Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent, easy to train, fluffy you can cuddle them and they are considered hypoallergenic. Literally, they are the best dogs on the planet.
But what if for some reason, you can't get a Goldendoodle? They can be pricy, there might not be a proper breeder in your area.
Don't worry, there are plenty of other great designer dog breeds to choose from.
In fact, many of the same qualities that make Goldendoodles so popular can be found in other breeds as well.
Poodle
If you've seen the movie, "Look Who's talking Now" as a kid, I'm sure you know Poodles.
Just like Goldendoodles, they also have hypoallergenic features which makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
It's a bright breed, and it can be frequently seen on dog shows thanks to its athletic abilities and intelligence.
Poodles were originally bred to retrieve objects that fell into the water from boats and ships. They were also used to pass messages between boats.
As water dogs, they have a coat that protects them from cold water. Thanks to this, they can jump into cold water without getting a thermal shock. On the other hand, this also means they require frequent grooming.
There are four types of poodles: Toy, Miniature, Medium (Not universally recognised) and Standard.
They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
Labradoodle (Labrador + Poodle)
A labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle and it is a very popular poodle mix.
Against popular belief, Labradoodles were not bred originally to be guide dogs. They were originally bred for the entertainment industry. They weren't trained as service or guide dogs until the late 1980s.
The breed is very popular in the US, thanks to being low-shedding and low dander (which is good news for people with allergies). They are also very intelligent and easy to train.
Like most labradors and poodles, the labradoodle is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise. They are also known to be friendly, outgoing and good with children.
Labradoodles have an average lifespan of 12-15 years and come in three size varieties: Standard, Medium and Miniature.
They are also available in a wide range of colours, such as black, brown, cream, apricot, red, silver and blue.
Puggle (Pug + Beagle)
The face of a beagle, the body of a pug, what is it? A Puggle!
This small mixed-breed dog was bred first in 1980 to be a healthy companion dog. Pugs are popular for their breathing problem thanks to their deformed skull, fortunately, Puggles don't carry this trait over.
Beagles are extremely stubborn and hard to train, which Puggles can inherit a bit. They can also bark a lot, so they are not apartment-friendly dogs.
Puggles don't require a ton of exercise, but their wanderlust potential is high which means their prey drive is high.
Puggles are great dogs for families with children and make excellent pets. They are curious and playful, but can also be calm and relaxed when they need to be.
If you're looking for a dog that is similar to a goldendoodle, but with a little less energy and maintenance, then the puggle is a great choice.
Bernedoodle (Poodle + Bernese Mountain Dog)
Berndedoodles are fluffy, loving and make great companion dogs. They are a crossbreed of Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
The first Bernedoodles were bred in 2003 by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels, in Canada, so as a poodle mix they are quite new.
Some people say that Bernedoodles were probably already bred accidentally before 2003.
This breed is not recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), so if you want to register your dog, you will have to do so with a different organization like the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, or the International Designer Canine Registry.
The Bernedoodle is a perfect companion dog. There is a lot of variation in size and coat type because of the different genes passed down from each parent. However, second-generation Bernedoodles (F2) are more consistent.
If you're looking for a fluffy, loving companion dog, the Bernedoodle is a great choice!
Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd Dog + Poodle)
The Aussidedoodle is a cross between the world's two most intelligent dog breeds, Poodles and Australian Shepherds. They also go by the Aussiepoo and the Aussiedoodle name.
Aussie doodle breeders wanted to combine these cleverness of the Australian shepherd and the normal poodle. A second consideration was to create an animal with a low shedding coat. With fame, intelligence and a good work ethic in its line, it's no wonder the Aussie Doodle is becoming such a popular crossbreed.
The Aussiedoodle is a mix between a Poodle and an Australian Shepherd dog.
They are a high-energy dog that needs a job to keep them busy. Their energy level ranges from moderate to high, which means they need daily exercise.
They are good with children and other animals, making them great family pets.
The Aussiedoodle is also hypoallergenic, which makes this poodle mix perfect for people with allergies.
Another great thing about the Aussiedoodle is that they have adorable puppies.
However, they can be expensive and health testing is recommended before breeding.
Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)
Maltipoos are a crossbreed of the Maltese and Poodle. They have a fun-loving and affectionate nature and make good family pets for novice pet parents.
They are active dogs and require plenty of exercises, so if you live an active lifestyle, this may be the pup for you!
They don't shed much, making them a good choice for those with allergies, and they come in a variety of colors including black, white, brown, and apricot.
