There are dozens of types of Oodle dogs, ranging from the popular Cavoodle and Labradoodle to lesser-known breeds like Bernedoodles and Aussiedoodles. Each of these poodle mixes has distinct temperaments, energy levels, and care needs.
If you’re trying to figure out which poodle cross suits your family, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the different doodle dogs out there. Every breeder seems to have a different oodle breed, and it’s hard to know what each one is like beyond the cute photos.
We get it. At oodle pups, we’ve raised multi-generational Labradoodles and helped countless families find the right match. We know how different each poodle crossbreed can be.
This guide shares our insights into what each breed is really like. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What each Oodle breeds’ personality is like
- Energy levels and exercise needs
- Size ranges across different breeds
- Best matches for your lifestyle
Keep reading to find your perfect fit.
Oodle Dogs: The Poodle Cross Basics
Breeders create oodles (also called doodles) by crossing a purebred poodle with another purebred dog breed.
The whole idea started back in the 1980s when someone needed a guide dog that wouldn’t trigger allergies (since 10-20% of people worldwide suffer from pet allergies). Breeders crossed a Labrador with a Poodle, and it worked brilliantly.
And here’s the interesting part. That first cross proved poodles could pass on their hypoallergenic coats and intelligence, while the other parent breed added its own personality traits.
Today, poodle crossbreeds are everywhere. Breeders wanted those low-shedding coats and smart, trainable temperaments combined with the friendliness of dogs like
- Golden Retrievers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
This brought dozens of different poodle mixes, each bringing something unique to families looking for a dog breed that fits their lifestyle without the constant vacuuming.
Most Popular Oodle Breeds in Australia
The four most popular Oodle breeds in Australia are Labradoodles, Cavoodles, Groodles, and Spoodles. All of them have distinct personalities and energy levels that suit different types of homes.
And when you know what each breed is actually like, picking the right one becomes way easier. So let’s look at what makes each of these poodle crosses different.
Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever Cross)
Need a dog who can keep up with your active family and won’t complain about long beach days? Then Labradoodles are perfect for you. This cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle creates a brilliant family dog for active households.
Labradoodles are energetic, outgoing dogs who love being part of family activities and outdoor adventures. They’re highly intelligent and easy to train, which is why you’ll see them working as assistance dogs and therapy dogs all over Australia.
However, these dogs need proper daily exercise and mental stimulation. Even our girls Pip and Rosie need their daily exercise and mental stimulation. If they don’t get it, they’ll find their own entertainment around your house (and trust us, you won’t love their creative choices).
Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cross)
The best part of having Cavoodles is that they adapt to any living situation, from small apartments to houses with big backyards.
They are Australia’s most popular Oodles because they’re gentle, affectionate, and suit almost any living space. Also, they love human companionship and enjoy curling up on the couch just as much as playing in the yard.
Their small size comes from crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, creating a cute, low-shedding dog. The affectionate nature and gentle temperament make them perfect family pets for first-time dog owners or families with young children.
Groodle (Golden Retriever Cross)
Groodles (also called Goldendoodles) inherit the Golden Retriever’s friendly, eager-to-please personality but with a much lower shedding coat. They’re incredibly social and need plenty of human interaction with people and other dogs to stay happy and well-adjusted.
In our experience, most active families love Groodles since they’re always up for a walk, swim, or backyard game of fetch. This intelligent breed does best in homes where someone is around for most of the day.
Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel Cross)
If you’ve never owned a dog before, Spoodles make an excellent first choice. These are cheerful, affectionate dogs with lively, playful personalities who love being involved in everything their families do. The affectionate personalities you get from this Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix are hard to beat.
But here’s the thing. Spoodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. That’s why they suit homes where someone’s around most days.
Other Oodle Breed Options Worth Knowing
Now that you know the most common oodles, let’s look at two breeds that offer something different for specific family types.
Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog Cross)
The cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle creates a playful, gentle giant without being hyperactive. This makes them great for families who want a relaxed but fun companion who won’t bounce off the walls constantly.
Their size varies depending on the poodle parent the breeder used. You’ll find medium Bernedoodles crossed with Miniature Poodles, or large standard versions that can weigh quite a bit. Either way, their gentle nature stays consistent across sizes.
Worth Noting: Bernedoodles often inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog’s love of cooler weather, so they’re particularly well-suited to families in cooler climates or those with air conditioning.
Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd Cross)
Aussiedoodles are one of the most energetic oodle breeds available. They’re bred from the hardworking Australian Shepherd parent that farmers originally used for herding livestock. Their characteristics include:
- Highly energetic and needs constant activity
- Intelligent problem-solvers who learn quickly
- Attention-seekers who want to be involved in everything
As they inherit that strong working drive, they need mental challenges like training activities or dog sports to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour around your home.
So if your family is active and outdoorsy, Aussiedoodles make brilliant companions. But if you prefer quiet evenings without much fuss, this probably isn’t your breed (because a 45kg surprise of unspent energy is nobody’s idea of fun).
Size Differences: What to Expect from Each Oodle Breed
Oodle sizes aren’t standardised like purebreds. Based on our experience, the final size depends entirely on which type of poodle was used in breeding.
So what does this actually mean for you? Well, if a breeder uses a Toy Poodle, you’ll get a much smaller dog than if they use a Standard Poodle. The size variations can be pretty significant across different Oodle breeds.
For example, Cavoodles and Spoodles typically come in toy or miniature sizes, weighing between 5 and 12 kg when fully grown. These smaller poodle mixes work brilliantly for apartment living and families with limited space.
Meanwhile, Labradoodles and Groodles range from medium to standard sizes, with some reaching up to 45 kg.
Along with sizes, coat types can also vary depending on whether the parent breeds passed on curly-coated or straighter hair. While curly coats often mean low-shedding hair that’s better for allergies, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting. Straighter coats might shed more but need less maintenance overall.
Finding the Right Oodle Breed for Your Home
Before picking an oodle breed, think about your:
- Daily routine
- Activity level
- How much time you can dedicate (to exercise and grooming)
The right match comes down to honest self-assessment. Are you genuinely active enough for a high-energy Labradoodle, or would a gentler Cavoodle fit better? Do you have time for regular grooming appointments, or do you need a lower-maintenance coat type?
Talk to reputable breeders like Oodle Pups who prioritise health testing and can share honest insights about each breed’s temperament. When we work with families, we always recommend thinking about what happens on your busiest days, not your best days. That’s when you’ll know if a dog gets enough exercise and attention.
