What is the Best Doodle Breed? Top 6 Picks!

Doodles are loveable dogs that are a hybrid of two different breeds, with one of them always being a Poodle. Breeders have created a variety of designer dog breeds with Poodles that have revealed outstanding results! Doodle breeds have a fluffy, curly coat that typically is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed. Are you considering welcoming a Doodle breed into your family? Which are the best doodle breeds?

The following list contains the best types of Doodles that will make an excellent companion, therapy dog, or family pet! Our judging criteria were based on the breed’s popularity gathered from our internal data.

For reference, we also have a full list of common Doodle Breeds. Feel free to check it out as you begin your journey to Doodle ownership!

1. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are a mix between the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Golden Retriever is the world’s 3rd most popular dog breed, so it’s no surprise that the Goldendoodle is so popular. Goldendoodles are basically non-shedding, hypoallergenic versions of  Golden Retrievers. In addition, this designer Doodle breed combination creates intelligent, playful, and adorable dogs that every pet parent loves.

This loyal Doodle breed is easy to train and makes a great exercise buddy when you walk, jog, or hike. Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes weighing 10 to 80 pounds. We wrote an entire article on the various Goldendoodle Sizes: mini, medium, and standard.

The Goldendoodle is also great with kids, family, visitors, and strangers. If you are looking for a friendly, loyal, smart, cute, and playful Doodle breed, a Goldendoodle is the one you want! 

2. Labradoodle

The Labradoodle dog breed originates in Australia and was first bred in the 1950s. While they weren’t originally a very popular dog breed, now the Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix is in high demand! The Labrador Retriever consistently ranks #1 as the most popular dog breed worldwide, so it’s not hard to see why the Labradoodle is a popular pet. They are friendly, intelligent, active, and feature a fluffy, curly, shaggy coat that doesn’t shed. 

Adult Labradoodles usually stand 24 inches tall and can weigh up to 70 pounds depending on which size you pick. If they are bred with smaller Poodles, such as a toy Poodle, they will be much smaller in size. Additionally, Labradoodles come in several different coat colors. We wrote an extensive article on the various Labradoodle coat colors, but the most common colors are red, cream, and chocolate. You can find more exotic Labradoodle colors such as parti, black and white, or phantom as well.

The Labradoodle is very close to the Goldendoodle in terms of Doodle popularity. These are definitely two of the most popular hybrid dog breeds in the entire world. Moreover, it’s very difficult to tell the difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. You can’t go wrong with either Doodle breed.

3. Bernedoodle

Loyal, intelligent, gentle, and goofy, the Bernedoodle is a crossbreed of a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain dog. This adorable multicolored coated breed is an excellent companion that will follow you anywhere. If you’re looking for a doodle breed that is calmer than the Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, you should look into a Bernedoodle. 

However, you will still need to exercise the Bernedoodle, and they make great buddies for walking, hiking, and jogging. Most Bernedoodles also enjoy cold weather, but it highly depends on the genes they inherit from the parent dogs. Typically, Goldendoodles and Labradoodle don’t do well in weather that is too cold or too hot. 

Adult Bernedoodles are also typically bigger than the Goldendoodle or Labradoodle. They weigh between 20 and 90 pounds and can stand up to 23 inches in height from the shoulder. Female Bernedoodles are often smaller than males. In addition, the weight of your Bernedoodle highly depends on the weight of the parent dogs. We have an extensive article on the various Bernedoodle sizes, including micro, mini, medium, and standard sizes.

Sweet and cuddly, Bernedoodles also make great couch potato buddies and are playful with kids. If you’re looking for a tri-color dog that is typically more relaxed than a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, then a Bernedoodle is the best doodle breed.

4. Cavapoo Doodle Breed

The Cavapoo is an adorable companion dog breed that mixes a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They are sweet, friendly, hypoallergenic, and a favorite Doodle breed among pet parents worldwide. This Doodle breed is typically much smaller than the previous Doodles on our list, which is great for people who don’t live too active of a lifestyle.

