Why Are There So Many Poodle Mixes?
Poodle mixes are becoming increasingly popular. Poodles are fun loving, family dogs that have many great qualities. Energetic, smart and less allergenic than most breeds, what isn’t there to love about these pups?! Whether they’re big or small dogs, it seems like everyone wants to cross their dogs with poodles.
So, why does everyone want a piece of the Poodle? We take a look below…
They Have a Great Temperament
Just like humans, every dog is different. But, the Poodle tends to be highly intelligent, easy to train, loyal and sensitive. They are also gentle, faithful, empathetic and they love to play. They get along well with other dog breeds and are great with children — making them wonderful family members and great therapy dogs.
Being such a great dog breed themselves, Poodles often bring positive traits into any mix.
This is the advantage of a “designer dog.” While the term has gotten a bad rap, the aim is to create a canine breed with a purpose — to optimize the best qualities of each parent. Unlike some mixed breeds, designer dogs are generally born from two purebred parents. Depending on the qualities of the offspring, one puppy can be like having two dogs in one, for example, Labradoodles were first bred from Labradors (which are common guide dogs) and Poodles (with a low-shed coat) to be hypoallergenic service dogs.
Can They Be Hypoallergenic?
When it comes to non-shedding, “hypoallergenic” dog breeds, Poodles are always at the top of the list. While most dog breeds have double coats, Poodles only have a single coat, and don’t have an undercoat. Poodles have a dense and curly coat, and the texture can vary from soft and wavy to coarse and wooly.
While no dog’s fur is completely non-allergenic, a poodle’s coat is often described as hypoallergenic, meaning unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, as it has very low allergenic properties. This is because Poodles are a low-shedding breed. Their hair falls off in small amounts and will tangle in the surrounding coat, so you’ll rarely see their hair on the floor, clothes, or furniture.
It is worth noting that getting a “hypoallergenic” dog is not as easy as it sounds: puppies can seem hypoallergenic but then their adult coat can be very different. Likewise, there can be a lot of variation between mixes of dogs, including “designer breeds.” Shedding genetics are still not completely understood and more research is needed.
Poodles Are Great Looking Dogs!
Poodles are cute, graceful, unique, and come in all different colors, shapes and sizes! Poodles have been the subjects of artistic works for centuries. They make great show dogs, and can often be found accompanying models on runways and in photoshoots for magazines.
Not to be underestimated due to their beauty, Poodles are bright and clever, and their level of intelligence is second only to the brainiac Border Collie.
Another prominent reason for the popularity of Poodle mixes is that the breeder can choose the size they want. Depending on the parent, be it a miniature Poodle or a standard Poodle, you can largely determine the size.
Speaking of Cute…
There are so many adorable Poodle mixes! At present in the US, the most popular Poodle mix breeds are Cockapoos (a Cocker Spaniel mix), Maltipoos (a Maltese Dog mix), Labradoodles (a Labrador mix), Goldendoodles (a Golden Retriever mix), Schnoodles (a Miniature Schnauzer mix), Peekapoos (a Pekingese mix), Yorkipoos (a Yorkshire Terrier mix), Bernedoodles (a Bernese mountain dog mix) and the Shih-Poo (a Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle mix).
Big or small, cuddly, and causing fewer allergies: these pups have all inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
A New Name for a New Dog - Why Are Poodle Mixes Called Doodles?
Poodle mixes are called Doodles simply because it is a way to refer to the Poodle part of the mix. A Doodle is a cross between a Poodle and another dog breed. There are also Oodles and Poos, such as Schnoodles, Yorkiepoos and Cockapoos.
There are many different types of Doodles, but the original Doodle was a Labradoodle, bred in the early 1980s by Wally Conron. Conron’s goal was to create an allergy-free guide dog for a vision-impaired woman, whose husband was allergic to dog hair. Two years later, he successfully crossed a Standard Poodle with a Labrador Retriever, and the Labradoodle was born.
Can Mixed Breeds Be Healthier?
Yes… and no. All dogs can have potential genetic health problems. However, the chances of genetic diseases passing on to the next generation are significantly lower in mixed breed dogs than in purebreds because of their greater genetic diversity. This is known as heterosis or “hybrid vigor.” It has been argued that this can result in a longer lifespan for mixed breeds than either of their parent breeds.
While this is still debated within the vet community, a 2013 study by Bellumori et al in 2013 looked at 24 of the most common hereditary diseases of dogs and found the incidence of 10 genetic disorders (42%) was significantly greater in purebred dogs, whereas the incidence of 1 disorder — ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (4%) — was greater in mixed breed dogs. For the rest of the disorders studied, there was no significant difference in the incidence between purebreds and mixed breed dogs. Although the answer to this question remains unclear, it is possible for purebreds and mixed breeds to live long healthy lives.
What Is the Best Breed to Mix With a Poodle?
There is no universal “best” breed — all dogs are beautiful and special. What the best mix is for you and your family, however, all depends on what your needs are, and what you’re able to provide. Different breeds of dogs have different physical requirements and personality characteristics, so do your research before committing to a dog.
For example, all dogs need daily exercise, but if you want a dog that is super active and loves a lot of it, a larger poodle mix, such as a Goldendoodle (a Golden Retriever mix) will likely be best for you. If you are looking for more of a lap dog that doesn’t need as much exercise, a small crossbreed such as a Yorkipoo (a Yorkshire Terrier mix) may be a better choice for you.
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And if you’ve got a larger breed poodle or poodle mix? Try any of the delicious recipes in our PURE line. They’re all packed full of premium proteins and healthy fats, and only use 7-10 key, clean ingredients in every recipe. We’ve got delicious grain-free options such as PURE Grain-Free Real Lamb and Pea Recipe and others that contain wholesome grains like PURE Real Salmon and Barley Recipe.
Are you ready to transition your dog to Canidae? Learn more here!