by Poodled | Doodles, General
Labradoodles first appeared in 1955 but came into prominence when they were bred as hypoallergenic guide dogs through the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia in the late 1980s. However, their wonderful personalities and love of people made them great family pets too.
Their demeanor as intelligent, sociable dogs in conjunction with their hypoallergenic nature made them highly desirable not only in the guide dog world but in a family scenario as well.
Labradoodles are a hybrid dog that is a blend of 2 lovable breeds, the poodle and Labrador retriever. The combination of these breeds usually bodes well for the genetics of this domestic pup. Their intelligence, personality, and aptitude make them not only good guide dogs but wonderful companions for humans as well.
Labradoodle Sizes & Appearance
Labradoodles can blend in with almost any family or lifestyle. They are very adaptable and hypoallergenic. They come in the sizes of miniature (toy), medium, and standard (large). The toy is usually between 14-16 inches from the shoulder and 15-25 pounds. The medium is 17-20 inches and 25-45 pounds and the standard, or large, is 21-24 inches in height ranging from 45-65
Since they are a cross breed, their characteristics can vary a little more than a regularly bred poodle or lab’s would. All sizes of Labradoodles tend to have longer legs, floppy ears, and mid-long muzzles. Their coats vary and can come in three styles: straight, wavy, or curly. The type of fur will depend on the prominent genetics as the straighter will come from the lab side and the curly from the poodle.
Toy vs. Large Labradoodles
Toy Labradoodles, also known as miniatures, are the smallest of the labradoodle sizes. They are easily transportable due to their petite nature but are big on personality. They enjoy people and are not dogs that will enjoy time on their own for great lengths of time.
When it is a puppy, the toy Labradoodle is only marginally smaller than a standard Labradoodle. This is why the difference between these puppies is measured by the features in their face, as well as the size of their paws.
Similar to the toy, large Labradoodles, have great personalities but are somewhat more difficult to transport than the toys. However, they too love people and are very friendly. Like any dog, both sizes need training and socializing as they grow. Equally, they are both quick to learn, so this makes teaching them fairly easy.
Households
Toy Labradoodles have much in common with their larger standard counterpart. They are similar in characteristics and general temperament. However, they differ in a few aspects.
Small breeds may not be the best size of dog if you have young children. Rough play can scare toys and make them nippy, but they can be wonderful companions for adults, families with older children, or perhaps retired people who lead a more relaxed lifestyle.
Standards, in contrast, love to play and are great with all sizes of children. There is always a need to watch any dog when they are interacting with kids, but these large Labradoodles tend to be gentle, fun, and more suitable for younger family members.
Finally, this is a hypoallergenic dog breed, as most mixed poodle dog breeds are, meaning that they are safe to be amongst people who have dog allergies.
Exercise
Toys need outdoor activity as much as larger dogs. Short walks will keep them healthy and fit. They enjoy a daily routine so are a good excuse to get owners out and about. They also enjoy hikes but don’t have the stamina that bigger dogs will have so items such as this Doggy Carrier is helpful if you take them on a bigger excursion. Along with walks, they love balls and other outdoor play toys that are interactive.
In contrast to the toys limited walking routine, large Labradoodles need more space and extended time to walk and play. They are personable and need to be challenged both physically and mentally. They are great running or hiking partners if you are outdoors for the day. They love to play catch and do puzzles such as to stay busy and mentally active. Both toy and large Labradoodles love activity but need it on a level that suits their body size and abilities.
Food
One of the biggest differences between toy and large Labradoodles is the type of food they require. Size-specific food is important for both of them so you can meet their appropriate nutritional needs. The dog’s diet will depend on both the size of the puppy, but also on the activity of small breeds, as well as the conditions in which they are living. While most Doodle breeds live inside, the preferred temperature of the pet owner will still count.
This quality product is great for toy Labradoodles. It has EPA and DHA to support their brain, eye, and skin health. It has extra small kibble for their smaller mouths and helps reduce tartar, which is important for toy’s, as they are more prone to dental issues.
For pups that are on the larger size of the toy sizing chart.
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This dog food recipe is full of nutritious ingredients, including real meat, botanicals, and nutritional supplements. It is grain free with Omega Fatty acids found in salmon oil to protect their skin and coat.
There are no useless fillers or artificial ingredients, and it has Glucosamine & Chondroitin for bone and joint health. The only thing that may bother your small dog is the turkey can be an allergy trigger.
