Poodles are intelligent and athletic, with a signature curly coat. This hypoallergenic dog is so popular that they’re often used to produce allergy-friendly mixed breeds.
However, this bow-wow isn’t the breed for every dog lover. These curly-coated canines are known to be very independent and a little on the nervous side. If the temperament of a Poodle isn’t what you’re looking for, don’t despair! There are several dogs that look like poodles to choose from.
The elegant yet athletic Poodle is known as the national dog of France. They’re famous for their curly coat that can be trimmed into many wonderful styles. But don’t be fooled, these dogs need plenty of grooming.
Poodle Size
The Poodle has grown in popularity over the years, they’re excellent show dogs, family pets, and canine companions. These strong yet gentle dogs come in three different sizes:
- Standard Poodle: Height 15+ inches
Weight 60-70 pounds
- Miniature Poodle: Height 10-15 inches
Weight 10-15 pounds - Toy Poodle: Height <10 inches
Weight 4 – 6 pounds
Poodle Appearance
Whatever their size, Poodles have a low-shedding coat made up of curly hair, rather than fluffy fur. And, this is their most well-known feature. However, beneath the pom poms and curls is a strong and lean, athletic body.
Remember, Poodles may be popular at the showground today, but they were originally bred as working dogs. The ‘Poodle cut’ may look like it was invented for dog shows, but it was designed to help working Poodles swim easily while keeping their joints and organs as warm as possible.
Poodles can be groomed in various ways and one Poodle can look completely different from another. The common clips include, the:
- Teddy bear cut.
- Puppy clip.
- Continental cut.
- Modern clip.
- German trim.
- English saddle.
As a hypoallergenic breed, Poodles are very low-shedding, and their hair will just keep growing if you fail to groom their coat regularly. There’s no denying that a Poodle’s long curls are a beautiful sight, but their coat can become matted, tangled, and smelly when left to its own devices.
Poodles are high maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they aren’t the only curly-coated canines.
Do you want a big dog that looks like a Poodle? If so, we have good news! There are many breeds with an athletic build and curly coat to choose from. Of course, all canines are unique, and only Poodles look like Poodles, but the following breeds have a similar appearance:
Height: 17-23 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Life expectancy: 11-13 years
The Portuguese Water Dog is a large and affectionate breed with a long, curly coat. This breed is taller than a Standard Poodle but is a similar weight.
Just like the Poodle, Porties are low shedding, and any fur they lose will become trapped in their curls. Portuguese Water Dogs also have an athletic build and were bred as companions for fishermen.
The Portie has a more rugged look than the elegant Poodle. You’re unlikely to see this breed with big pom poms. Instead, this Poodle look-a-like has their whole coat clipped short — the ‘Retriever cut’ — or the show-stopping ‘Lion Cut.’
When a Portie’s coat isn’t trimmed, it just keeps on growing! Just like the Poodle, they will become knotted, tangled, and smelly if not properly groomed.
2. Goldendoodle
Height: 20-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Goldendoodles are a hypoallergenic Poodle mix developed using a Golden Retriever. This breed grows larger than a Standard in both weight and height.
The exact appearance of a Goldendoodle can vary depending on whether it’s a first or second-generation breed. Some will look more like Retrievers and others more of a Poodle appearance. Hence, Goldendoodles can end up with various coat types — curly, wavy, or even straight.
What’s more, a curly Goldendoodle’s coat often grows longer than the pure Poodle. Another key difference between these breeds is that the Poodle’s curls are much tighter. And, you also can’t guarantee the type of coat this Poodle cross ends up with.
You can see that Poodles and Goldendoodles are related, but the Goldendoodle doesn’t have the signature Poodle snout. Also, Poodles have a crest of fur on the top of their head, but this feature isn’t common in Goldendoodles.
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 45-68 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-13 years
Irish Water Spaniels are playful and brave, water-loving pooches. This breed is rarely as large as the Standard Poodle, but they have a very similar appearance.
