Poodles are a popular breed well-known for their intelligence, friendliness, and affection. They make great companions and can be trained to do just about anything. But did you know that there are many different poodle mixes out there?
Some of these mixed breed dogs make even better companion animals than their purebred counterparts. If you’re on the lookout for a new best friend and family pet, here is our list of the 9 best poodle mixes for families.
The Poodle: A Popular Breed Of Dog With Lots To Offer
Beloved by many, hated by others, poodles have been considered one of the most popular and versatile dogs breeds when doing physical activities and tasks, whether that’s as a working dog or just a family pet.
Poodles are often favored as family pets because they are easy to train, gentle with children, and make good watchdogs. They are also relatively low-maintenance for grooming as their thick coats can be brushed once a week and still look good.
They’re also easy to train and require little exercise but lots of love.
But what about poodle mixes? Most Poodle Mixes come from a mixed breed between a poodle parent and another dog breed. So, if you’re looking to add a poodle mix into your family, there’s no shortage of options available – here are eight of our favorite picks.
Many people wonder whether or not their dog will make a good pet if it has another breed as part of its makeup. The answer is – it depends on the dog! Some poodle mixes are inherently better family pets than others, while others might not do well around kids at all.
It’s important to take a lot of different factors and research into account when you’re considering a dog for your family. This includes the energy level of your household, lifestyle, and whether you have other pets or young children at home.
Best Poodle Mixes for Families
There is no single right answer when it comes to finding the best poodle mix for your family. Each person will have their own opinion on what the best match will be.
But if you think poodle mixes are the best option you got, here are eight of our favorite picks.
The Bernedoodle
CrossBreed Between: Bernese Mountain Dogs -Poodle Mix
Average Weight: 70 to 90 pounds
Average Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
Best Trait: Sweet and affectionate
Common Concern: Aloof with strangers
Bernedoodles are one of the best family dogs on the market. These poodle mixes are great for families looking for a large dog that is still gentle, loyal, loving, and protective of bringing into their lives.
They enjoy snuggling and playing around with kids and adults alike, offering tons of love and laughter in return! But don’t get too excited about getting one if you’re unsure if you can take care of a dog that weighs up to 70 to 90 pounds with a thick coat that requires constant grooming.
But regardless of their size and grooming needs, families all over the country can attest to just how wonderful it is having this breed of dog who is big in size and calm in nature.
The Cockapoo
Cross Breed Between: Cocker Spaniel-Poodle Mix
Average Weight: 12 to 24 pounds
Average Lifespan: 13 to 18 years
Best Trait: One of the oldest and a loyal designer dog
Common Concern: Strong Prey Drive
The Cockapoo is considered a versatile and adaptable designer dogs as they can be used as service dogs, therapy dogs, or just regular family pets.
They are friendly towards strangers but wary of other dogs, so if you don’t want to have any dog drama in your house, then this may be a good choice for your family.
They are also very intelligent and easy to train, which is excellent for families who are just getting into dog ownership.
Many people wonder if Cockapoos shed, which they do to an extent. However, this can usually be controlled by regularly grooming them with a bristle brush.
They also require regular exercise, but not as much as some other poodle mixes. A good 15- to 30-minute walk each day should be plenty to keep them happy and healthy.
The Labradoodle
CrossBreed Between: Labrador Retriever Poodle Mixes
Average Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Best Trait: Active and outgoing
Common Concern: Has the potential to be socially anxious and overstimulated.
If you’re an active owner who likes to take a walk or exercise daily, then labradoodle is just for you! This mix breed is a great family pet that loves to be around people and enjoys playing outdoors.
They are also one of the smartest dog breeds, making them easy to train. However, they can become socially anxious in busy environments or when meeting new people if not given enough exercise or socialization.
This is why you need to make sure you provide plenty for your pup to keep them happy and healthy!
The Goldendoodle
CrossBreed Between: Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle
Average Weight: 14 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Best Trait: Smart and Affectionate
Common Concerns: Barks a lot
These athletic dogs are ideal family pets, according to many owners of these poodle mixes. Their coats are non-shedding, which makes them hypoallergenic, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, red, and apricot.
Goldendoodles are affectionate, loyal, and intelligent dogs that have been known to do well with kids and other pets as long as you use a positive reinforcement training method. If the Goldendoodle is adequately socialized, it will love everyone regardless of their age or whether or not they have fur!
They are also active dogs that need plenty of exercise and room to run, so make sure you have a large yard or are willing to take your Goldendoodle on plenty of walks.
Goldendoodles are also very popular among dog lovers, so you’re sure to have plenty of people who want to help take care of your furry friend.