Large Labradoodles will also benefit from a good, nutritious dog food but need nutrients that will take their larger stature and activity level into consideration. The following does just that.
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A quality recipe that will support larger dogs with a focus on joint health and mobility using Glucosamine and EPA.
It has a good flavor that comes from its primary protein of real chicken and also has Omega 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. A well balanced nutritional product that is easily digested and has optimal nutrients for large breeds.
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Final Thoughts
Labradoodles are adaptable, active dogs whether you choose the toy or large size. They can be great companions no matter what their stature. However, it’s important to select the size of your pet to fit your lifestyle. Choosing the right dog will team you up with a great canine friend who will make your life fun and active.
by Poodled | Doodles, General
Schnoodles are a dog breed that is a mix between a poodle and a schnauzer. They are a varied breed with a wide range of colors and sizes. A Schnoodle can range in eight from six to 76 pounds, though most tend to be on the smaller side. Regardless of its size, the Schnoodle considers itself a lap dog and it makes a great family dog because of its fun-loving personality. They also make great therapy dogs because they are gentle and easy to train.
People tend to mix breeds because they are hoping to get the best qualities from each breed and reduce some of the risks that are sometimes associated with pure breeding. When it comes to Schnoodles, most owners are looking for a dog that is sturdy, playful, eager to please, and moderately active. A dog that fits into most living situations, but is still a lot of fun to have as a companion.
Table of Contents
- What Should You Know about the Schnoodle?
- What Can Be a Challenge with a Schnoodle?
- Why are Schnoodles So Different?
- Schnoodle Health
- Final Thoughts
What Should You Know about the Schnoodle?
The Schnoodle is a hybrid breed that typically stands about a foot to two feet tall, though they can be taller. The average weight is 20 to 50 pounds and they tend to live anywhere from 10 to 15 years. How much your Schnoodle eats will depend on its size and activity level, but if you’re able to find a nutritionally dense food, you’ll be able to provide what is needed for an affordable cost.
Schnoodles are often described as dogs that are always happy. They love to play and just hang out with their owners. They are bred to be companion dogs, but many of them do work as therapy dogs and some are skilled in agility. (Poodles are excellent agility dogs, so that’s where the Schnoodle gets it from!)
Schnoodles tend to be very loyal – that’s the Schnauzer in them – and they have a naturally protective nature. They make good watchdogs because they will alert you if something seems out of place. They do tend to bark a lot, which can be good but is also one of their negative qualities. However, if you work with your Schnoodle when he or she is young, you should be able to break them of the barking habit.
Schnoodles are active, but most of them are still able to burn off their energy efficiency in smaller spaces or shorter periods of time. They are famous for racing and playing “zoomies,” which expresses happiness and delight.
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What Can Be a Challenge with a Schnoodle?
Schnoodles are undoubtedly wonderful dogs, but like all dogs, they have their negative qualities. Most can be trained out of them early in life, but there will be occasionally glimpses of some of the negative traits of either breed.
The Schnauzer in your Schnoodle will make him or her stubborn and independent, but the poodle qualities take away some of the frustration you’ll feel because they are also smart and eager to please.
Digging can sometimes be an issue, too, for Schnoodles, which comes from their Schnauzer side. They’ll use their front paws a lot, which means you’ll need to work to break any bad habits before your yard – or someone else’s – is destroyed.
Keep in mind, like all dogs, Schnoodles tend to act up if they are not burning off enough energy. They need to be active for about 30 to 60 minutes each day. Pent up energy brings out the worst in all dogs, so find ways to help them exhaust their minds and bodies. Schnoodles that aren’t properly exercised or stimulated can be destructive and difficult to handle. Contemplate the combination of smart, problem-solving, and bored out of his mind, and you’ll get the idea.
Agility training is a great way to get some of the built-up energy out and their poodle side will love agility challenges. You can get an agility kit of toys for a reasonable price that’s easy to set up and can be used in your backyard.
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Why are Schnoodles So Different?
The reason why Schnoodles are so different from one another is that there are different types of Schnauzers and Poodles. Poodle varieties include the toy, miniature, and standard, and within the standard is a wide range of sizes. Schnauzers also come in three varieties including miniature, standard, and giant. There is no official breeding standard for Schnoodles, so breeders are free to breed as they see fit.
