When you think of designer dog breeds, the Poodle mix is often at the top. Why? People all around the world want to get a Poodle mix because of their coat and hypoallergenic potential. Doodle breeds sometimes can be hypoallergenic, more on that later on. Today, we will talk about small Poodle mixes, or dogs that are mixed with a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle.
Yes, these same breeds can be mixed with a Standard Poodle, but more often than not, a potential dog owner wants a small dog fit for apartment living.
Let’s go ahead and meet the popular Doodle breeds.
Meet The Poodle Parent
First, let’s take a look at the Poodle parent. Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds in the US according to The American Kennel Club. Famous for their intelligence and regal appearance, Poodles can thrive in different activities. You can use them for agility training, obedience training, as cuddling partners, outdoor partners, therapy dogs, and so on.
Poodles have a natural curiosity and are quick learners. They come in different sizes, but more on that later. First, let’s take a look at the personality traits of Poodles.
- Recognizes as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, right behind the Border Collie
- Because of their hunting origin, they have a keen sense of awareness and alertness
- Poodles have a playful nature and enjoy interactive playtime with their owners, as well as engaging in physical activities
- Friendly and sociable dogs, they enjoy the company of people and animals, yet, they tend to show off their regal demeanor
- Loyal and devoted to their family, they form a strong bond with their human companions
- Confident dogs that display self-assurance and assertiveness
- They are sensitive dogs that pick up subtle changes in the environment and emotions of family members
- Versatile dogs that can excel in different roles, including family pets, therapy dogs, working dogs, show dogs, and so on
It is worth noting that the personality of your Poodle dog breed will depend on many more factors, including upbringing.
Are Poodles Hypoallergenic?
One of the main reasons why people want a Poodle mix breed is their coat. They have a hypoallergenic coat, meaning they do not shed. But whether your mini Poodle mix will inherit the hypoallergenic coat depends on many factors.
For starters, whether it is an offspring of a Poodle parent and another dog breed, or two small Poodle mixes. For example, an F1 Mini Goldendoodle has 50% Golden Retriever genes and 50% Poodle Genes. But an F1b has 25% Golden Retriever Genes and 75% Poodle genes. It is an offspring of two Goldendoodles, or a Miniature Goldendoodle and a Poodle. The higher percentage of Poodle genes, the higher the chances are for you to have a hypoallergenic dog.
Speaking of that beautiful coat, Poodles come in a variety of colors like black, white, apricot, cream, blue, gray, silver, brown, and red. Sometimes, Poodles can have a coat with two or more distinct colors, usually with a white base and patches of another color.
Different Poodle Sizes
There are three accepted Poodle sizes by The American Kennel Club. The British and French clubs have a fourth one, but let’s stick to those by the AKC. Those are:
- Standard Poodle, standing at 15 inches and weighing between 45 and 70 pounds
- Miniature Poodle, standing between 10 and 15 inches, and weighing between 12 and 20 pounds
- Toy Poodle, the smallest one, standing under 10 inches and weighing between 4 and 6 pounds
You might also hear a Mini Poodle mix, but that is the same as a Miniature Poodle. For small Poodle Mixes, breeders do not use the Standard Poodle.
Most Popular Poodle Mixes
Now let’s take a look at some famous Poodle mixes. Some of them are with another small dog parent, while others might have a larger dog parent. Let’s go.
Bich Poo
Also known as the Bichon Poodle Mix, the Bich Poo is a miniature mix that is highly active. He is among the most patient dogs, making him a great family pet. The Bichon Frise is a bit taller than the Miniature Poodle, making this puppy a bit larger than most mini Poodle mixes.
Depending on whether you have a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle parent, these puppies weigh between 6 and 12 pounds. They have a medium-length, curly coat that is often white or apricot in color. They either shed minimally or do not shed at all.
The only downside of this puppy is it can be quite vocal, and are prone to separation anxiety.
English Boodle
The English Boodle is a combination between a Poodle parent and an English Bulldog.
