All the Different Doodle Breeds with Charts & Sizes
- JennaLeeDesignerDoodles
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you've shown an interest in doodles, you've probably realized pretty quickly that there are a lot more than just Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles.
Every year, it seems like another Poodle mix pops up online, and before long you're wondering if they're all different breeds or just different names for the same dog.
The truth is, there are dozens of doodle mixes, but only a handful have become consistently liked by families across the country. Some have been around for decades, while others are newer crosses that are still relatively uncommon.
As breeders, one of the questions we hear all the time is, "What's the difference between all these doodles?" It's a fair question. While every doodle has a Poodle somewhere in its family tree, the other parent breed has a huge impact on personality, size, exercise needs, and grooming.
In this guide, we'll introduce the seven most preferred doodle breeds, explain some of the lesser-known mixes you may come across, and help you understand doodle generations and double doodles so you can shop with confidence.
Common Doodle Breeds
While there are dozens of doodle mixes today, these seven are the breeds you'll encounter most often. Each has its own disposition, appearance, and lifestyle needs, so choosing the right one comes down to finding the best match for your family rather than looking for a "best" breed.
Breed | Parent Breeds | Typical Size | Energy Level | Great For |
Goldendoodle | Golden Retriever + Poodle | Mini to Standard | High | Active families |
Bernedoodle | Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle | Mini to Standard | Moderate | Families wanting a calmer companion |
Labradoodle | Labrador Retriever + Poodle | Medium to Large | High | Outdoor lifestyles |
Sheepadoodle | Old English Sheepdog + Poodle | Medium to Large | Moderate | Affectionate companions |
Aussiedoodle | Australian Shepherd + Poodle | Mini to Standard | Very High | Experienced dog owners |
Cavapoo | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle | Small | Moderate | Apartments and smaller homes |
Cockapoo | Cocker Spaniel + Poodle | Small | Moderate | First-time dog owners |
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles remain one of the most sought after doodle breeds for good reason. They combine the friendly, people-loving behavior of Golden Retrievers with smarts and mobility.
Most Goldendoodles are social, eager to please, and enjoy being involved in everything the family is doing. Whether that's hiking, playing fetch, or curling up on the couch after dinner, they're usually happy as long as they're with their people.
Because they have fairly high energy levels, Goldendoodles do best when they receive daily exercise and regular mental stimulation.
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles have become one of the fastest-growing doodle breeds over the last decade, and it's easy to see why. They often inherit the affectionate, loyal nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog while benefiting from the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle.
Many Bernedoodles have a slightly more laid-back identity than Goldendoodles, although every puppy is still an individual. They love spending time with their owners and often form strong bonds with both adults and children.
For families looking for a playful dog that also enjoys relaxing at home, Bernedoodles are often a great fit.
Labradoodle
Originally developed as a service dog cross, Labradoodles are known for their trainability, outgoing personalities, and athleticism.
Labs are natural sporting dogs, so many Labradoodles enjoy swimming, retrieving, hiking, and other outdoor activities. They tend to be highly food motivated, making training both easier and more enjoyable.
Because of their energy level, Labradoodles typically need to be in a home that provides for physical and mental stimulation.
Sheepadoodle
Sheepadoodles combine the playful persona of the Old English Sheepdog with the intelligence of the Poodle.
They're often described as goofy, affectionate, and full of personality. Many enjoy entertaining their families with silly antics and seem happiest when they're included in everyday life.
Their fluffy coats require regular brushing and professional grooming, but many owners feel the extra maintenance is well worth it for their unique appearance and loving temperament.
Aussiedoodle
If you're looking for an adventure buddy, the Aussiedoodle may be worth considering.
Australian Shepherds were bred to work, and many Aussiedoodles inherit that same enthusiasm for activity and learning. They're often incredibly intelligent and can excel at agility, obedience, hiking, and advanced training.
That said, they usually aren't the best choice for families looking for a low-energy companion. These dogs like having a job to do, so keeping their minds busy is just as important as providing physical exercise.