Before adopting a Schnoodle, it’s important to learn about that particular dog’s parents to determine your pup’s approximate size when grown. If you are looking for a smaller dog as an adult, you’ll want to adopt from parents that were the toy or miniature versions of each of the respective breeds.
Also, remember that the size of the dog you adopt can also play a role in his or her behavior. For instance, Giant Schnauzers tend to be far feistier than their smaller counterparts, which means that you’ll need to be a strong master that doesn’t tolerate bad behaviors. The poodle mixed into the Giant Schnauzer softens the end result a bit, but it’s still important to keep that stubborn temperament in mind when adopting.
As with any dog, you should do your best to know what you are getting into before adopting. It’s also important to work with a responsible breeder when possible who has taken the time to mate dogs that are healthy and have appropriate personalities. Unscrupulous breeders will put any two dogs together, which create a world of problems for owners down the road ranging from health to behavior.
Schnoodle Health
Schnoodles are relatively healthy dogs but do face a few potential health risks. These include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Addison’s Disease
- Gastric Torsion
Again, one of the most important things you can do if adopting a Schnoodle puppy from a breeder is to work with a responsible breeder. You should be given health clearances for both of your puppy’s parents which prove your dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
Final Thoughts
Schnoodles are fun dogs that fit into a lot of different families. They are active, fun-loving, and a joy to be around. You’ll love life with a loyal, intelligent, active, and affectionate companion.
by Poodled | Doodles, General
We know that poodles are one of the best dog breeds out there, but is it possible they can get even cuter? When mixed with the small and spunky pomeranian, the answer is a resounding yes! Pomapoo is a lovely mix of these two breeds, but are they the right dog for everyone? Keep reading to learn more about this designer dog and decide if it’s the right choice for your family.
What is a Pomapoo?
A Pomapoo is a cross between a poodle and a pomeranian. It’s an attempt to take the best of both of these lovable dog breeds and combine them into one cuddly animal.
Pomeranians are a descendant of Arctic working dogs—though they are named for the Pomerania region that stretches between Germany and Poland. They are highly intelligent and have a lot of personality, and are most notable for their puffy cloud-like coats.
Pomapoos are a “cross-breed” between Pomeranians and poodles. Cross-breeds have become more popular since the 1990s as people have searched for something “new” in the dog world. These “breeds” like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, and others are wildly popular amongst families. But, they are not officially recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club because they are a cross of breeds.
However, the lack of official recognition doesn’t make these dogs any less lovable, and the Pomapoo is no exception! Pomapoos are kind, lovable dogs that are great for families. With low health risks and activities, and with a loyal love of people, these pups are adorable bundles who will quickly become a part of your family!
What Makes a Pomapoo Different from a Poodle or a Pomeranian?
In general, crossbreeds are somewhat of a surprise. Their personality and temperament can vary dramatically from litter to litter, and even from dog to dog. Unlike pure breeds, which have had generations and generations to create defined characteristics, these new cross-breeds are uncharted territory.
In general, you can expect a few things from a pomapoo to be roughly 5-15 pounds, highly intelligent, and to have fluffy fur and a lot of personality. But when it comes to temperament, appearance, personality, and training needs, pomapoos will vary widely depending on their genetics.
Pomapoos could be smaller and fluffier like a pomeranian, or the could be larger with curlier hair like a poodle. The texture will range from soft to wire-like, but regardless, the dog will have plenty of hair in a wide variety of colors. The dog’s grooming needs will depend on its particular coat, though it will require frequent grooming regardless.
Poodles need to be properly groomed roughly once every six weeks and need plenty of brushing in between to avoid matted fur. Pomeranians are equally high-maintenance in their grooming needs. Thus, the combination of the two means you will spend plenty of time taking care of your dog’s coat.
Personality
In terms of temperament and personality, your pomapoo could also fall anywhere. They can be on the spectrum between the reserved poodle and exuberant pomeranian. Both poodles and Pomeranians are both friendly dogs, but poodles tend to be more reserved while Pomeranians lean toward extraversion. Your dog could fall on either side of the line, but in any case, it’s important to socialize the dog from a young age.
Exercise will also vary depending on your dog. While Pomeranians require relatively little exercise, poodle exercise needs vary depending on their type. A good rule of thumb is to look at your dog’s size: the bigger the dog, the more exercise it needs.