This doodle breed is gentle, friendly, loyal, and a bit lazier than other puppies on the list. But that is due to the English Bulldog genes.
They are amazing with children and can grow a bit larger than other mixes on this list. The looks can be varied, but they are known to grow between 12 and 14 inches and weigh between 15 and 30 pounds as adults.
Toy Cockapoo
If you want a true lap dog, you can go with the Cockapoo. This designer dog is the offspring of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Growing between 6 and 7 pounds and 10 inches as adults, they are among the healthiest and longest-living Poodle mixes.
They love attention and companionship, and if you leave them alone for longer periods, might develop separation anxiety.
This doodle dog will follow you everywhere you go. And will want to be included in every family activity. Due to their sociable and friendly nature, they also excel in households with other animals and children.
Cavapoo
Right after the Cockapoo, we have the Cavapoo. It is another breed with a Spaniel parent, but in this case, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Arguably one of the most popular Poodle mixes, the Cavapoo is among the friendliest and best dogs for apartment living. They do not bark, play with everyone, and love children. What more can you ask for? With proper socialization, they can live with other animals and even cats.
A bit larger than other mixes, they reach between 10 and 18 pounds at maturity. These dogs thrive in a moderately active environment. Yet, their favorite activity is lounging in your lap. They usually inherit a combination of the long and silky coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the curly coat of the Poodle parent.
Maltipoo
If you want a small dog that is loyal and smart, you cannot go wrong with the Maltipoo. This mix between a Maltese and Poodle is a playful, intelligent, patient, and amazing companion. Ideally, they are among the best pets for elderly people because of their lazy, calm, and social demeanor.
Yes, they do want to play, but 10 to 15 minutes of exercise per day will do it. They are healthy and live between 12 and 15 years.
The only downside is they might inherit health issues with their eyes, something that is common in Maltese puppies. And unlike other designer dog breeds on this list, the Maltipoo is not as expensive.
Mini Goldendoodle
You can argue this is the puppy that began the designer breed trend. Arguably the best Poodle Mix, the Mini Goldendoodle is a cross between Golden Retriever and Poodle.
It inherits the best personality traits of both parents, including the always happy, sociable, and friendly Golden Retriever, and the intelligence of the Poodle.
They are among the easiest dogs to train and can thrive in an active family. Unlike other mixes on this list, they have quite a bit of energy. Goldendoodles began the trend of having hypoallergenic dog breeds. Breeders and owners wanted a Golden Retriever that doesn’t shed. And there you go.
Labradoodle
Golden Retrievers and Labs go hand-in-hand. These two are among the top 5 most popular dog breeds. Almost identical, the Golden has a long coat and is a bit friendlier.
The Labradoodle is another puppy you cannot help but love. They tend to be a bit reserved, but quickly warm up to strangers.
Yorkie Poo
The mix between Yorkshire terrier and Poodle, Yorkie Poo is an adorable small dog that will seek attention from everyone. They love to be around people. Yorkie Poo is sweet, playful, and intelligent.
Thanks to their diminutive stature they are ideal pets for an apartment or condo living. Yet, because of their small size, they do better in a family with older children who know how to handle pets with care.
That doesn’t mean they do not get along with small children or babies. You just have to be more careful.
Chi Poo
When you talk about the smallest Poodle mix, the Chi Poo has to be on top of it. Why? Because it combines the size of two extremely small dogs. The Chihuahua is among the smallest dogs in the world. Add in the Toy Poodle, and you have a tiny dog with plenty of energy.
Do not let its small size fool you. Same as the Chihuahua parent, this tiny dog packs quite a lot of character. Speaking of the size, it grows between 3 and 8 pounds, standing between 5 and 10 inches. They can be higher if the second parent is a Miniature Poodle.
Appearance can also vary whether you use a Deer head or Apple head Chihuahua.
Corgipoo
The mixture between Pembroke Welsh or Cardigan Welsh Corgi and a Miniature or Toy Poodle.
Depending on the parents, you might get a different Poodle mix. But the personality traits remain the same. This designer dog is active, intelligent, and affectionate.
