Most Popular Doodles Ranked by Energy Level (Low to High)
- JennaLeeDesignerDoodles
- Dec 29, 2025
- 6 min read
When people ask us “Which doodle is the calmest?” or “Which doodle has the most energy?” what they’re really asking is: How much daily activity does this dog need to be happy and well-behaved?
Energy level is one of the most important (and most overlooked) factors when choosing a doodle. Two families can bring home the same breed and have totally different experiences depending on how well the dog’s energy matches their lifestyle.
This ranking walks through the 9 most popular doodle breeds, ordered from lowest energy to highest. Factors we considered are:
Daily exercise needs
Natural temperament (calm vs. constant moving)
Able to settle down after activity
Differences between mini and standard sizes, where relevant
All doodles are smart. All doodles need engagement. But not all doodles need the same level of activity — and that’s where this guide helps.
1. Maltipoo — Calm Companion Energy
Energy Level: Low to low-moderate
Why They Rank Where They Do
Maltipoos sit at the very bottom of the energy scale for a reason. The Maltese side brings a classic companion-dog temperament — affectionate, people-focused, and happy just being near you. While they enjoy playtime and short walks, they don’t typically have the nonstop drive seen in retriever or herding mixes.
Maltipoos often mirror their household’s energy. If you’re up and moving, they’re happy to join. When things slow down, they’re perfectly content curling up on the couch.
Best Fit For
Maltipoos are a great match for quieter households, apartment living, seniors, or first-time doodle owners who want affection without constant activity demands.
Exercise Needs
About 30–60 minutes per day
Short walks, indoor play, light training or puzzle toys
Temperament Notes
They may have quick bursts of energy (especially as puppies), but those moments are usually short-lived. Most Maltipoos mature into very relaxed, cuddly adults who would rather be with their people than on the move all day.
Mini vs. Standard
There’s no “standard” Maltipoo — they’re always small. That makes their exercise needs easy to meet, even in smaller spaces.
2. Cavapoo — Easygoing and Adaptable
Energy Level: Low-moderate
Why They Rank Where They Do
Cavapoos inherit a gentle, emotionally intuitive nature from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They enjoy playtime, but they don’t need constant stimulation to feel fulfilled. This gives them a naturally balanced energy profile.
Best Fit For
Families who want a doodle that’s playful without being overwhelming, or households that want a dog that can adapt to both active days and quiet ones.
Exercise Needs
Around 40–60 minutes daily
Walks, light fetch, and interactive play
Temperament Notes
Cavapoos are affectionate, friendly, and easy to live with. They’ll happily play with kids, then settle down for a nap without much fuss. This adaptability is one of their biggest strengths.
Mini vs. Standard
Cavapoos are always on the smaller side. Those from toy poodle lines may have slightly more zoomies, but overall energy levels remain fairly consistent.
3. Bernedoodle — Mellow but Mighty
Energy Level: Moderate (lower side)
Why They Rank Where They Do
Bernedoodles benefit from the calm, steady influence of the Bernese Mountain Dog. While they enjoy activity, they also have a strong off-switch — something not all doodles naturally have.
Best Fit For
Families who want a larger dog with a calmer temperament, or owners who enjoy daily walks and play but don’t want a dog that needs nonstop exercise.
Exercise Needs
Around 30–60 minutes per day
Walks, backyard play, occasional adventures
Temperament Notes
Bernedoodles are affectionate, loyal, and often wonderfully goofy — but they’re not usually hyper. Many are playful in short bursts and then perfectly happy to lounge around the house.
Standard vs. Mini
Standard Bernedoodles tend to be calmer and slower-paced. Mini Bernedoodles are usually a bit bouncier, but still solidly moderate compared to higher-energy doodles.
4. Cockapoo — Playful but Balanced
Energy Level: Moderate
Why They Rank Where They Do
Cockapoos combine the cheerful nature of the Cocker Spaniel with the intelligence of the Poodle. They’re playful, social, and active — but not usually over-the-top.
Best Fit For
Families looking for a fun, social dog that enjoys activity but doesn’t require marathon workouts.