You also might find that your dog enjoys splashing through the water. This is the poodle side of the equation coming out to play. People originally bred Poodles as retrieving dogs, so they have an innate love of the water! Swimming is a great form of exercise for your dog!
Training Needs
Pomeranians tend to be stubborn dogs, while poodles are more naturally obedient. Your dog will fall somewhere on this spectrum. This duality in personality might make training these dogs difficult, but the good news is that like a cross between two highly intelligent breeds, pomapoos will learn fast.
Pomeranians are generally easy to train, with the largest training issue being the fact that they can be difficult to housebreak. As with any toy-sized dog, housebreaking is a problem because your pet can find hidden places to pee. If you don’t know that your dog is peeing in the house, then you can’t change its behavior and teach it otherwise, and the bad habit will persist.
Your pomapoo might also have this problem, especially if it is small. To avoid this, you should start potty training as early as possible. Have a consistent place where the dog can pee, and take him out several times a day to do his business.
If you do discover an accident in the house, clean up the mess quickly and quietly and continue with training, but don’t punish the dog. You should also limit your dog’s freedom in your home until it is fully trained.
Best Practice
Poodles are obedient dogs and train easily. As intelligent dogs though, they get bored quickly. Your pomapoo will likely carry this training flaw to a certain extent, so plan for short, regularly scheduled training sessions throughout the day.
Pomeranians and poodles both learn best with consistent training and positive reinforcement. They also do not respond well to punishment. Never hit, raise your voice, or try to dominate the dog in any way, as this will only build more fear and anxiety in the animal. Instead, focus on what the dog does right, and give her lots of praise, pets, treats, and rewards for good behavior.
Is It the Right Dog for You?
Pomapoos are guaranteed to be lovable. They are intelligent, and fun dogs to have around your home. But if you are looking for a low-maintenance dog that has a steady, predictable personality, you might want to consider another breed. Like a cross between two wonderful but very different dogs, pomapoo personalities and needs will vary greatly from dog-to-dog.
by Poodled | Doodles, General
Maltipoo dogs are a blend of two specific breeds: the Maltese and the toy or miniature Poodle. They have some of the best characteristics of both breeds, which make them smart, fun-loving, easy to train, and affectionate. They are a great breed for families or for empty nesters or single apartment dwellers.
Table of Contents
- What Else is Important to Know about Maltipoos?
- Keeping Your Maltipoo Active
- What Do Maltipoos Eat?
- Grooming
- Final Thoughts
Many people choose Maltipoo because they are hypoallergenic. This means their coats do not shed and people who are allergic to most dogs might be able to adapt and live with a Maltipoo without triggering their allergies.
Maltipoos can be happy and content in smaller living spaces but still need activity. They should be taken for walks several times a week and have their minds stimulated with games and other activities.
Their Watch Continues
This breed makes for a good watchdog, which means you’ll be alerted by barking anytime something is out of the ordinary. They can be trained to bark on command, but you’ll need to invest a lot of time and energy into this as they tend to be vocal dogs. This is great for owners who are not looking for a dog to protect them necessarily but would like a dog around to act as a deterrent or alert system for their homes.
Maltipoos are great dogs, but like all dogs have their pros and cons. For instance, they are a breed that likes to be close to their owners and tend to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They make great companions, but can be a distraction if you have other tasks to attend to. Most people who adopt Maltipoos are fine with this because they, too, are looking for companions, but if your family is away from home frequently, it can have a negative effect on the pup.
What Else is Important to Know about Maltipoos?
The Maltipoo is not yet an officially recognized AKC breed, but they are increasing in popularity as more and more people are looking for dogs that are considered hypoallergenic. These pups tend to be on the smaller side, but their weight can vary between five and 20 pounds.
They are a fun-loving dog that tends to get along with people and animals like. They are energetic and feisty and need daily activity.
Maltipoos are a generally healthy breed and tend to live 10 to 13 years. They are at risk for a couple of health issues, including White Shaker Syndrome, epilepsy, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.
This doesn’t mean all Maltipoos will have all of these health issues, but if you have a Maltipoo in your home is a good idea to be aware of the symptoms linked to these conditions and be on the lookout for them over the course of your dog’s life. It’s also important if you are adopting a puppy to work with a reputable breeder and discuss these health issues in advance. You can ask for health clearances from a variety of organizations that indicate a breeder is reputable and has done everything possible to ensure the health of their pups. If you are adopting an adult dog or adopting from a rescue, just know what risks the Maltipoo faces and be diligent about tending to your dog’s health.