If you are looking for a Doodle breed that is easy-going, social, friendly, and great with adults, kids, and other pets, the Cavapoo is the right choice! An adult Cavapoo weighs 10 to 25 pounds and stands 8 to 14 inches high from the shoulder. If you want to purchase a Cavapoo from a breeder, we have an in-depth article on “How Much Does a Cavapoo Cost?“

5. Maltipoo Doodle Breed

A mixture of a miniature or toy Poodle with a Maltese creates this cute little Maltipoo dog breed! This unique dog is affectionate, playful, smart, and looks like a cute little teddy bear their entire life. The best part about Maltipoos is that they are hypoallergenic and nonshedding. You won’t have to vacuum up their dog hair or worry about pet allergies. However, you will have to groom your Maltipoo regularly by giving them haircuts since their fur doesn’t shed.

Their curly and scruffy coat is usually cream or white mixed with various colors depending on the genes inherited from their parents. However, if you look at the parents, you can usually assume the color your Doodle will be as they age. You can see the full list of Maltipoo colors in our in-depth article.

Adult Maltipoos stand around 10 to 14 inches from the shoulder and weigh between 5 and 15 pounds. Depending on their inherited traits, some dogs are smaller than others in height and weight. 

This cute little Doodle breed is an excellent companion dog for singles, families, older children, adults, and seniors. They are great lap dogs and need to live indoors but enjoy daily walks outdoors for fresh air and playtime. 

6. Schnoodle

Schnoodles are a mix between a Poodle and a miniature Schnauzer. This intelligent, funny, charming dog typically inherits the Schnauzer attentiveness gene that makes them great watchdogs. They use their voice to scare away potential dangers!

Adult Schnoodles weigh 10 to 25 pounds and stand 10 to 14 inches from the shoulder. This friendly dog breed makes an excellent companion dog that needs to live indoors. They are an excellent option for apartment dwellers, singles, families, and seniors. 

This Doodle breed has a moderate activity level that should coordinate well with your lifestyle. Generally, this breed will match your energy level but require daily walks and playtime to stimulate their minds. 

Schnoodles enjoy being the center of attention and are great athletes and show-offs in agility training, flyball, and other sports. 

What kind of Doodle should I get? 

The kind of Doodle breed you choose should depend on your lifestyle and family. There are many factors to consider, such as your activity level, whether you live in an apartment or house, whether you want an indoor or outdoor Doodle, or if you are looking for a family pet, companion, or watchdog. 

Activity Level

Your daily activity level is important when choosing the right Doodle breed for you and your family. Do you like to go outdoors for walks or hiking? If so, choose a Doodle breed that is energetic and loves the outdoors, such as Goldendoodles or Labradoodles. However, if you don’t exercise a Doodle with high energy, they will become bored and oftentimes destructive around your house. You must match your ideal Doodle breed with your current lifestyle.

Living Space

The size of your home is important because you need enough space for a dog to grow up and live comfortably. An indoor Doodle breed is recommended if you live in an apartment, such as a Cavapoo or Maltipoo.  

They thrive indoors and enjoy daily short walks outdoors. These compact Doodle breeds are great companions and family pets for apartment dwellers that don’t have access to a yard. 

A larger and energetic Doodle breed is an excellent option as a family pet if you have a house with a fenced-in front or back yard. Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Labradoodles need plenty of outdoor space to run around and burn their energy. They enjoy living indoors with daily access to the outdoors, such as running around in the yard. 

Indoor or Outdoor Dog

Do you want your dog to live indoors or outdoors? As a pet parent, you must decide if you want your dog to live indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both. All Doodle breeds need daily social interaction with their family. Putting a Doodle breed outdoors to live, sleep, and eat, will lead to depression and isolation.

While Doodle breeds enjoy playing outside for a little while, they prefer to be indoors with their family. If it were your Doodle’s choice, they would even sleep in your bed so they can be a part of the pack. Doodles thrive on attention and don’t like to be left alone. Leaving your Doodle alone for long periods will lead to separation anxiety.

