It happens to the best of us: We look over our shoulder and loudly exclaim, “Wow! What a cute poodle!” But then it turns out that it’s either not a Poodle at all or at least not a whole Poodle. The Poodle is one of the most commonly crossbred dogs, and the results are always adorable. Let’s meet the four major crossbreeds — and a few other breeds that look surprisingly alike.
We’ve taken a look at four crosses that look like their purebred Poodle counterparts, as well as some other breeds that share a strong resemblance. Read on to learn more about these dogs.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever, one of the most popular dogs, and the Poodle. This designer breed is one of the most popular Poodle mixes.
Like the Goldendoodle, these dogs are also popular as service dogs. The Labradoodle boasts a hypoallergenic coat that makes it easier for allergy sufferers to live with, without problems. The dogs have relatively minimal grooming needs.
10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Poodles
Some of the most helpful things to know about Labradoodles include:
Fun-loving and easily up for all your family activities
A very gentle disposition and acceptance of all family members
Ready to become best friends with any kids in your household
One of the things that many find appealing about this breed is its overall gentleness. Although all dogs require supervision with children, Goldendoodles are among some of the most trustworthy breeds that parents can allow to be around their children.
Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a small designer crossbreed that is a mixture between the popular Maltese and Poodle. One of the things that people enjoy about these dogs is their naturally playful nature.
Maltipoos are very affectionate. Despite many smaller breeds having a reputation for anti-social or mean behavior, this crossbreed is an exception to the stereotype. These dogs crave attention from their family and will seek it out very willingly.
One of the things that makes this dog very popular is how well it gets along with children. Unlike many other small breeds, these dogs are not inclined to be snappish with kids. Although children need to handle small dogs with care, these pets love kids.
Maltipoo
Some of the most important things to know about a Maltipoo include:
Very well-suited to elderly owners
An ideal lap dog temperament
Able to live with disabled owners easily due to minimal exercise demands
Because of their more compact size, Maltipoos can live in apartment or condo settings very well. A short walk and indoor playtime will help keep these dogs exercised and mentally stimulated. These dogs are very versatile to have in your home.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles combine two of the most well-beloved breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. This “designer” or hybrid cross has a high intelligence level.
One of the areas where this dog excels is as a family pet. These dogs are devoted to their families and love people of all ages. These dogs also have a playful nature, always ready to get involved in whatever fun your family is up to.
Goldendoodle
Here are some interesting facts about Goldendoodles:
Helpful as service dogs for both their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats
A long history of being hypoallergenic alternatives to Golden Retrievers
Relatively modest grooming needs in comparison to Golden Retrievers
The dog’s coat color is most similar to a Golden Retriever’s. You’ll find shades ranging from a pale yellow or gold to a deeper, almost reddish color. However, the coat will require less care overall than a purebred Golden’s would.
Yorkipoo
Being a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle, a Yorkipoo is a small dog. The Poodles in this designer cross’ ancestry are Miniature or Toy, keeping their size compact.
Yorkipoo puppy
Some of the key highlights about this dog’s features include:
Standing 7 to 15″ tall
Weighing 3 to 14 lbs
Having a hypoallergenic coat
One of the things that stands out about this breed is its high intelligence level, inherited from both breeds. Training one of these dogs is very unlikely to be a difficult task. However, these dogs are more suitable for older children.
Like many other dogs resembling Poodles, these dogs have a broad range of coat colors. They may share the solid colors common to Poodles or the tan and black markings of Yorkies. In many cases, these dogs have a variety of colors throughout their coats.
Miniature Poodles are often dependent on their owners, a trait that Yorkipoos may inherit. However, if these dogs get more of their personalities from their Yorkie side, they will be more independent. Overall, these dogs are great additions to all families.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog originated as an important helper for fishermen in Portugal. Their coats are tight and curly, having a strong resemblance to Poodles with this coat.
Another way in which these dogs are somewhat similar to Poodles is that their coats may have a similar type of clip for functionality. When clipped, these dogs may sport a lion clip that resembles the lion clip that shows Poodles wear.
Portuguese Water Dog
Some other ways Porties are similar to Poodles:
Enjoy stimulating activities like dock diving
Share a similar activity level with Standard Poodles
Non-hunting activities they enjoy include jogging, hiking, and fetch
A trait that “Porties” also share with Poodles is a high intelligence level. Obedience training from an early age is preferable, though, because these dogs have an independent streak. Independence in a dog is good but be kept in check.
