Best Doodle Breeds For Families – Our Top 5 Reviewed

Doodle dogs are known for being friendly, affectionate, and trainable, making them ideal family pets. But if you’re unsure which specific variety of doodle to opt for – there are many – it can be worth researching each type to discern which is the best doodle breed for your family.

Most doodles will make great family pets; however, certain varieties – such as the Goldendoodle – have key attributes that make them favorable compared with other doodle breeds (for example, the high-energy Sheepadoodle, which may a bit much for small children).

We look into the doodle breed options available and review the best for families – and why.

Types of Doodle Breeds

Technically, it’s not really known how many doodle breeds there are out there because you can breed any type of dog with a poodle to make a doodle or a “double doodle.” However, 15 of the most most popular doodle breeds are:

• Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle mix)
• Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle mix)
• Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle mix)
• Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle mix)
• Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle mix)
• Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd + Poodle mix)
• Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle mix)
• Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog + Poodle mix)
• Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle mix)
• Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle mix)
• Australian Labradoodle (Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever + Poodle mix)
• Whoodle (Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier + Poodle mix)
• Shihpoo (Shih Tzu + Poodle mix)
• Boxerdoodle (Boxer + Poodle mix)
• Irish Doodle (Irish Setter + Poodle mix)

The 5 Best Doodle Dog Breeds

While any breed mixed with a poodle will have a more placid temperament than perhaps certain purebreds, there are definitely better choices for a doodle than others as far as an ideal family pet goes.

When welcoming a four-legged friend into your home – particularly if you have kids or other pets – the animal must be compatible by nature and patient with them.

Poodles are known for their patience and trainability, which is why they – and certain other breeds crossed with poodles – make idyllic family pets.

Our top 5 family-friendly doodle breeds are:

1. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are becoming an increasingly popular choice of pet, particularly for families with smaller/younger children – and for a good reason.

Goldendoodles are poodles mixed with golden retrievers (another great choice as a family pet), and this combination of breeds just ticks all the boxes.

Goldendoodle Pros:

• They are very intelligent. Both poodles and retrievers are smart dog breeds, so the combination undoubtedly produces brainy pups.
• They’re incredibly cute. All dogs are cute, of course, but goldies are particularly known to steal your heart, owing to their lovely personalities and those delicious flowing golden curls.
• They’re great companions. They like company insofar as they enjoy being around other pets and people – even young children. They’re a playful breed, so if you have little ones at home, your doodle will be best friends with them in no time.
• They’re fairly low maintenance. While they do need regular grooming and brushing, they’re not known for shedding or drooling or any other characteristic associated with high maintenance.
• They’re a good size. They’re not too large, so if they’re playing with your young children, there isn’t much likelihood of them barreling into a smaller person and causing considerable injury. Conversely, they’re not so small that clumsy young children might end up stepping on or accidentally harming them.
• They make great therapy dogs, owing to their loyal, friendly, and patient nature.

Goldendoodle Cons:

• Owing to the poodle side of their DNA, Goldendoodles have curly coats, which require regular grooming, brushing, and shampooing. They need regular and sometimes excessive grooming. Depending on your choice of a professional groomer, this can become costly.
• Goldendoodles are one of the most popular breeds to date, and because of this, they can cost a pretty penny if you acquire one from a breeder. They can be expensive to buy. It can be a better option all-round to visit your local shelter and look into a rescue.
• They need a lot of exercises. Golden retrievers need to keep active and have a particularly playful nature, so you must have garden space for them to stretch their legs and play and that you’re willing to walk your doodle a minimum of twice a day – especially when they’re young.

2. Labradoodle

Labradoodles have many loveable traits, including being gentle, playful, affectionate, protective, outgoing, and friendly to humans and other animal species (even your grumpy, intolerant feline!).

Like Goldendoodles, they’re intelligent creatures. They differ from goldies because owing to their labrador DNA, they are a little goofier!

Labradoodle Pros:

• Minimal shedding, so any allergy-sufferers in your home shouldn’t be too afflicted.
• They enjoy companionship but also have an independent streak, so they can be a good choice for child-free families or families without other dogs/pets.
• They’re medium-level in terms of exercise needs; however, they are great choices for lovers of the outdoors and make perfect hiking buddies.
• Labradors are known to be one of the most loyal dog breeds, so naturally, a labradoodle will inherit some of this trait.
• They’re easy to train and respond well to puppy classes.
• They have big personalities. You’ll never meet a dull labradoodle!

Labradoodle Cons:

• Again, owing to their curly coats – they require regular grooming upkeep.
• Labradoodles can get quite big, so they need space – and you’ll need to be mindful of this if there are toddlers/infants at home.
• Labradoodles can be known for some health issues.
• Again – owing to their popularity as great family pets, they can be expensive.

3. Bernedoodle

Known for their charming but goofy personalities, Bernedoodles are renowned for having a particular fondness for kids, making them high on the list as a great choice for a family dog.

Like most doodles, Bernies enjoy being active as much as they enjoy cuddling up with their humans.

Bernedoodle Pros:

• They typically have a longer lifespan than other doodle types, meaning you get to bask in their love for longer.
• They’re considered perhaps one of the most affectionate of the doodle clan and absolutely love to snuggle.
• They’re hypoallergenic, owing to their poodle parentage.
• They’re infrequent shedders, barkers, and droolers.
• They are one of the smartest dog breeds and quick to learn tricks and manners, so they can be a good choice for families who’ve never owned a dog.
• They’re charming and sociable members of the poodle mix.