They live for around 12-15 years.
If you're interested in adopting a Maltipoo, check your local shelters and rescues - you may just find your new best friend.
Goldador (Golden Retriever + Labrador Retriever)
Goldadors are a mix of two of America’s most popular dogs, the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.
They keep many of the best qualities of both breeds, including being excellent family pets that are good-natured and trainable.
Goldadors are natural with kids and social with other pets, making them great additions to any home.
They are highly energetic dogs that need plenty of exercises, so make sure you can commit to lots of daily walks and active play sessions before bringing one home.
They like to eat a lot as well, so that is why it is also important to make sure you are feeding them high-quality food that will give them the nutrients they need without packing on the pounds.
Goldadors are an overall great breed of dog and if you are looking for a new furry friend, definitely consider adding one of these cuties to your family!
Cavapoo (Poodle + Cocker Spaniel)
Cavapoos are a popular hybrid dog breed that is a cross between the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeds. Cavapoos go by many names, including Cavadoodle and Cavoodle.
If you are looking to get a Cavapoo, you can pick your favorite color, as they come in a variety of colors including white, chocolate, gold, cream and fawn.
They don't shed a lot but their coat does require some weekly grooming. Based on the parent breeds, their coat can be curly, wavy soft or short.
They are outgoing, playful, and curious by nature and they love everyone in the family. Cavapoos generally enjoy romping around with kids but should be supervised since they are small dogs.
Cavapoos make great family pets and they are outgoing enough to bring joy into any home!
Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier + Poodle)
Whoodles are a mix between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Standard Poodle. They are also sometimes called Sweatenpoo, Wheatenpoo, or Whoodlepoo. Like the Goldendoodle, they come in both miniature and standard sizes.
They are friendly and playful, and very intelligent and active. Very often, they are perfectly used as therapy dogs.
They have a medium-length curly coat that needs to be brushed daily, and they are hypoallergenic.
This dog is a great choice for people who are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, but don't want a small dog.
Their activity level is moderate, they need daily walks and some playtime. They are intelligent dogs and can be easy to train.
They love playing with toys, so if you decide to get a Whoodle, make sure you have plenty of toys for them to play with.
Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Bichon Frise)
If you're looking for a dog that's similar to the Goldendoodle, but is a bit less common, the Cavachon might be perfect for you!
These dogs are a mix of Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and come in a variety of colors, like white, pied and cream.
They're considered good for allergy sufferers because they don't shed very much, and they love to play with other dogs.
Cavachons are easy to groom, but need at least 3-4 grooming sessions per week to keep their coat in top condition.
They get along well with kids and make great family pets. Cavachons are known to be intelligent, loving and affectionate dogs.
Chorkie (Chihuahua + Yorkshire Terrier)
A dog that you don't see often is a Chorkie. This is a mix of a Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier.
The Chorkie adapts very well to living in an apartment. It is a low-energy dog breed that only needs a little bit of exercise.
This hybrid dog does well with other pets and children, as long as they are supervised because of their small size.
The coat of the Chorkie is low-shedding and hypoallergenic as long as it inherits most of its genes from the Yorkshire Terrier parent. The coat can come in black, blue, brown, silver and white.
They come in a variety of colors including black, white, silver, brown and blue.
One potential problem with this dog is that it may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too often or for too long.
So, if you are looking for a small, hypoallergenic dog breed that is also good with other pets and children, the Chorkie may be a good choice for you.
Just be aware that they may need some extra attention and care to avoid separation anxiety.
Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)
Cockapoos are designer dog breed, created by crossing a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. They are small dogs, with the personality of a big clown.
They are intelligent and easy to train and make good companions for people with allergies. They require daily brushing and should be trimmed and clipped occasionally, so they are not a good choice for those who do not want to spend time grooming their dog.
Cockapoos have a moderate energy level and need at least 15 minutes of exercise each day. They are people-oriented dogs that love attention and being lap dogs, so they are great for families.
Cockapoos can be good with kids, other dogs, and pets; older kids are better though.
They are also good for apartment living as they don't usually bark a lot, with that said, they will if they feel the need to protect their home.
Conclusion
I hope that at least one of the 12 Doodle Dogs that I have shown you in this article fits your needs.
To me, all dogs are equal, they just want to love a human. There are no better or worse breeds, it's up to you to decide which one fits your lifestyle.
But, make sure you get the right dog though because it is a great responsibility.
And before you go to a breeder, make sure you check in your local shelter, as a lot of these designer breeds end up there.