When owners are in search of a dog that is similar to a Poodle, a Portuguese Water Dog may be an excellent choice. These dogs have the high energy, intelligence, and loyalty that many owners want in a sporting dog.
Afghan Hound
Although a hound instead of a retriever or water dog, the Afghan Hound stands out for its long, beautiful coat. These dogs have also accomplished hunting dogs.
One thing that stands out about Afghan Hounds is their independence. When these dogs are out in the field, they perform their hunting duties with minimal guidance from their handlers. However, a typical result is that these dogs may try to set the rules.
Afghan Hound
Some important highlights to consider about the Afghan personality:
Very seldom adjusts well to rehoming because of its level of attachment
Very devoted to its family and reserved with anyone unknown to it
A playful and even goofy temperament with its household members
Despite being quiet dogs indoors, these dogs are a poor fit for apartments or condominiums. When these hounds are outside, they have a strong tendency to run. Fencing is necessary to help keep these dogs adequately contained.
Afghans can have a similar appearance to Standard Poodles at a distance. However, the breeds have different types of coats with very different grooming needs. These dogs are not usually groomed with the lion clip seen on Poodles.
For owners in search of a dog that is very energetic outdoors and quiet indoors, an Afghan Hound may be an excellent alternative to a Poodle.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers have a few surprises that await. Some of these surprising traits include:
A quiet dog indoors, quite content to lounge around on the couch
Naturally athletic and fast
Outgoing around its family but somewhat more reserved around strangers
One of the ways that “Beddies” resemble Poodles the most is with their curly white coats. However, these dogs, unlike Poodles, are terriers who pursue their prey on land. The coat that these dogs sport helps provide protection against brush.
Although slightly larger than a Miniature Poodle, Bedlington Terriers require more exercise space. A house with a fenced yard is essential for these dogs. These dogs have an impressive speed when they take off running after rabbits.
One thing that owners can count on with this breed is having them be quiet when indoors. Their outdoor activity level is high but is unlikely to be a problem upon reaching adulthood. These dogs provide an ideal balance.
A potential character flaw these dogs may have not found in Poodles is shyness with strangers. However, early socialization can help ensure that these dogs know how to relate to strangers properly.
Bedlington Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a history of performing tasks similar to those of Poodles. These dogs are minimal shedders, which makes them a popular choice for owners with allergies.
This spaniel is an intelligent dog that is always ready to learn. Regardless of whether you’re using the dog as a hunting companion or want a jogging buddy, you can trust this dog to learn whatever you try to teach it very effectively.
A trait that many find endearing with these dogs is natural curiosity. Dogs that are inquisitive are always fun to take along on outdoor adventures. If your family is actively involved with the outdoors, these dogs make perfect additions.
One way that many owners describe these dogs is as natural clowns. Their antics provide no end of amusement.
Your family will enjoy these dogs, as well as all people they meet. These dogs could be legitimately said to have never met a stranger.
Irish Water Spaniel
A few helpful things to keep in mind regarding training:
The breed enjoys children, but might be too exuberant with young children
Although friendly, these dogs require early socialization
Daily exercise is necessary to keep these dogs at their happiest
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed sharing a lot of similarities with Poodles. Some of the highlights of this breed include:
Double-coated to further repel water
A coat with a curly, wooly texture
Multiple colors that include white and brown
These dogs have wooly coats that are dense, easily repelling water when engaged in water sports-related activities. This breed also has a muscular build that helps contribute to its overall endurance level.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Barbet
The Barbet is one of the newest breeds to achieve American Kennel Club recognition. This breed has some similarities to Poodles worth noting:
A very intelligent breed with a loving manner to its family
Most experienced in hunting game birds, a similarity also shared with Goldendoodles and Labradoodles
Originated as a working water dog in France
Although a relatively rare breed to Americans, the Barbet has been in France since at least the 16th century. One of the similarities that they share with Poodles is having many of the same coat colors. Brown, black, cream, and fawn are the most common colors.
Barbet
These dogs enjoy the company of their family members and are also good with other dogs. In addition to hunting, swimming and hiking are two of the activities these dogs love the most. However, these dogs are well-behaved indoors despite the energy level.
Like the Poodle, the Barbet does not shed, which makes it good for allergy sufferers. However, regular weekly brushing is necessary to avoid painful matting and tangling.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the 10 dog breeds that look like poodles. Next time you’re at the dog park, wow your friends and fellow dog owners with your new knowledge. Is that a Labradoodle or a Barbet? Only you can tell!
