Doodle vs Poodle: Is There a Difference?

Written by August Croft
Published: April 1, 2022
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You have likely heard about poodles, but do you know all of the differences between a doodle vs poodle? Given the fact that “doodle” refers to a wide variety of poodle crossbreeds, there are countless doodle mixes available for adoption today. But how can you learn which one is best for you, and how do they compare to the standard poodle?

In this article, we will compare and contrast the poodle with all of its doodle mixes, including the goldendoodle, labradoodle, Aussiedoodle, and more. We will also address the differences in their ancestry as well as their behavioral differences. Let’s get started and learn all about a variety of dog breeds now! 

Comparing Doodle vs Poodle

Doodle vs Poodle
Poodles are a purebred dog breed recognized by the AKC and countless other organizations, while doodles are hybrid or cross breed dogs that may or may not be recognized as their own breed.
DoodlePoodle
Size10-100 pounds35-70 pounds
AppearanceHas looser, wavy fur compared to poodle fur; comes in a variety of colors and sizes depending on ancestryElegant and covered in tight, curly fur; found in a variety of colors and sizes. Long and floppy ears and slender legs
AncestryCross between a purebred poodle and countless other purebred dogsPurebred poodle
BehaviorDepends on the breed, but often intelligent and has some hypoallergenic propertiesExtremely intelligent and hypoallergenic. Easy to train and wonderful family dogs
Lifespan10-17 years12-15 years

Key Differences Between Doodle vs Poodle

Doodle vs Poodle

Poodles are more hypoallergenic compared to all doodle breeds, though doodles are bred for allergy susceptible homes and families.

©iStock.com/Photo Sendra

There are many key differences between doodles and poodles. Poodles are a purebred dog breed recognized by the AKC and countless other organizations, while doodles are hybrid or cross breed dogs that may or may not be recognized as their own breed. Additionally, poodles are also more hypoallergenic compared to all doodle breeds, though doodles are bred for allergy susceptible homes and families. 

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now. 

Doodle vs Poodle: Size

Doodle vs Poodle

The average poodle weight is anywhere from 35 to 70 pounds, but doodle mixes can weigh far less or far more than this amount.

©iStock.com/tsik

Given the range of doodle mixes available, there are some significant size differences between poodles and doodles. For example, the average poodle weight is anywhere from 35 to 70 pounds, but doodle mixes can weigh far less or far more than this amount. It all depends on the other parents involved in the breeding process. For example, the average weight of any type of doodle mix is anywhere from 10 to 100 pounds. 

As such, you can expect a doodle mix to either be smaller or larger than the average standard poodle. However, many doodle mixes fall into the standard poodle weight range, and are similar in size and shape. Again, it all depends on the doodle mix that you are interested in! 

Doodle vs Poodle: Appearance

Doodle vs Poodle

Poodles have extremely tight curls covering their body, while doodles often get wavier and longer fur, depending on the dog that they have been crossed with.

©Lynxs Photography/Shutterstock.com

There are some differences in the appearance of a poodle versus the appearance of a variety of different doodle breeds. Poodles have extremely tight curls covering their body, while doodles often get wavier and longer fur, depending on the dog that they have been crossed with. It is rare that a doodle has the same fur texture as a standard poodle. 

Additionally, poodles are very tall with slender legs, while the majority of doodle breeds have thicker and shorter legs overall. Again, it will depend on the specific breed that you are interested in, but poodles have an elegance about them that most doodle breeds do not. 

Doodle vs Poodle: Ancestry and Breeding

Doodle vs Poodle

Poodles are a purebred breed of dog, while doodles are a hybrid or designer breed of dog.

©iStock.com/Laura Fay

In case you hadn’t already guessed, the primary difference between doodles and poodles has to do with their ancestry and breeding practices. Poodles are a purebred breed of dog, while doodles are a hybrid or designer breed of dog. This means that these dogs are bred for different purposes, as well as sought-after for extremely different reasons. Let’s talk more about how many different doodle varieties there are! 

A doodle mix can only be considered a doodle mix when one of the two dogs involved in the breeding process is a poodle. Other than that, poodles are bred with a variety of other dogs to create doodle hybrids. Some of the most popular doodle hybrids include:

You can see why it might be difficult to determine what type of doodle you are interested in, given just how many there are!

Doodle vs Poodle: Behavior

Doodle vs Poodle

Poodles are renowned for their hypoallergenic qualities, while many doodle breeds will not have the same level of hypoallergenic capabilities.

©Holly Michele/Shutterstock.com

While you may not notice this unless you adopt a doodle breed or poodle, there are some differences in the behaviors of both of these types of dogs. Poodles are regarded as extremely intelligent dogs that are easy to train, while many doodle breeds may not have the same level of intelligence as the average standard poodle. 

In addition, poodles are renowned for their hypoallergenic qualities, while many doodle breeds will not have the same level of hypoallergenic capabilities. However, doodle mixes exist primarily for this reason, and they do offer some level of relief for dog owners suffering from allergies and other issues. 

Many doodle breeds are extremely friendly and playful, while poodle breeds tend to be more aloof and calm. Again, it totally depends on the specific doodle breed that you are interested in, as well as the individual energy levels of each dog. 

Doodle vs Poodle: Lifespan

Doodle vs Poodle

All smaller doodle breeds live longer lives than larger doodle breeds, and they also live longer than poodles.

©Irina oxilixo Danilova/Shutterstock.com

The final difference between poodles and doodles has to do with their life span. While it depends on the specific doodle breed that you are looking at, there are some differences in how long poodles live versus how long doodles live. Let’s talk about these figures in more detail now. 

For example, poodles live anywhere from 12 to 15 years, while doodle mixes live anywhere from 10 to 17 years. Obviously, this number changes based on the size of the doodle breed that you are interested in. All smaller doodle breeds live longer lives than larger doodle breeds, and they also live longer than poodles. However, some larger doodle breeds live shorter lives than poodles.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kitch Bain/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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