These dogs have an athletic and robust build, and a face similar to the Poodle. In that, they have a long muzzle and domed head, but their face isn’t quite as pointed.
The curls on an Irish Water Spaniel are tighter than the Poodle’s and their fur is more thick and dense. Both breeds require a lot of grooming to keep their coat in good condition. The oil in their fur can cause matting and a bad ‘dog smell’ if their coat is left to grow too long.
Poodles often have a more styled coat than the Irish Water Spaniel. Owners of the Irish will need to trim their dog’s curls approximately every two months to keep it under control. In comparison, Poodles are higher maintenance, and certain clips need regular appointments with an experienced groomer.
Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Life expectancy: 11-14 years
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the Terrier breeds and shares some physical features with the Standard Poodle. There isn’t a huge difference in size between these two allergy-friendly dogs, although the Airedale has the edge.
Full of energy and love to be active, just like the Poodle. Airedales, while long-legged, have a strong body and more muscular legs than the slim limbs of the Poodle.
The King of the Terriers is often confused with a Poodle breed due to its curly low-shedding hypoallergenic coat. However, the Airedale’s curls have a more wiry texture and aren’t as soft as the Poodle’s hair.
Standard Poodles are a large breed, while both the Toy and Mini are small. But perhaps a medium-sized dog would be better suited to your life? If so, here are a few mid-size pooches that look like the Poodle.
Height: 15-17.5 inches
Weight: 17-23 pounds
Life expectancy: 11-16 years
Bedlingtons may not be as big as the Standard Poodle, but their curly coat means they’re sometimes confused with this national dog of France.
Although low shedding, they require regular professional grooming. Neither the Poodle nor Bedlington Terrier has an easy-to-maintain coat! The Bedlington Terrier’s curls are often denser than Poodles, but they have a similar fluffy appearance.
If you’re prone to allergies, the Bedlington Terrier sheds less than the Poodle. That said, both breeds are hypoallergenic, and neither will leave you with a house covered in fur.
2. Pumi
Height: 15-18.5 inches
Weight: 22-29 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-13 years
The energetic and lively Pumi is a similar size to a small Standard Poodle and sports a coat full of curls too. Pumi dogs have a medium-length coat made up of waves or corkscrew curls, which is much thicker than the Poodle’s hair.
Like Poodles, Pumis are active and athletic and have lean and strong bodies. However, it can be hard to spot their muscular physique under all of their thick fur and curls.
While Pumis aren’t considered hypoallergenic, they don’t shed very much at all. To know for definite if their coat is going to be an issue it’s best to talk to a breeder and spend some time with one to see how it goes.
In comparison to the Poodle, when it comes to grooming, Pumis require a lot less effort. They will only need to be combed approximately every 3 weeks. Hence, they’re pawfect if you want a curly-coated dog without the high-maintenance needs of the Poodle.
Height: 16-19 inches
Weight: 24-35 pounds
Life expectancy: 15-17 years
These curly-coated pooches also resemble the Poodle, but as they’re medium-sized, they could be a better choice size-wise for some families. They’re low shedding and hypoallergenic, so are ideal if there are allergy sufferers in your household.
The Lagotto is an affectionate canine who is about average when it comes to being around younger children. But they’re exceptionally good with other dogs — handy for multi-pooch households. However, if you’re looking for a watchdog, this may not be the right breed — they love almost anyone they come into contact with.
Compared to the Poodle, they’re as easy to train and just as intelligent. So, they will require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble.
As we mentioned earlier, Poodles come in three different sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. If you want a small dog that’s similar to the Toy or Miniature Poodle, several breeds meet the criteria.
1. Maltipoo
Height: 8-14 inches
Weight: 5-20 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
The Maltipoo is a small Doodle dog bred using a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. These hypoallergenic designer dogs have a low-shedding coat, but their curls are often more scruffy than that of a purebred Poodle.