Cavapoo
Cavapoos are among the smallest and most adaptable poodle crosses.
By crossing the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle, breeders have created a companion dog that generally fits well into many different lifestyles. They typically have moderate exercise needs and are often happy with daily walks, playtime, and plenty of attention from their family.
For apartment living or smaller homes, Cavapoos are frequently near the top of the list.
Cockapoo
A more traditional doodle breed, Cockapoos remain in demand because of their friendly dispositions and manageable size.
Most Cockapoos enjoy meeting new people, get along well with children, and adapt easily to different living situations. They're often recommended for first-time dog owners because they're eager to please without having the extremely high energy levels of some larger doodle breeds.
With consistent training and regular grooming, Cockapoos can make wonderful family companions.
Popular and Rare Doodle Breeds at a Glance
Although the seven breeds above are the ones you'll hear about most often, they're far from the only doodles out there.
Over the years, breeders have crossed Poodles with many different breeds to create dogs with unique identities, sizes, and appearances.
Some of these are fairly common, while others are much harder to find.
Learn more:
Small Doodle Breeds
You can always go with a mini goldendoodle, mini bernedoodle or other type of mini. These dogs below represent some of the small doodle types.
These smaller doodles are popular with owners looking for companion dogs that require less space while still enjoying the intelligence and playful personality that Poodles are known for.
Breed | Parent Breeds | Popularity |
Goldendoodle | Golden Retriever + Poodle | ★★★★★ |
Bernedoodle | Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle | ★★★★★ |
Labrador Retriever + Poodle | ★★★★★ | |
Australian Shepherd + Poodle | ★★★★★ | |
Sheepadoodle | Old English Sheepdog + Poodle | ★★★★☆ |
Bordoodle | Border Collie + Poodle | ★★★☆☆ |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier + Poodle | ★★★☆☆ | |
Schnoodle | Schnauzer + Poodle | ★★★☆☆ |
This group includes many of today's best-known family dogs. Sizes can vary depending on whether a Miniature, Moyen, or Standard Poodle is used in the breeding program.
Breed | Parent Breeds | Popularity |
Saint Bernard + Poodle | ★★★☆☆ | |
Newfypoo | Newfoundland + Poodle | ★★★☆☆ |
Irish Setter + Poodle | ★★★☆☆ | |
Great Danoodle | Great Dane + Poodle | ★★☆☆☆ |
Pyredoodle | Great Pyrenees + Poodle | ★★☆☆☆ |
These larger doodles are often chosen by families who love giant breeds but would like the intelligence and lower-shedding qualities that Poodles can bring to the mix.
Of course, popularity doesn't necessarily mean one breed is better than another. At the end of the day, the best doodle is the one whose personality, energy level, and grooming needs fit your lifestyle. That's really the name of the game when choosing any puppy.
Related posts:
Understanding Doodle Generations
One thing that surprises many first-time puppy buyers is that two Goldendoodles—or even two Bernedoodles—can look very different from each other. That's because the generation of the doodle matters just as much as the breed itself.
Terms like F1, F1B, F2, and Multigenerational simply describe a puppy's family tree. They don't indicate whether one generation is "better" than another. Instead, they help explain what you might expect when it comes to coat type, consistency, and genetics.
Generation | Parents | What It Typically Means |
F1 | Purebred × Purebred | A first-generation cross with a balance of both parent breeds. |
F1B | F1 Doodle × Poodle | Often produces curlier coats and may be a better choice for some allergy-sensitive families. |
F2 | F1 × F1 | Greater variation in coat type and appearance. |
F2B | F1 × F1B | Can offer more consistency while maintaining hybrid genetics. |
Multigenerational | Multigen × Multigen | Typically bred for predictable coats, structure, and temperament. |
Related posts:
F1 Doodles
An F1 doodle is the first cross between a purebred Poodle and another purebred dog.
These puppies often inherit a nice blend of characteristics from both parents, but there's usually more variety within a litter. Some puppies may have wavier coats, while others inherit curlier or straighter hair.
