Quick Take
- Poodles belong to a breed group most people never associate them with. That hidden connection is exactly why one surprising dog made this list. See the retriever connection →
- One breed on this list shares a poodle's brains but ditches the eagerness-to-please, and that key distinction could make or break a match for some owners. Meet the independent breed →
- Not every poodle alternative has a curly coat, and the odd ones out might actually suit your lifestyle better than the look-alikes do. Explore the straight-coated alternative →
- If high grooming demands are what's pushing you away from poodles, at least one breed here solves that problem while keeping everything else you love. Find the low-maintenance option →
Poodles are the total package: smart, sweet, and incredibly elegant. But let’s be real, their high-maintenance grooming and razor-sharp intellect aren’t for everyone. Luckily, there are plenty of smart, low-shedding alternatives. Read on for 10 fabulous breeds that share the best of the poodle’s traits. Whether you’re looking for a similar hypoallergenic coat or just another clever companion, check out these fantastic alternatives.
Portuguese Water Dog
A bit smaller than standard poodles, Portuguese water dogs have a similar temperament.
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Portuguese water dogs have similar curly coats to poodles, though their show cuts are a bit different in style. Their coats are black, brown, or white, so you won’t find colors like apricot or red, which are common in poodles.
Portuguese water dogs are comparable to standard poodles in size, standing 17-23 inches tall and weighing 35-60 pounds. They’re also affectionate, friendly, and active.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish water spaniel has a similar coat to a poodle.
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Irish water spaniels are another great choice if you’re looking for that curly, non-shedding poodle fur. They’re only slightly larger than standard poodles, and their fur comes in one color: liver, which is a shade of dark brown.
These dogs are known for being affectionate, playful, and eager to please.
Bedlington Terrier
Similar in looks but a bit different in temperament, Bedlington terriers are the perfect fit for some households.
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Bedlington terriers have a unique look and show cut, but their fur is very similar to a poodle. They tend to be more independent than poodles but are similar in that they’re active and protective.
Lagotto Romagnolo
If you want a poodle-like dog without strong guarding instincts, a Lagotto Romagnolo might be the perfect fit.
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Lagotto Romagnolos stand around the same height as standard poodles but weigh considerably less. They’re sweet, friendly, and active dogs without strong guarding instincts.
Their coats are dense and curly like a poodle’s, and they shed rarely. Coat colors accepted by the breed standard include orange, brown, white, and sable.
Bichon Frise
Bichon frise are similar to toy and miniature poodles.
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Miniature poodle lovers will likely also love a bichon frise. These small, fluffy white dogs weigh just 12-18 pounds. They’re non-shedding, friendly, and easy to train.
Like poodles, they have high grooming needs, and most people choose to pay a professional for haircuts or grooming.
Maltese
A toy breed with a straight coat, the Maltese is most similar to a toy poodle.
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Maltese are tiny, like toy poodles, standing seven to nine inches tall and weighing seven pounds or less. They have long, straight white coats that do not shed. Maltese are affectionate and playful.
Labrador Retriever
If you want a smart retrieving dog with lower grooming needs than a poodle, you’ll love a Labrador retriever.
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Did you know that poodles are retrievers? This means they’re similar in personality to other retrievers, such as Labradors.
Labrador retrievers don’t look similar to poodles, and they do shed year-round. But if you’re looking for a dog with similar working drive, intelligence, or size, Labradors fit all of these criteria.
Labrador retrievers are a bit bigger than standard poodles, with males weighing 65-80 pounds and females 55-70 pounds, compared to standard poodles’ typical range of 40-70 pounds.
Golden Retriever
Although they are similar in size and temperament to standard poodles, golden retrievers do shed.
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Golden retrievers are similar in temperament and drive to poodles and labs. If you prefer dogs with longer coats, you might choose golden retrievers over Labradors and find them easier to manage than poodles.
Size-wise, Golden Retrievers typically weigh 65-75 pounds for males and 55-65 pounds for females. Like poodles, goldens are loyal, affectionate, and smart.
Papillon
Papillons have similar temperaments to poodles.
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Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds in the world, and so are papillons. If you’re looking for a long-haired pup that’s a bit bigger than your average toy poodle but smaller than a miniature poodle, a papillon might be your perfect match.
Papillons shed moderately year-round. They’re affectionate, friendly, and easy to train.
Doodles
Poodle mixes make amazing pets.
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Doodles are mixed breeds with poodle ancestry.
Doodles, such as goldendoodles or Labradoodles, have a reputation for being affectionate, outgoing, and highly intelligent companions. Because they inherit traits from both poodles and retrievers, they are generally playful and tend to get along well with children and other pets.
However, this intelligence and energy also mean they require consistent mental stimulation and exercise to prevent them from becoming overly excited or anxious
