany, as a water dog. It may have been a mix with the Spanish water dog (known then as the Spaniel) and German hunting hounds.

Although the history of the Poodle is murky, we do know that the Poodle as we know it began showing up in paintings in the 1500s, and became a favorite with French nobility in the 1600s. The French bred small Poodles as companion dogs, favored in the French court. Small Poodles were often called “sleeve dogs” because noblewomen liked to carry them in their large bell sleeves for warmth.

Although Mini and Toy Poodles are still great companion dogs, and Standard Poodles are still excellent hunting dogs, the characteristics that have made Poodles such a popular part of designer breeds are their non-shedding hair and their wide range of sizes.

Poodles’ distinctive coats are actually non-shedding hair, instead of the fur found on most canine breeds. This unusual coat does not set off allergies in many people, even those with dog allergies. However, it’s important to note that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, and hybrids and designer breeds may or may not retain all of the coat qualities of it. If you’re considering a Doodle or a ‘Poo as a solution to allergies, have the pup’s coat tested before making your decision.

The Poodle’s second desirable trait is size. Or should we say sizes? Three Poodle breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club – Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard Poodle weighs about 50-70 pounds as an adult. A Miniature Poodle weighs about 10-15 pounds, while a Toy Poodle weighs a mere 4-6 pounds.

The coat, combined with the wide range in sizes, means that these dogs breed easily with a variety of other breeds, often resulting in a designer breed with little or no dander or fur, an attractive curly coat, and as well as many physical and behavioral attributes of the other breed.

While many Poodle breeders disapprove of the new generations of Doodle and ‘Poo breeds, claiming that these breeds are not held to the American Kennel Club’s breed standard, other dog-lovers claim that mixing bloodlines can result in a healthier and more balanced pet, and mixed breeds often bring the best traits of two dog parents together.

Interested in Finding out More About Doodles and ‘Poos?

Here’s a list of just some of the many Doodles and ‘Poos available.

Labradoodle

Labradoodle-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-Pennsylvania

This is the granddaddy of all Doodles. Labradoodles tend to combine the broader build of a Labrador with the springy Standard Poodle coat. Legend has it that an Australian breeder developed the hybrid in response to a request for a guide dog for a woman with fur allergies. The original breeder was adamant that, although many Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, not all Labradoodles are suited for homes with allergies. The 2nd generation Labradoodles are becoming popular, better known as F1b. The F1b Labradoodles are generally more curly and have an even better chance to be hypoallergenic. The Labradoodle is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club) and can be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). The Labradoodle is intelligent, active and fun loving. They generally love the outdoors and enjoy playing fetch with their owners. Labradoodles are easily trainable and are one of the most popular cross breeds in America. This designer breed loves affection and does well with children and other dogs.

AussieDoodle

Aussiedoodle-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-PennsylvaniaThe Aussiedoodle is a large designer breed created through the cross of the Australian Shepherd and the Standard Poodle breed. The Aussiedoodle is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club). This designer breed can also be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). The Aussiedoodle puppy is intelligent, affectionate and highly excitable.

Bernedoodle

Bernadoodle-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-Pennsylvania

The large Bernedoodle is a designer breed created through the cross of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Standard Poodle breed. The Bernedoodle is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club). This designer breed can also be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent breed who is very docile and loving. This breed will make a great family pet as they are great with children and other pets.

Bichpoo

Bichapoo-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-Pennsylvania

The tiny Bichipoo is a designer breed created through the cross of the Bichon Frise and the Toy or Mini Poodle breed. The Bichpoo is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club) as a Poochon. This designer breed can also be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). This tiny fluff ball enjoys playing with children and does well with other pets. The Bichpoo is free-spirited, independent and enjoys snuggling up with their owners.

Cavapoo

Cavapoo-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-Pennsylvania

The tiny Cavapoo is a designer breed created through the cross of the Cavalier and the Mini Poodle breed. The Cavapoo is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club). This designer breed can also be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). The Cavapoo is loyal, affectionate and has a gentle manner.

Cockapoo

Cockapoo-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-PennsylvaniaThe small Cockapoo is a designer breed created through the cross of the Cocker Spaniel and the Mini Poodle breed. The Cockapoo is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club). This designer breed can also be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). The Cockapoo is intelligent, active and fun loving. This pup is quick to learn and loves to please their master.

Golden Doodle

Goldendoodle-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-Pennsylvania

The large Goldendoodle is a designer breed created through the cross of the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle. The 2nd generation Goldendoodles better known as F1b, are becoming more popular. The F1b Goldendoodles are generally more curly and have an even better chance to be hypoallergenic. The Goldendoodle is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club) and can be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). The Goldendoodle is confident, playful & affectionate. This intelligent designer breed is very friendly and enjoys playing with their family. They are excellent around children of all ages and other pets.

Schnoodle

Schnoodle-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-PennsylvaniaThe Schnoodle is a small, designer breed created through the cross of the Mini Schnauzer and the Mini Poodle breed. The Schnoodle is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club). This designer breed can also be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). The Schnoodle breed is very intelligent. These puppies are lively, loving and very affectionate. They are good with children and make good family pets.

The Mini Sheltidoodle

Mini-Sheltiedoodle-Dog-healthy-responsibly-bred-Pennsylvania

The Mini Sheltidoodle is a designer breed created through the cross of the Shetland Sheepdog and the Mini Poodle. The Mini Sheltidoodle is recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club) and can be registered through IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry) and ICA (International Canine Association, Inc). Mini Sheltidoodles are intelligent, loving and alert. These puppies are playful, affectionate and make wonderful family pets. This breed is good with children.

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Whether you call them mixed breeds, hybrids, or designer breeds, there’s no doubt that breeders are working hard to adapt puppies to fit with modern families and modern lifestyles. Remember that all breed attributes are guidelines, but that each puppy may have physical or personality traits that fall outside of breed standards. It’s also important to remember that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed, although some individual dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others. If dog allergies are an issue, talk to your breeder about your concerns. If you’re considering bringing a new dog into your life, consider some of the breeds we’ve discussed in this blog, or research over 200 more breeds by clicking here. If you know what kind of breed you want, get started here.

 

 

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