F1B Doodles
An F1B doodle is created by breeding an F1 doodle back to a Poodle.
This generation is sought after because it often results in curlier, lower-shedding coats. While no dog can truly be guaranteed hypoallergenic, many allergy-sensitive owners prefer F1B doodles because of their coat characteristics.
F2 and F2B Doodles
Because both parents are already mixed, coat types and appearances can vary quite a bit within the same litter.
F2B doodles add another generation into the mix and are often bred to improve consistency.
Multigenerational Doodles
Many responsible breeders today specialize in multigenerational breeding programs.
Rather than simply creating first-generation crosses, multigenerational programs focus on producing puppies with more predictable temperaments, coats, and overall structure over several generations. That consistency is one reason many households specifically look for multigenerational doodles.
What Is a Double Doodle?
Here's where things can get a little confusing.
A double doodle isn't simply a doodle that's been crossed with another doodle. Instead, it's a dog that combines the genetics of multiple parent breeds while still keeping the Poodle as the common foundation.
Some double doodles have been intentionally developed over many years, while others are newer combinations that continue to gain popularity.
Double Doodle | Parent Breeds | Why Families Like Them |
Double Doodle | Goldendoodle × Labradoodle | Friendly personality with strong trainability |
Golden Mountain Doodle | Golden Retriever + Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle | A balanced blend of playful and gentle |
Mountain Doodle | Bernese Mountain Dog + Australian Shepherd + Poodle | Athletic, intelligent, and family-oriented |
The goal isn't necessarily to create a "better" dog. Instead, breeders are trying to combine desirable qualities from multiple breeds while producing healthy, well-rounded family companions.
As with any puppy, personality still depends on genetics, socialization, and each individual dog's unique temperament. That's why reputable breeders spend so much time getting to know each puppy before helping families make a match.
How to Choose the Right Doodle Breed
With so many doodle varieties available today, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed. The good news is that there's rarely one perfect breed for everyone.
Instead of asking, "What's the best doodle?" try asking, "Which doodle fits my lifestyle?"
If you're looking for... | Consider... |
A great first doodle | Goldendoodle |
A calmer family companion | Bernedoodle |
An active adventure partner | Aussiedoodle |
An outgoing, trainable dog | Labradoodle |
A smaller companion | Cavapoo |
A family-friendly small dog | Cockapoo |
A gentle giant | Saint Berdoodle |
As breeders, we've found that the happiest families are usually the ones who choose a puppy based on temperament and lifestyle rather than appearance alone.
Think about how much exercise you enjoy, how often you're home, whether you have young children, and how much grooming you're comfortable with. Those factors will have a much bigger impact on your daily life than whether your puppy has a wavy coat or a curly one.
Commonly Asked Questions
How many doodle types are there?
There isn't an official number. Dozens of Poodle mixes exist today, with new combinations occasionally being developed. However, only a handful have become widely recognized and consistently bred.
What is the most in demand doodle breed?
Goldendoodles are generally considered the most popular doodle breed, followed closely by Bernedoodles and Labradoodles. Learn more about why doodles are so in demand here.
Are all doodles hypoallergenic?
No. While many doodles shed less than their parent breeds, no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Coat type can vary depending on the breed and generation.
What's the difference between a doodle and a double doodle?
A doodle is a cross between a Poodle and another breed. A double doodle combines multiple breeds while still including Poodle genetics, such as a Golden Mountain Doodle or Mountain Doodle.
Which doodle breed is easiest to train?
Many doodles are highly trainable, but Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Aussiedoodles are especially known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn.
Whether you're interested in a Bernedoodle, Goldendoodle, Cavapoo, or another Poodle mix, the variety of doodle breeds means there's likely a great match for almost every lifestyle.
The key isn't finding the "best" doodle—it's finding the one that fits your family, activity level, and expectations.
When you work with a responsible breeder who prioritizes health testing, early socialization, and thoughtful puppy matching, you'll be much more likely to bring home a companion that's the right fit for years to come.
Authored by the JLDD Team. Learn more about what makes us premium puppy breeders here.
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