Exercise Needs
Around 30–60 minutes daily
Walks, fetch, training games
Temperament Notes
Cockapoos often keep a puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood. They enjoy being involved in family life and do best when they get daily interaction and stimulation.
Size Differences
Smaller Cockapoos may have quick bursts of energy, while larger ones often have a little more endurance but a calmer overall presence.
Related info:
5. Yorkipoo — Spunky but Manageable
Energy Level: Moderate (high personality, low endurance)
Why They Rank Where They Do
Yorkipoos pack a lot of personality into a small body. The terrier influence adds boldness and enthusiasm, but their size naturally limits how much exercise they need.
Best Fit For
Owners who want a lively, entertaining dog without committing to long daily workouts.
Exercise Needs
About 30 minutes per day
Short walks and energetic indoor play
Temperament Notes
Yorkipoos are confident, affectionate, and often think they’re much bigger than they are. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for this breed.
Size Notes
Yorkipoos are always small. Slightly larger ones may have more stamina, but all tend to burn energy quickly.
6. Schnoodle — Active and Enthusiastic
Energy Level: Moderately high
Why They Rank Where They Do
Schnoodles combine the alertness of the Schnauzer with the athleticism of the Poodle. This creates a dog that loves to move, learn, and stay engaged.
Best Fit For
Active families who enjoy training, outdoor activities, and interactive play.
Exercise Needs
45–60 minutes daily
Walks, fetch, training sessions, agility
Temperament Notes
Schnoodles are smart, playful, and often always ready for the next activity. Without enough stimulation, they can get vocal or mischievous.
Mini vs. Standard
Mini Schnoodles often have intense bursts of energy, while larger ones need longer, more sustained exercise.
7. Goldendoodle — Athletic but Balanced
Energy Level: High
Why They Rank Where They Do
Goldendoodles are energetic, but their eagerness to please and trainability help balance that energy. They’re active dogs that usually respond very well to structure.
Best Fit For
Active families who want a playful dog that can still relax indoors once exercised.
Exercise Needs
About 60 minutes per day
Walks, hiking, swimming, fetch
Temperament Notes
Goldendoodles are friendly, social, and adaptable. Puppies and adolescents can be wild, but most mellow significantly with age and consistency.
Standard vs. Mini
Mini Goldendoodles often feel spunkier, while standard sizes may be calmer indoors but still athletic outside.
8. Labradoodle — Very High Energy
Energy Level: Very high
Why They Rank Where They Do
Labrador Retrievers bring serious enthusiasm to the mix. Combined with a Poodle, Labradoodles are often nonstop movers who thrive on activity.
Best Fit For
Very active owners, runners, hikers, or families who love spending time outdoors.
Exercise Needs
60+ minutes daily
Vigorous play, swimming, running, training
Temperament Notes
Labradoodles are joyful, goofy, and incredibly social — but they need structure. Without enough activity, their energy can quickly turn into chaos.
Standard vs. Mini
Both sizes are energetic. Minis may show more visible hyperactivity, while standards need longer workouts to truly tire out.
9. Sheepadoodle — Highest Energy Overall
Energy Level: Very high (highest on this list)
Why They Rank Where They Do
Sheepadoodles combine herding-dog intensity with Poodle stamina. This is a dog that needs a job — physical, mental, or both.
Best Fit For
Highly active families, large yards, structured routines, and owners who enjoy daily training and long exercise sessions.
Exercise Needs
1–2 hours per day
Walks, running, agility, mental challenges
Temperament Notes
Sheepadoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and great family dogs — but only when their energy needs are met. Otherwise, they can become restless or destructive.
Standard vs. Mini
Mini Sheepadoodles may need slightly less total exercise, but intensity levels remain high across sizes.
For Dogs & Their Parent Families, Energy Matching Matters
Every doodle needs daily exercise and mental engagement — even the calmest ones. The key is choosing a breed whose natural energy level fits your lifestyle, not the one that just looks the cutest.
A tired doodle is a happy doodle. A well-matched doodle is an absolute joy.
Learn more about these popular poodle mixes here. You can also reach out to us to learn more about custom training for high energy dog breeds.
Authored by the JLDD Team