Companion, Family Pet, or Watchdog

Companion Doodles such as Cavapoos and Maltipoos provide great company and friendship. They are loyal, friendly, playful, and enjoy cuddling next to you on the sofa. They need to live indoors but enjoy walks and visits to the dog park too. Companion Doodles are also great traveling buddies, whether you are running errands or taking a road trip. 

A family pet requires special consideration because the Doodle breed needs to get along with children of specific ages. If you have young children, you need to choose a Doodle breed that is ideal for growing up with your little ones. In this case, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and Goldendoodles are excellent playmates for your children, especially if they grow up together. 

If you have teenage children, any Doodle breed will be a perfect fit, and the decision for the family pet will be based on preference. If you are choosing a Doodle breed with teenagers, have everyone in the household write down what they want in a dog and choose accordingly. 

Teenagers who want an exercise buddy will be best matched with the energetic larger Doodle breeds, but those who want a couch potato buddy that keeps them company while doing homework will enjoy the smaller companion Doodle breeds. 

Social Expectations for Your Doodle

Many pet parents don’t think about the social expectations they have for their future pets. Most pet owners just assume the dog of their choice will adjust to their new surroundings. While it’s true that most dogs settle into their environment, it’s also wise to consider their natural temperament. 

For example, if you have young toddlers running around the house, you don’t want to choose a Schnoodle because their social skills aren’t the best with young children. However, Schnoodles are excellent for teenagers and adults. 

If you plan to take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood or to the local dog park, you must choose a friendly Doodle breed that likes other animals. Most breeds on the list above have excellent social skills and are friendly with other dogs. 

Households that already have multiple various pets, such as cats or birds, need to choose a Doodle breed that gets along with other animals. 

Conclusion for What are the Best Doodle Breeds?

Matching yourself and your family with the right Doodle breed is essential to living in harmony with your new furry family member. If you are still on the fence about which Doodle breed you should choose, ask a family member or friend for their recommendation. Due to the rise in popularity of the Doodle dog breed, there are many other hybrid dogs that you might enjoy. Doodles become loving members of your family, but you must choose the best doodle breed for your lifestyle! 

FAQs about Types of Doodles

What are the best Doodle breeds for families?

Our top choices for Doodle breeds if you have young children are Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and Goldendoodles. These Doodle breeds make excellent playmates for your children. Their friendly nature and relatively calm demeanor make them great pets for households with young children and toddlers. If you have teenagers, any Doodle breed could work for your family – just make sure you choose one that fits your family’s level of activity and living space.

What is the best Doodle for seniors?

Cavapoos and Maltipoos are our top picks for Doodles for seniors. These Doodle breeds can thrive in smaller living spaces and don’t require as much activity as some other Doodle breeds. Their small size and calm temperament make them great lapdogs. As with all other Doodles, they do not shed so less cleaning will be needed around the house. Cavapoos and Maltipoos need to live indoors but still enjoy daily walks outdoors.

How many types of Doodles are there?

Because Doodles are a combination of a Poodle and any other dog, the possibilities are endless! However, as Doodles are not purebreds, no official organization, such as the AKC, catalogs and maintains breed standards for specific types of Doodles (e.g., Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, etc.). The AKC does allow you to register your Doodle under their AKC Canine Partners program, but your Doodle will be categorized under “All American Dogs” for competition and titling purposes. To learn more about the most popular Doodle breeds, check out our Doodle Breed Guides.

What are the best medium-sized Doodle breeds?

Our top picks for medium Doodle breeds are the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle. Like most types of Doodles, they can be bred to be different sizes, e.g., mini, medium, and standard. Services like PuppySpot allow you to filter for your desired dog size. 

What is the calmest Doodle breed?

If you’re choosing from the breeds on our list, the Bernedoodle is the calmest Doodle. Bernedoodles make great snuggle buddies! However, keep in mind that just like any other dog, Bernedoodles require some exercise and mental stimulation.

What is the best Doodle?

While all of the Doodles are the best Doodle, the best Doodle for you is one that matches your lifestyle and living situation. This is important for your dog’s long-term health and your relationship with your pup.