Caring for a Maltipoo requires patience, love, and attentiveness. These dogs should live indoors with their families and be trained with rewards, play, and praise. They respond well to training and love to please their masters.
Keeping Your Maltipoo Dogs Active
If your Maltipoo tends to get into trouble, seems cagey, or is destructive, it’s likely because he or she is not getting enough activity. Daily walks and ample outdoor and indoor playtime can alleviate a number of behavior problems for the breed. Even a short 15 minute walk each day can be enough to keep your dog feeling their best and eliminate the majority of issues that arise.
You can find a variety of walking and outdoor pet supplies here.
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What Do Maltipoos Eat?
As you might expect, Maltipoos are little dogs and don’t eat a lot of food. Typically, depending on their weight, a Maltipoo will consume about 5/8 to 1.5 cups of food per day, which is usually divided into two meals. The more active your dog the more he or she will need to eat. Occasional snacks can be given as rewards or to tide them over from the morning to the evening meal.
Maltipoos can eat a varied diet and it’s a good idea to choose a well-known high-quality brand of dog food. Like all dogs, they might be finicky with their food choices, so it could take a few tries before you find something your pup loves. Consider this mix of different flavors from Hill’s Science Diet for toy and small breeds to give your Maltipoo some variety.
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Grooming
Finally, you’ll need to groom your Maltipoo on a regular basis. This includes daily brushing and teeth cleaning and monthly baths. Most Maltipoos only need to be trimmed about once or twice per year, but most owners prefer to clip their dog’s heads a little more frequently. Your pup will need a nail trim every couple of weeks and you’ll know when the time has come when you hear nails clicking on the floor or pavement.
Maltipoos can be groomed professionally or at home or a combination of the two, depending on the extent of the grooming. These grooming kit can help if you decide to groom at home.
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The earlier you begin grooming your Maltipoo puppy the better, whether you intend to groom at home or do so professionally. Take your time, introduce your pup to the tools you’ll be using when grooming, and be patient as your Maltipoo adjusts to the idea of being groomed by you. Remember, it’s an experience that can be scary until they are familiar with it and you don’t want to give them a bad first impression as you introduce them to the process.
Final Thoughts
Maltipoos are wonderful dogs that can adjust to many different living situations. They make great companions and are a welcome addition to many families.
by Poodled | Doodles, General
Goldendoodles are beautiful animals that are considered “designer” dogs. They are a cross breed between a miniature or standard poodle and golden retrievers. The poodle and golden retriever are intelligent, friendly, and active breeds. These characteristics tend to transfer to their Goldendoodle offspring.
Goldendoodles were first bred in 1969 and grew in popularity into the 1990s. Their original purpose was to train them as guide dogs for those who were visually impaired and had allergies. Poodles are considered hypoallergenic, so the amount of dander they shed is less than other types of guide dogs. (its dander that is the cause of allergies, not hair)
When breeding Goldendoodles, there is hope that the hypoallergenic gene of the poodle will take precedent in the Goldendoodle breed. Unfortunately, the assumption that breeding two different races together will get you the best of both isn’t always the case.
However, with a good breeder, their quality care and oversite of the dogs should heighten the chance of a positive genetic outcome.
Height and Weight
Goldendoodles come in three sizes: miniature (15-30 pounds), medium (30-45 pounds), and standard (45-100 pounds). Because they are a cross breed, you can not be certain that the pup you get will actually fall into your desired category. But these numbers will at least give you a guideline.
An average adult often weighs between 60-100 pounds with males being 24-26 inches at the shoulder and females 22-23 inches. Taller Goldendoodles can weigh more, meaning they inherited this extra weight and height from the retriever side.
Appearance and Care of your Goldendoodle
Most Goldendoodles have a non-shedding coat, so they are considered hypoallergenic. This isn’t guaranteed due to cross-breeding, but it is probable.
They have three types of coats:
- Straight coat – a flat hair coat similar to the retriever’s fur.
- Wavy coat – a mix of poodle curls and a retriever’s straight coat
- Curly coat – looks more like a poodle than a retriever
Goldendoodles coat colors can vary. They can be cream, white, apricot, gold, red, gray, black or sandy brown. They need regular brushing, bathing, and trimming for healthy and clean skin and coats. Consistent grooming means you are avoiding skin irritation and sores from matted and knotted coats.