The Shih-Poo
CrossBreed Between: Shih Tzu and Miniature Poodle Mix
Average Weight: 4 to 7.2 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10 to 16 years
Best Trait: Easily gets along with other people and pets
Common Concerns: May suffer from anxiety separation and depression
Some people prefer Shih-Poo for being such a small, compact, and elegant dog. They are an intelligent breed that makes for a wonderful family pet as they love to play with children and get along well with everyone in the household.
The Shih-Poo’sShih-Poo’s coat is soft and does not shed much, making them ideal pets if you have allergies or do not want hair all over your house. They are a great choice for first-time dog owners as they can be trained to do tricks and come when called by name, making them easy keepers.
They are the perfect dog to keep you company on lazy Sunday mornings or evenings while snuggled up together in front of the TV or simply just want a lap dog.
The Aussiedoodle
CrossBreed Between: Australian Shepherd and Poodle Mix
Average Weight: 25 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Best Trait: Highly intelligent, affectionate and loyal.
Common Concerns: May be stubborn and needs a lot of attention.
This mix can be an excellent choice for families looking for an active dog that is also intelligent. The Australian shepherd poodle mix is perfect for those who love to spend time outdoors, as they love playing fetch and going on hikes.
Many families appreciate how easy Aussiedoodles are to train and their low-maintenance coats. They’re not as small as toy poodles, but they don’t weigh as much as a Bernese mountain dog.
Aussiedoodles love to play fetch and go on walks, making them the perfect addition to any active family. While they may be small in size, these dogs can pack a lot of energy into a short walk or game of fetch, so be prepared to take them out on long walks or spend time playing with them regularly.
Aussiedoodle is an extremely popular family dog because of its friendly personality and low-maintenance coats. They tend to get along well with children and other pets, but they can be a bit stubborn at times because of their poodle parents. With a bit of patience and training, Aussiedoodles make great family pets.
The Maltipoo
CrossBreed Between: Maltese and a Toy Poodle
Average Weight: 5 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Best Trait: Trainable hypoallergenic companions
Common Concerns: May be stubborn and needs a lot of attention.
Maltipoos are often called the “poor man’s poodle” because they are less expensive than purebred poodles, but they still have many of the same great qualities.
They make an excellent family pet for those who are just looking for a small and adorable companion to carry around the house, especially if you’re living in an apartment or small unit.
They typically hate going outdoors and can also be quite stubborn at times, but these shouldn’t be a problem with a proper amount of exercise and training.
Maltipoos are intelligent and easy to train companions that do well with children and adults but should always be cautioned not to play too roughly with them or else they’ll end up injuring their bodies.
The Westie-Poo
CrossBreed Between: West Highland White Terrier and a Toy Poodle
Average Weight: 13 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Best Trait: Energetic and happy dogs
Common Concerns: Independent and may be stubborn at times
It’s funny how dogs are willing to greet almost everyone happy. Don’t believe me? Westie-poo is the living proof!
These cute little, fluffy, and intelligent dogs are always up for a game of fetch or just a good old belly rub. And their eagerness to please is what makes them easy to train and the desire to get along well with others.
They are active dogs and need plenty of exercise, so they make a great jogging partner or just someone to take on walks around the neighborhood. Because of all these amazing traits, they will be sure to become a member of the family in no time.
The Bordoodle
Cross Breed Between: Border Collie and a Poodle
Average Weight: 30 to 60 pounds
Average Life Span: 12 to 15 years old
Best Trait: Good at entertaining themselves
Common Concerns: Can be too active for some families.
Bordoodle is a working dog at heart and loves to have a job as they are easy to train and have a lot of stamina. They make great family pets as they are loyal and protective of their loved ones.
They are also versatile and can be a great watchdog, herding dog, agility dog, or whichever you’d like them to be trained.
These dogs love being around people, so they will enjoy having a lot of attention paid to them. However, since they can become bored easily without something to do, provide plenty of toys for them or playtime throughout the day.
With their great senses of humor and adorable playfulness, they will win over your heart.
Which One Should I Choose?
The poodle is a popular dog breed that often appears in family homes across the nation, and for a good reason too! These cute canines has lots to offer with intelligence, versatility, and loyalty.
But, when it comes to choosing the best poodle mixes for families, no one breed stands out more than the others. Each of these designer dogs has its own unique set of characteristics that make them a perfect fit for your home.
So, when you are considering adding a new furry friend to your family, be sure to do your research and find the right one for you. With so many beautiful poodle mix dogs to choose from, you are sure to find the best match.
We hope this blog post has been helpful, and we encourage you to share any thoughts with us in the comments below!