Oodles of Doodles! A peek at poodle crossbreeds
D. Robert Williams
They're called "crossbreeds", "hybrids", and sometimes simply "mutts", but offspring of mixed canine heritage have the best qualities of their purebred parents--but are healthier and more robust.
Goldendoodles
A Goldendoodle (or Golden Doodle) is a product of breeding a golden retriever with a poodle. Goldendoodles were originally bred as the perfect pet for physically challenged people who needed an assistance dog that wouldn't agitate their allergies. The Goldendoodle's low shedding coat and high intelligence fit the bill, and has made them a family favorite since their appearance in United States in the mid 1990's.
Smaller Goldendoodles are considered "Miniature", and are the product of golden retriever and minature or toy poodle parents. Weights vary from 25 to 45 pounds, far smaller than the largest standard size Goldendoodles (from standard poodle lineage) which can weigh over 75 pounds.
Colors and coats vary widely, from cream to brown to black, with poodle curls or the shaggy retriever look. No matter what the look, all goldendoodles have that ever-important low shedding coat, a sharp mind and friendly temperament.
Labradoodles
Labradoodles are the product of labrador retriever and poodle parents, and have much in common with Goldendoodles. Like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodles were bred to be low-allergen guide dogs, originating in Australia in the early 1990's.
There are three size categories for Labradoodles, depending on parentage, ranging from the 25-pound miniature to the 75+ pound standard, with medium Labradoodles at around 50 pounds. You will find Labradoodles in a wider range of colors than Goldendoodles: white, cream, tan, coffee, brown, red, grey, or black. Their coats are a little shorter at 3-4", but the same varying texture.
Both of these poodle crossbreeds are remarkably fit, showing none of the major health concerns of their purebred parents, and a life expectancy of 13-15 years.
Other Poodle Crossbreeds
Hybrids from poodles of varying sizes include: Schnoodle = Schnauzer + Poodle
Cockapoo = Cocker Spaniel + Poodle
Chi-Poo = Chihuahua + Poodle
Doodleman Pinscher = Doberman + Poodle
English Boodle = English Bulldog + Poodle
Eskapoo = American Eskimo Dog + Poodle
Lhasapoo = Lhasa Apso + Poodle
Pekepoo = Pekingese + Poodle
Pomapoo = Pomeranian + Poodle
Pugapoo = Pug + Poodle
Saint Berdoodle = Saint Bernard + Poodle
Schnoodle = Schnauzer + Poodle
Scoodle = Scottish Terrier + Poodle
Weimardoodle = Weimaraner + Poodle
Note: One crossbred pup left off this list is the popular and comical Puggle, which is often mistaken for a pug/poodle mix, but is actually the offspring of pug and beagle parents.
About the author: Considering a goldendoodle or labradoodle? Search for breeders by location, breed, and dog size, then compare breeder prices and policies at: DoodleFinder http://www.doodlefinder.com - The online database of USA labradoodle and goldendoodle breeders.