The timing of full grooming is not the same for each dog. Some can go every six weeks, and others can wait a few months. If you chose to do their hair and nail grooming yourself, you would need:
Keeping Your Goldendoodle Fit
Goldendoodles are dogs that have a lot of energy similar to their poodle cousins. They need exercise every day and enjoy their outside time to burn off excess energy. Dogs that get bored and don’t get enough exercise can become problematic indoors as they can become destructive.
Goldendoodles enjoy people and other dogs. They will enjoy hikes, walks, and interactive play. Outdoor toys are not a necessity but can help if you don’t want just to walk or run with them. There are many options of toys for you to pick that both you and your pup will enjoy.
Along with keeping fit, it is important that Goldendoodles are properly socialized and trained. There are two ways to approach this, you can do this yourself, or you can hire a professional trainer. Socialization is important so that your dog becomes comfortable in public settings, and people and other animals are comfortable around them.
Potential Health Problems for Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles need to come from a reputable breeder. Many breeders are above board, but others do not follow proper guidelines for this hybrid dog. Goldendoodles that are not bred to the highest standards can have serious health issues. If a breeder does not show you documentation that your pup’s parents were clear of health problems, then look elsewhere. This mixed breed is already predisposed to having significant health issues with their joints, skin, eyes, and immune systems so poor breeding will only exacerbate the potential for illness.
It’s important to know about potential health issues so you will not only know what to watch for but so that you can understand what will benefit your Goldendoodles long term health. This knowledge is part of health maintenance and preventing disease. It gives you the capacity to choose not only appropriate exercise but nutrition in the hopes of maintaining optimal health and fitness.
Nutrition for your Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles need quality nutrition to go hand in hand with the rest of their lifestyle. Choosing food that compliments the other healthy aspects of their life is important. Any food you are picking for your pet should have meat as the first ingredient on the nutrition label. Make sure it’s not an unnamed by-product. Named animal fat should be second on the list, and then you need to make sure there are no artificial ingredients. No matter what breed of dog you have, these are important nutritional ingredients to have. You can narrow the choice of food by then looking at your Goldendoodles size and potential health issues. This will allow you to pinpoint food that will cover most of their nutritional needs.
Don’t forget to include clean water in your pup’s nutritional intake. Less around mealtimes is better for larger Goldendoodles given their propensity for Bloat.
Miniature Goldendoodle Nutrition
This is a good organic option for a Miniature Goldendoodle. It is grain free with quality meat, vitamins, and minerals. The Omega 3&6 fatty acids will protect skin and coat while calcium and phosphorus will prevent dental issues.
Pros: Free-range poultry, small morsels, cooked in a grain free facility
Cons: Expensive, high calorie
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Medium & Standard Goldendoodle Nutrition
This food has high protein levels, with76% of the protein from fish. It is a grain and gluten-free formula with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It supports digestive and immune systems and has Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
Pros: Vitamin E for health, good for bone and joint health
Cons: Strong smell, pricey
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Final Thoughts
Goldendoodles are great options as pets, especially for people who enjoy an active lifestyle and perhaps need a hypoallergenic dog. They are generally easy to care for and will enjoy fitting in with a busy family lifestyle. Appropriate food and exercise will keep them healthy in the years they enjoy with your family.
by Poodled | Doodles, General
Poodle mixes are quickly becoming the most sought-after dogs throughout the world. From the poo’s to the doodles when you mix a poodle with another breed, you are bound to get a gorgeous looking pooch. However, what about their nature?
Are they more likely to take after the poodle or the other breed of dog? In this post, we intend to look at some of the main types of poodle mixes along with a simple guide of what to expect with poodle mixes.
Types of Poodle Mixes
Nowadays the poodle has been cross-bred with a multitude of different breeds which has resulted in us having an even tougher decision to make when looking at which pooch to get. Here are some of the most popular poodle mixes:
- Cockapoo – Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle
- Labradoodle – Labrador and Poodle
- Bordoodle – Border Collie and Poodle
- Yorkipoo – Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle
- Schnoodle – Schnauzer, and Poodle
- Corgipoo – Corgi and Poodle
- Goldendoodle – Golden Retriever and Poodle
That is nowhere near a complete list of all the poodle mixes, but it does contain some of the most popular ones. Since the poodle was first ever bred with another breed, they have been cross-bred with almost every type of dog you could think of.
