Types of Doodles — Generations, Sizes & Coats
Understand F1 vs. F1B vs. Multigen, size classes (mini/medium/standard), and how parent breeds shape temperament, shedding, and grooming.
What do F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen mean?
- F1: Purebred Poodle × purebred partner (e.g., Golden Retriever). Traits can be variable (coat, shedding, size).
- F1B: F1 doodle × Poodle (or the non-Poodle parent). Often more “Poodle-leaning” coats; may shed less but need more grooming.
- F2: F1 × F1. Wider variation; coat outcomes can be less predictable.
- Multigen: 3+ doodle generations. Reputable programs aim for more consistent coat/size/temperament.
Generation is a guide—not a guarantee. Individual dogs vary.
What sizes do doodles come in?
- Mini: ~15–30 lb
- Medium: ~30–45 lb
- Standard: ~45–75+ lb
Size affects exercise needs, costs, crate/car fit, and long-term care (e.g., joint support for larger dogs).
Popular doodle crosses and typical vibes
- Goldendoodle: social, biddable, active; great all-round family companion.
- Labradoodle: athletic, smart, steady; often strong retrieves and work ethic.
- Bernedoodle: affectionate, sometimes more chill; may have stubborn streak; needs consistent training.
- Aussiedoodle: very bright, high energy; thrives on jobs, games, and training.
- Sheepadoodle: playful goofball energy with guardian instincts; coat care is significant.
Temperament depends on lines, socialization, and training—meet parents when possible.
How do coat types differ (straight, wavy, curly, furnishings)?
- Straight/open: more likely visible shedding; easier daily brushing; still needs routine care.
- Wavy: popular balance of look and maintenance; moderate mat risk.
- Curly: often lower visible shed; higher grooming needs (3–5× weekly brush + 6–8 week pro grooms).
- Furnishings (face hair): “beard/brows” gene; impacts overall look and maintenance.
Which types shed less or feel more allergy-friendly?
No breed is truly hypoallergenic. Many wavy/curly coats trap more dander and shed less visibly. F1B/Multigen often lean this way, but individuals vary.
- Meet the exact dog; consider a trial period or allergen exposure test.
- Consistent grooming reduces dander, regardless of type.
Color patterns (apricot, parti, merle, tri)—anything to know?
- Common: cream, apricot, red, black, chocolate, parti, phantom, tri.
- Merle: eye-catching but requires careful breeding (avoid double-merle pairings).
- Color does not predict temperament; focus on health/temperament first.
Do different types need different amounts of exercise and training?
Generally, plan for 60–90 minutes daily (split into walks, play, and brain games). Some crosses (e.g., Aussiedoodle) often need more mental work and structured outlets.
Health considerations across types and sizes
- Orthopedic: hip/elbow screens (OFA/PennHIP in parents).
- Eyes: PRA/cataracts—seek genetic testing in lines.
- Skin/ears: allergy/ear care, especially with heavy coats or swimmers.
- Size-specific: large breeds benefit from joint-friendly growth and weight control.
Reputable programs provide health testing, contracts, and transparency.
Which type is best for my home and lifestyle?
Match energy level, grooming tolerance, size, and training time to your routine. Meet multiple pups, talk to the breeder/rescue about daily life, and prioritize temperament fit over color/size alone.
How many kinds of doodles are there?
There are at least 40 to over 100 different kinds of doodle dogs because a “doodle” is not a specific breed but a crossbreed between a Poodle and another purebred dog. The number is not fixed, as breeders create new combinations, and there’s no central registry like the AKC for these mixes. Popular examples include the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle) and Labradoodle (Labrador + Poodle), while less common ones like the Affenpoo (Affenpinscher + Poodle) also exist.
Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles or Aussiepoos is a popular breed resulting from a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle.
Australian Shepherd Poodle
The Aussiedoodle is a lively, energetic and highly intelligent doodle dog — displaying qualities noted in parent breeds the Australian Shepherd and Poodle
Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle is a fairly recent breed combining the best of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix. The Bernedoodle is a Doodle mix that crosses the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle.
Bridoodle
Briard and Poodle mix. Brittnepoo: Brittany Spaniel and Poodle mix. Cadoodle: Collie and Poodle mix. Cairnoodle: Cairn Terrier and Poodle mix.
Boxerdoodle
A Boxer and Poodle cross makes the Boxerdoodle breed. This doodle breed is known to be playful, friendly, and active.
Cavalier King Charles
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle Mix. The Cavapoo is a newer Doodle dog that’s surged in popularity. The Cavapoo is a spectacular Poodle mix.
Cavapoo
Cavapoo dog in the park, a mixed breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. A mix between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Cockapoo
A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Cockapoos are smart, intelligent, and highly trainable.
Cockapoo: Cocker Spaniel Poodle
“The most common Doodles across the UK are Cockapoos, the result of a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix.” The most common Doodle dogs.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a “designer dog,” a mixed dog species resulting from mixing the Poodle with the Golden Retriever
Havapoo
A mix of a Havanese and a Poodle, the Havapoo is known to be smart, energetic, and social.
Irish doodle
An Irish Setter is crossed with a poodle to breed the Irish Doodle. They are typically intelligent, active, and sensitive.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a crossbred mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.
Lhasapoo
A Lhasapoo is a small “designer” mixed-breed dog, a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Poodle.
Maltipoo
Bred purely for companionship, Maltipoos are a cross between the Maltese and toy poodle. While they have a small stature, their big personalities
Newfypoo
The Newfypoo is a cross between a Newfoundland and a Poodle. It’s a large doodle breed that’s generally calm, friendly, and active.
Pomapoo
These adorable little pups have a spunky Pomeranian coparent. Pomapoos tend to be small, but they have a big presence and are highly affectionate.
Poochon
Cream white Bichonpoo dog – Bichon Frise Poodle cross – standing in a field looking to the camera very happy. This charming Bichon Frisé Poodle mix.
Pyredoodle
A mix between a Great Pyrenees and a poodle, Pyredoodles are calm, fearless companions with a protective streak that makes them great for families.
Schnoodle
A Schnoodle is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. These types of doodle dogs vary in their sizes.
Sheepadoodle
Considered a rare breed, Sheapadoodles are bred by crossing an Old English Sheepdog and a poodle
Shihpoo
The Shipoo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. This doodle breed tends to be playful, friendly, and affectionate.
Whoodle
The Whoodle combines the intelligence of the Poodle and the athleticism of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Yorkiepoo
Yorkiepoo dogs combine a Yorkshire Terrier with a Poodle. This doodle breed is thought to be intelligent, affectionate, and gentle.
Common Characteristics
The traits of a doodle can vary widely depending on their parent breeds, but many share these general characteristics:
- Intelligence: Doodles are typically highly intelligent, making them easy to train.
- Friendly temperament: They are generally affectionate, gentle, and social, making them great family pets.
- High energy: Most doodles are energetic and require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Varied coats: Coats can be curly, wavy, or straight, and they require regular grooming to prevent matting.
- Mixed traits: Because doodles are not purebred, their appearance and personality can be a “wild card,” even within the same litter.