Bernedoodle Cons:

• Owing to the Bernese mountain dog in them, Bernedoodles can get quite large. Although they’re known to be very doting on children, their size/weight must be considered if toddlers or infants are in your home.
• Again – as with all other poodle-crosses, they have high grooming needs.
• They are very active and require plenty of exercise, so families not willing to cater to this are well-advised to get a cat perhaps instead.

4. Cavapoo

Intelligent, cuddly, apartment-friendly, and wielding a low prey drive, Cavapoos are much smaller than the other doodle breeds on this list, which can make them a great choice for families with small children, as well as seniors looking to welcome a dog into their home.

Cavapoo Pros:

• Their exercise needs are considered “medium,” which can be useful for busier families not able to get outdoors as much as they’d like. Because of this, plus their size, they can be a good option for those living in apartments.
• A good choice for first-time dog owners.
• Considered a lapdog, cavalier King Charles spaniel poodle mixes are cuddly dogs.
• Known as one of the smartest doodle breeds.
• Gentle but love to play

Cavapoo Cons:

• They are seasonal shedders, which may be a factor for those with allergies and sensitivities; although, because of their poodle DNA, they are considered “low-allergen.”
• They can be prone to health and dental issues, so particular care for their teeth is required.
• They require a lot of grooming, as per all doodle dogs.
• They love to swim, so mindfulness of fur matting and keeping an eye on their ears’ well-being is important.

5. Maltipoo

The most pint-sized member of the doodle posse, the Maltese poodle cross, is our fifth and final doodle breed nominee.

For those with more limited space, or perhaps a home in a more urbanized area, the Maltipoo is a great doodle choice, as they’re small, medium-exercise-requiring, and are a great choice for empty-nesters.

Maltipoo Pros:

• Gentle yet playful in nature.
• Low/infrequent droolers and shedders.
• Very devoted to their human companions.
• Great for large or small families.
• Can come in numerous adorable patterns (such as ‘tuxedo’).
• Easy to train.

Maltipoo Cons:

• Known to be frequent barkers.
• Requires regular grooming, as per all doodles.
• High-activity dogs, which may be a negative factor for senior citizens.

What to Consider When Getting a Doodle Dog

Welcoming a dog into your home is a big commitment – regardless of age, size, breed, temperament, etc.

If you’re thinking of adding a doodle to your family, here are the main things to consider:

• All doodles are considered “high-activity” dogs, so anyone not willing to cater to this should reconsider.
• A dog is for life – not just for Christmas.
• Because of the poodle element, doodles have long/curly coats. This means regular trips to the groomer are required to keep them in good condition. Curly coats are also known to be more stubborn when it comes to bathing/shampooing, so bathtimes are important, and having a good shampoo designed to detangle and cleanse the fur is key.
• Any crossbreed is likely to inherit any health conditions associated with either side of their parentage, so it’s wise to research each breed thoroughly before committing and look into a good insurance plan to cover any medical issues that may arise.
• While doodles are particularly fond and tolerant of children, your children must be taught to respect and treat them appropriately. While chances of biting are minimal, dogs are living, sentient souls, and their gentle natures should not be taken for granted.
• Living space. While some doodle breeds are apartment-friendly, it is wise to have space (particularly outdoors) when considering bringing a dog into your home. Make sure your home is puppy-proof and safe for your doodle. This also includes security to keep your dog safe from nearby traffic.

Best Doodles Dogs For Families: FAQs

What is the Calmest Breed of Doodle?

While all doodles are known to inherit the docile nature of their poodle parents, Goldendoodles are considered to be perhaps the calmest doodle breed, owing to the loving and chilled nature of their golden retriever DNA.

What Doodle Breed is Easiest to Train?

Again, the Goldendoodle holds the prize here. Goldies have a mix of high intelligence (per their poodle heritage) and are extremely eager to please (per their golden retriever heritage), which is a combination that is apt for training. This is why Golden Retrievers make great guide dogs for visually-impaired people and great service dogs for those with hidden disabilities.

Which Doodle Barks the Least?

We get it – barking can be annoying and inconvenient, so if this is a factor for those considering welcoming a doodle into their home, your best bet is to opt for a Whoodle (soft-coated wheaten terrier & poodle cross).

Despite their high-energy and active natures, Whoodles are not known to be prominent or regular barkers.

Are Doodles Chewers?

All dogs like to chew – it is a natural habit for all breeds, especially dogs who are teething. However, some dogs are known to chew more than others. An example of this would be Goldendoodles, owing to the retriever element of their blood.

Golden Retrievers live up to their names on both counts; they are indeed golden (in aesthetics, as well as personality), and they love to retrieve items – which often means retrieving objects (such as shoes) for a good chewing sesh.

When welcoming any dog into your home, it is wise to “puppy-proof” the home to eradicate any items that, if chewed, could cause injury or death (such as wiring or hazardous items), as well as anything you’d prefer they didn’t chew (such as your favorite pair of sneakers!), and keep them supplemented with plenty of enrichment and chew toys.

Are Doodles Easy to Potty Train?

No breed of dog is known to be more or less difficult to potty train. This includes all types of doodles.

Potty training (much like with our own offspring) can be a long, arduous affair; and requires time and patience (not to mention a few puppy pads). Always use positive reinforcement when training your pup to go potty outside and be prepared for an accident or two.

Final Thoughts

When selecting a breed – or crossbreed – best fitted for a family, choosing any doodle (particularly one of the five listed above) is bound to be a good decision.

Doodles make great family pets, largely owing to their poodle DNA, which is friendly, patient, well-trainable, and just an all-around delight.

These poodle mixes are popular hybrid dog breeds for a good reason; they make great family pets (whether miniature or toy poodles or larger doodle dogs, like medium or standard).