Poodles are known for their elegant pointed faces, but a Maltipoo will have a rounder head with a teddy bear appearance. In fact, Maltipoos look like cute and cuddly puppies even when they’re adults and fully grown.
If you want those signature Poodle curls, unfortunately, this isn’t a guarantee with a Maltipoo. Thanks to their Maltese genetics, Maltipoos often have softer fur that falls in long waves, rather than tightly wound curls.
2. Yorkiepoo
Height: 7-15 inches
Weight: 5-15 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Yorkiepoos are another hypoallergenic Poodle crossbreed. These tiny dogs are developed by getting a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle together. Larger Yorkiepoos are bred by using a Miniature Poodle instead of a Toy.
The coat of a Yorkiepoo differs from the dense curls of a Toy Poodle, but they do have long and silky waves. Your Yorkiepoo may be more Terrier than Poodle in appearance, but their coat isn’t as straight as the hair of a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.
Neither of these adorable little dogs will grow more than one foot in height, and they’re often too small to be left around children. Both the Yorkiepoo and Toy Poodle look like living cuddly toys, and for their safety, they shouldn’t be allowed to ‘rough house’ with little people.
3. Cockapoo
Height: 16-22 inches
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Cockapoos are a hybrid, a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. These cuddly dogs can be found in four sizes — Teacup, Toy, Miniature, and Standard.
As they’re part Poodle, there are many similarities between the Cockapoo and their curly-haired parent. For example, Cockapoos may inherit the tight curls and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, and they’re just as easy to train.
That said, there is no guarantee what kind of coat a Cockapoo puppy will end up with. If your dog is more Spaniel than Poodle, they may have loose waves or straight hair instead of curls.
Whichever coat a Cockapoo has, they will be low-shedding and won’t trigger dog allergy symptoms.
4. Bichon Frise
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
The playful and affectionate Bichon Frise has a long double coat and another curly-haired breed. Bichons can often be mistaken for Miniature Poodles thanks to their puffy curls and their loving and intelligent personality.
The Bichon is often found with a white coat, but they share many similar coat colors to the Poodle. Both breeds come in white, cream, apricot, and gray. Yet, if you’re looking for a wider range of colors, you have more choice with Poodles.
A curly coat is not the only similarity between these two breeds. Poodles and Bichons both have floppy ears and a small, pointed face. Also, both breeds are affectionate, energetic, and easy to train.
Conclusion
Poodles are popular dogs with a stand-out curly coat and strong athletic build. Yet, this breed isn’t for everyone.
Luckily there are several dogs that look like Poodles — the Airedale Terrier, Bichon Frise, and Irish Water Spaniel, to name a few. So, whether you want a large, medium, or small dog, there is a pooch out there that resembles the curly-coated and elegant Poodle.
What Kind of Dog Looks Like a Giant Poodle?
Giant Poodles are larger than the average Standard Poodle. They can weigh over 70 pounds and may also be taller at the withers (shoulders) than a regular Poodle. Dogs similar to the Giant Poodle include:
What Are the Three Types of Poodle?
There are three types of Poodle recognized by the American Kennel Club:
- Standard — reaches weights of between 60 and 70 pounds.
- Miniature — weighing 10 to 15 pounds.
- Toy — the smallest, at a mere 4 to 6 pounds.
What Is a Moodle Poodle?
A Moodle is the name given to the Maltese and Poodle crossbreed. This hybrid is more commonly referred to as the Maltipoo.
What Dogs Have a Curly or Wavy Coat?
The Poodle isn’t the only dog breed with a coat full of curls. Other dogs with curly or wavy coats include:
- Portuguese Water Dog.
- Labradoodle.
- Bichon Frise.
- Irish Water Spaniel.
- Bedlington Terrier.
- Airedale Terrier.
What Is a Teddy Bear Poodle?
The cute moniker given to the Goldendoodle — a hybrid of the Standard Poodle and Golden Retriever. Many other Poodle mix breeds are known as Teddy Bear dogs, including the Poochon, Shih Poo, and Labradoodle.
