Hey there! Elina here. Unless you're living under a rock (!!), you've definitely heard the term "Doodle", circling around. The Doodle dog craze has definitely swept the pet world, with so many people falling in love with these "muppet-like" dogs.
But what makes Doodles so special? Why do people love them so much?
As a Doodle owner myself, I've spent the past few years obsessed with this dog breed, and by the end of this article, you'll understand why this designer dog breed is so popular and lovable.
What is a Doodle Dog?
Doodle dogs are a cross between a Poodle and another purebred dog. The desire for this breed arose from wanting a dog with a hypoallergenic coat and the personality of another breed to create a friendly, low shedding dog.
This led to the first Doodle, the Labradoodle, being created in the 1980s by mixing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. After being a huge success, this led to the creation of other Doodle breeds like Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Aussiedoodles, which are all known for being smart, friendly, and great family dogs.
While there can be thousands of Doodle varieties, here are some of the most popular:
Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle Mix)
Goldendoodles are the most popular Doodle breed. They are are friendly, smart, and have low-shedding coats, making them great for families and those with allergies.
Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever x Poodle Mix)
Labradoodles combine the best traits of Labradors and Poodles. These energetic dogs are known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and energy. These dogs make a great addition for an active family.
Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle Mix)
Bernedoodles, aka "The Gentle Giant", are a larger Doodle variety, known for their calm temperament and tri-colored look. They often inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog's gentle nature and the Poodle's intelligence, making them one of the best Doodle breeds for families.
Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd x Poodle Mix)
Aussiedoodles are energetic and highly trainable, making them the perfect for active families. They combine the Australian Shepherd's work ethic with the Poodle's intelligence, resulting in a dog that loves dog sports and activities.
Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle Mix)
Cavapoos are a smaller Doodle variety known for their affectionate nature and adaptability. These dogs are smaller and more relaxed, making them great for apartment living.
Key Traits of Doodle Dogs
Coat Types: Curly, Wavy, Straight
Doodle coats vary. They may inherit the Poodle's curly dog hair, have a mixed wavy coat, or a straight coat.
Hypoallergenic and Low-Shedding Qualities
Many Doodles are marketed as hypoallergenic due to their Poodle heritage. While there is no completely hypoallergenic dog, Doodles are known for their low shedding coats, making them a good choice for families with allergies.
Temperament
Doodles are known for being friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. Poodles are intelligent dogs and they often inherit the best personality traits from both parent breeds, resulting in well-rounded, sociable dogs.
Health
While generally healthy, Doodles can be prone to certain genetic conditions inherited from their parent breeds. The most common issues include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin conditions.
Important To Know Before Getting a Doodle Puppy
Grooming
Doodles require regular grooming. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting, with a professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Bathing should be done regularly, typically every 4-6 weeks.
To prevent tangles and matting, check out my Ultimate Guide to Detangling Your Doodle's Coat.
Exercise
Most Doodles are high energy dogs that require regular exercise. Walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys are crucial for their well-being.
Conclusion
Doodle dogs have become increasingly popular due to their hypoallergenic coats, intelligence, and affectionate nature. While there are many benefits to owning this dog breed, please be prepared its grooming and exercise needs.
And with proper care and attention, I'm confident a Doodle will be the best addition to your family.
And for some funny haircut ideas, check out the 9 Best Haircut Ideas for your Doodle.