Worst Poodle Mixes — 5 Doodle Dogs to Avoid
Doodle dogs have grown in popularity in recent years. Poodle crossbreeds have become a firm family favorite due to their fun personalities, gentle temperament, and hypoallergenic coat. However, not all Doodles are made equal — you’ll want to avoid the worst Poodle mixes.
If you’re planning on getting a Doodle dog, check out this list of the worst Poodle cross breeds. Doodles are fun-loving and low-shedding dogs, but certain breeds have more issues than others.
History of the Poodle Mix (Doodle Dog)
Doodle dogs are a fairly new phenomenon in the dog breeding world. In the 1980s, a Standard Poodle and Labrador were bred together, creating the first-ever Labradoodle puppies.
Labradoodles were developed by the breeding manager of — now known as — Guide Dogs Victoria in Australia. Wally Conron wanted to create an allergy-friendly guide dog for visually impaired people who also had dog allergies.
During the 1990s, crossbreeding with Poodles grew in popularity, and more and more Doodle dogs were being created. Today, there are over 40 different Poodle mix breeds recognized by breeders. However, the true number of Doodle dogs may be much higher, with Poodles of all sizes being used to create unique designer dogs.
What To Consider Before Buying a Poodle Mix
Doodles are affectionate and playful dogs and make good family pets. The more relaxed breeds like the Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle) are ideal canine companions for seniors.
But, before you bring home a Doodle dog, here are some important points to consider:
Size
Doodle dogs are not all the same size. If you want a small Poodle crossbreed, look for dogs bred with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Small Doodle dogs include the Maltipoo, Chipoo(Chihuahua/Poodle), and Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier/Poodle).
In contrast, If you’d prefer a larger dog, you’ll want a Standard Poodle mix. Breeds such as the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle), Labradoodle, and Newfypoo (Newfoundland/Poodle) are suitable choices.
Energy Level
Like all other dog breeds, Poodle mixes have varying energy levels. If you enjoy long walks and spending a lot of time outside, go for a larger breed with a high energy level. The Labradoodle, Pookita (Poodle/Akita), or Goldendoodle would make a good pet for outdoorsy dog lovers.
There are also lazy Doodle dogs that are well suited to people wanting more of a snuggle buddy than a walking companion. Maltipoos, Cavapoos (Cav King Charles/Poodle), and Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle) are ideal Poodle crossbreeds for anyone wanting a lap dog.
Shedding
Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat, which is why they’re a popular choice for crossbreeding. While many Poodle mixes are considered more allergy-friendly, certain breeds still shed.
The more generations away from a pure Poodle, the greater the likelihood your Doodle will shed. As in, if you have a Labradoodle with Labradoodle parents and grandparents, it may not have the hypoallergenic coat you were hoping for.
Grooming Needs
The curly coats of most Doodle dogs can be hypoallergenic, but don’t be fooled — they have quite high-maintenance grooming needs. If your dog has a long and curly coat, it can become matted and tangled if not cared for properly.
Doodle breeds should be brushed several times a week, and if their coat is very curly, it may need brushing daily. To keep their coat under control, you’ll need to take your Doodle dog to a groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.
The 5 Worst Poodle Mixes
While Doodle dogs have many desirable characteristics, some breeds are not as good as others. When you crossbreed, you can’t guarantee the puppies will inherit the best genes from each parent.
Many Poodle mixes are friendly, playful, and easy to train, but this isn’t the case for all Doodles. Here are our picks of the five worst Poodle mixes.
1. Whoodle
A Whoodle is a mix between the Poodle and Wheaten Terrier. These dogs have the snuggliest-looking coat you have ever seen, but when it comes to grooming, they’re high maintenance.
With their shaggy coat, the Whoodle will need regular brushing. Plus, these Poodle mixes are also known to get a bit pongy, so need frequent baths to banish the bad smell.
While Poodles are easy to train, thanks to their high intelligence level, Wheaten Terriers can be more challenging. Hence, if your Whoodle inherits more Terrier genes, you may struggle with stubbornness and attitude problems during training.
2. Peekapoo
Peekapoos are a cross between the Miniature Poodle and Pekingese. They’re loyal and affectionate companions, but they may just love you a little too much!
The problem with this Poodle mix is that they always want to be with their owners. Peekapoos are prone to separation anxiety and become upset and destructive when left alone.
You shouldn’t have much trouble training your Peekapoo, but be prepared for plenty of barking. Peekapoos are high-energy and excitable little dogs — they’re incredibly vocal and hyperactive at times.