Because of the Corgi genes, this puppy might have a herding drive and instinct, namely with other pets and young children. So, it is more suitable for households and families with older children.
These puppies more often than not have short legs like the Corgi. But in some cases, they inherit the longer legs of the Poodle parent.
Peekapoo
Another small Poodle mix breed, the Peekapoo is a cross between a Pekingese and a Miniature Poodle. And unlike the Pekingese, it is a bundle of energy. It is a puppy that loves to exercise.
Their fun-loving and playful personality will make these puppies a welcome addition to any family. Generally speaking, they are cheaper than most Small poodle mixes.
There is only one downside. They are prone to heat exhaustion due to the brachycephalic genes of the Pekingese. Make sure to keep them cool when the weather is too hot.
Pomapoo
Some people know it as Pomerdoodle, but it is still the same puppy. The offspring of Pomeranian and Toy Poodle inherits most of the personality traits of Pomeranian. You have a dog that is in the middle between shy and aloof.
These puppies love companionship and get pretty attached to their owners. When left alone for longer periods, they might feel anxiety and depression.
The good news is they do not need a lot of exercise. Two short walks per day are more than enough for toilet needs and exercise needs.
Doxiepoo
You have to say this is one of the most interesting combinations. A toy or Mini Poodle and a Dachshund. The result is an independent, intelligent, loyal, and stubborn puppy. Yes, this puppy can have a stubborn streak.
It is one of the few small Poodle mixes that are not recommended for first-time owners. They do get close with their family, but they can also show guarding aggression.
Socialization is vital for making sure your Dachshund mix doesn’t show hunting instincts.
Havapoo
The Havanese Poodle mix is one of the most lovable mixes. The little puppy is affectionate, friendly, and people-oriented. They pick up commands easily when you follow a positive reinforcement method.
When socialized well, they get along with other pets, animals, and children in the household. Speaking of their size, they grow between 8 and 15 inches tall and weigh between 12 and 25 pounds. You can say they are on the upper limit of small mixes.
As for their appearance, they tend to have floppy ears and relatively short legs.
Bernedoodle
This is one of the more popular Poodle mixes. And it is another one that falls on the upper limit of small dogs.
That is due to the second parent, which is a Bernese Mountain Dog. And if you love the gentle and sweet nature of the Bernie, this Poodle mix will be even better. You get a small dog that doesn’t shed. It is the perfect compromise.
Pit Boodle
The Pit Boodle is a dog that suffers from the bad reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier. But there is nothing aggressive in this puppy. Some breeders mix it with any of the other Pitbull breeds like American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, or American Bully.
Usually, the dog ends up with a more muscular build than Poodle owners are used to. Speaking of their temperament, they are some of the friendliest puppies, friendlier than the purebred Poodle for sure.
Socialization is important, especially since you will have to fight off the stigma of aggression and dog fighting of the Pitbull parent.
Pugapoo
Also called a Pugadoodle, this puppy is the offspring of a Pug and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Both parents were bred as lap dogs, and you have the ultimate one.
This puppy is happiest when it spends the day with you, mostly chilling on the couch. At the same time, this puppy is playful, cheeky, and affectionate.
Usually, Pugapoo puppies are small, growing between 10 and 12 inches, and weighing between 12 and 15 pounds.
Poogle
Next on our list is the offspring of Beagle and Poodle. The result is a sweet and loving family dog that is a bit larger than most mixes on this list.
This one is an energetic puppy that needs plenty of exercise daily. At times, some of the Beagle hunting and hound instincts might kick in.
The Poodle makes up for the stubbornness and lack of intelligence of the Beagle. So, you get a Beagle that is smarter and doesn’t shed. Pretty nice, right?
Shih Poo
Let’s finish off the list with another lap dog, the Shih Tzu. The Shih Poo hybrid is a cuddling companion that needs just a little bit of running each day.
They get defensive of their owner, a personality trait inherited by the Shih Tzu parent. They also might be a bit more barking than other puppies.