Why are Poodle Mixes So Popular?
Setting cuteness aside one huge benefit to having a Poodle mix is that they typically have a much longer lifespan. When dogs are cross-bred, they aren’t usually prone to suffering from genetic disorders. This alone puts owners at ease. The characteristics of a poodle commonly get passed on to the mixed breeds.
Things like their fierce loyalty, high intelligence, and minimal shedding coat, which also happens to be hypoallergenic are all things that poodle mixes often acquire. On top of that, just like poodles themselves, mixes tend to be great around children making them excellent family dogs.
Choose Your Ideal Size
Purebred puppies generally grow to be the same size as their parents and ancestors. But with poodles, there are three recognized sizes which are standard, miniature, and toy. This also means that poodle mixes usually grow to be in one of these categories, so even with mixes, people can choose a pup whose size will fit in nicely with the lifestyle that awaits.
Things You Should Know Before Buying a Poodle Mix
Although poodle mixes are pretty robust dogs, you still want to ensure that you are getting a healthy pup. They will, of course, have their needs and so this list is designed to help you understand what you should be thinking about before getting a Poodle mix.
- Find a respected breeder
To have the best chance of getting a healthy and real poodle mix, a respected breeder is your best bet. Unfortunately, many people try their hand at breeding dogs with little to no experience or knowledge on the topic. The last thing you want is to get your adorable puppy from a puppy farm.
- They can be expensive
Some poodle mixes are very popular, which, in turn, makes them a lot more valuable. Most of the time, crossbreeds are cheaper than pedigree dogs, but in the case of poodle mixes, the price is relatively similar.
- High energy
Don’t be fooled by the small size of some poodle mixes. They generally have bags of energy and love to play. Make sure that you can accommodate this need as it can mean the difference between a healthy, happy pooch and a sad and unhealthy one.
- Groom Groom
As you may be aware, poodles have very particular grooming needs. Their thick and fast-growing coats need special care as they can quickly become matted, which can cause skin irritations. Every poodle mix will have a slightly different coat, but you will find that regular trips to the groomers are needed. The other option is to take care of your pooch’s grooming needs yourself, which will require a good set of clippers, some sharp scissors, sensitive skin shampoo, and quite a bit of patience.
Best Buys for Poodle Mixes
Once the decision has been made to get a poodle mix, it’s time to start looking at the essentials. Below are our recommended best buys for poodle mixes.
First things first, where is your pooch going to sleep? Introducing a new dog to your household can be very daunting for the dog, so it’s always great to make sure there are enough comforts for them.
The Luxury Shag Donut Self-Heating Orthopedic Dog Bed provides dogs with an element of protection due to its round design. It includes a unique insulation layer that maintains the warmth from the dog helping them to feel comfortable and comforted. More benefits include:
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Soft faux shag fur
- Self-heating
- Additional filling for joint relief and muscle pain
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One of the best kits to help your pup settle into their new home is the Smart Pet Love New Puppy Starter Kit. It contains a puppy teething popsicle, a snuggle blanket, and a heated comfort toy.
Poodles are known for appreciating comfort, and poodle mixes are exactly the same. The comfort toy helps to recreate physical warmth with its heat packs, and it also has a real-feel heartbeat which soothes anxiety in pups, making them feel like someone is there with them. Other features are as follows:
- Comes with three extra heat packs
- Comfort toy recreates a dog’s pack-animal instinct
- A teething popsicle has massaging nibs and ridges as well as a frozen core
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When your dog is almost as tall as you are, washing them is a much easier job. But for small dogs, the task isn’t as easy. With the Booster Bath Elevated Dog Bathing Grooming Center, all of your dog’s grooming needs are made simple. Because the bath is elevated and portable, you can have 360-degree access to washing your pet without having to bend down and get a backache. More benefits include:
- Easy drainage
- Rubberized and textured non-slip mat
- 3-point safety harness keeping your pet secure
- Easily removable bath legs
- Spray nozzle controls water pressure and direction
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Conclusion
Whichever poodle mix you decide to get you can guarantee it will be extremely cute. They will keep you entertained and on your toes almost all day, but in return, you will get oodles and oodles of poodle mix love.