3. Shih Poo
The Shih Poo is half Toy Poodle and half Shih Tzu. These adorable little lap dogs are not as sweet as they first appear.
Many Shih Poo owners experience difficulty potty training their pooch, and these dogs can be very stubborn. This little dog with a big attitude can take a long time to pick up basic commands — you can help by having lots of doggy treats to hand.
Grooming is also another issue with Shih Poos. These dogs can have a dense, curly coat that grows long enough to become heavily matted. However, frequent brushing will keep their fur as tangle-free as possible.
4. Corgipoo
The cute Corgipoo is bred from a Corgi and a Poodle and has fewer inherited health problems compared to the standard Corgi. These dogs are smart and hypoallergenic, but they’re on this list for a reason.
Corgipoos are prone to weight issues. While any dog breed can become overweight, obesity is a common problem for Corgipoos. Feed your Poodle mix too much, and you’ll put them at risk of becoming dangerously overweight, which can lead to more health problems.
These crossbreeds can be tricky to train. Obedience training during puppyhood is essential. As the saying goes, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks — this applies to the Corgipoo — and what gives them a bad rep.
5. Rottle
The Rottle, or Rottiepoo, is a Rottweiler and Poodle mix breed. These dogs are large, weighing up to 90 pounds. Rottles are family orientated, but they can be prone to aggressive behavior.
The slightly ‘jumpy’ nature of a Poodle, mixed with the strong guard dog instincts of a Rottweiler, can be a recipe for disaster. Rottles aren’t all aggressive, but it’s tricky to predict the temperament of a hybrid dog.
Unfortunately, Rottiepoos are prone to several health conditions. The Rottle may suffer from blood-clotting disorders, bloat, obesity, hip dysplasia, and eye diseases.
What’s the Best Poodle Mix?
Now you know which dogs are the absolute worst Poodle mix breeds, you’re probably wondering which Doodles are the best.
Doodles possess lots of amazing qualities, and there are plenty of reasons why they’re growing in popularity. However, there are many Poodle crossbreeds around, so it can be hard to choose the best mix for your circumstances.
Hence, it’s tough to single out one Doodle breed as being ‘the best.’ Some wannabe pet parents may feel the best Doodle is one you can train easily, others may look at child-friendly characteristics, and someone else may feel low energy demands are the deal breaker.
While there is no ‘top dog,’ the Cavapoo, Labradoodle, Maltipoo, and Goldendoodle are often regarded as the best Poodle mix breeds.
Conclusion
Doodle dogs are known for being fun-loving and loyal canine companions, and Poodles have been used to create several, hypoallergenic hybrid breeds. However, these dogs can be far from perfect — some Poodle mixes don’t make the best bow-wows.
If you’ve decided on a Doodle, some of the worst Poodle mixes — the breeds you should avoid — include the Peekapoo, Shih Poo, Rottle, Corgipoo, and Whoodle. These crossbreeds can have a bad temperament, be difficult to train, and develop several health conditions.
Worst Poodle Cross Breeds FAQs
What Poodle Mix Is Best?
Almost any dog can be bred with the Poodle, which means there are countless Doodle dog breeds out there. It’s impossible to say one breed is the best! The perfect Poodle mix is the one that fits into your lifestyle and has the personality you want in your furry friend.
Should I Get a Poodle or a Doodle?
Poodles and Doodles are not the same. Poodles are purebreds, whereas Doodles are a hybrid — part Poodle and another breed. Hence, they inherit characteristics from their Poodle parent and the other breed they were developed with. You know what you’re getting with a Poodle, but the coat and personality of a Doodle dog can be more unpredictable.
What Poodle Mix Barks the Least?
Poodle mixes can be hyperactive and vocal, but several are calm and don’t bark much. These include:
- Bernedoodle.
- Boxerdoodle.
- Aussiedoodle.
- Sheepadoodle.
Are Poodles Naughty?
Poodles aren’t naturally naughty or aggressive. These dogs are highly intelligent and can be trained easily by first-time pet owners. Plus, with a gentle disposition, Poodles get on well with all ages — meaning they make excellent family dogs. Poodles are also quite independent and shouldn’t misbehave when left alone. However, all dogs are different, and without proper training, you could end up with a naughty Poodle.
What Is the Calmest Poodle Mix?
Some of the calmest Doodle mixes are breeds like the:
What Is the Sweetest Poodle Mix?
Out of all the Poodle mix breeds, the sweetest has to be the Saint Berdoodle (Saint Bernard/Poodle). These are the ultimate giant hypoallergenic dogs — intelligent, social, great for families, and adores kids.
