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As a breed, poodles consistently rank as one of the least smelly dogs in the world, alongside other popular breeds such as the dachshund and schnauzer. Because poodles are such a low odor breed, and their hypoallergenic coats do not shed, they are often paired with other dogs to create poodle cross breeds known as doodles. But of these doodle mixes, which has retained the poodle’s low odor trait?
The least smelly poodle mix breeds include:
- Havapoo:
- Maltipoos
- Poochons
- Schnoodles
- Westiepoos
- Labradoodles
Read on to learn more about the top six poodle mixes that don’t smell, and why the generation of your mix matters just as much as the breed. We’ll also detail the best way to ensure any poodle crossbreed remains odor-free.
Researcher’s Note: The Generation Rule (F1 vs. F1b) In my study of canine coat genetics, I’ve found that a mix’s odor largely depends on their specific generation. An F1 mix (50% Poodle, 50% other breed) is a genetic coin toss. To have the highest chance of securing a low-odor, hypoallergenic coat, you should look for an F1b generation. According to the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis, this means an F1 mix was bred back to a 100% Poodle, resulting in a dog that is 75% Poodle genetics. When observing the coat of my own Poodle, Angus, I was always amazed that he lacked that typical “wet dog” smell, even after coming in from the rain. If you want that same exact experience in a crossbreed, prioritize F1b litters over F1s.
Generation Genetic Breakdown Coat Type Odor & Shedding Risk F1 (First Generation) 50% Poodle / 50% Other Breed Wavy to Scruffy Moderate: A genetic coin-toss; could inherit the smell/shedding of the non-poodle parent. F1b (Backcross) 75% Poodle / 25% Other Breed Tightly Curled Very Low: The most reliable generation for a hypoallergenic, odorless coat. F2 (Second Generation) F1 Doodle + F1 Doodle Highly Variable High Unpredictability: Can result in “throwback” coats that shed and smell like the original non-poodle breed.
Explore More: While finding a low-odor companion is a huge priority for many families, it is just one piece of the puzzle. You also have to consider size, energy levels, and barking habits. If you are still weighing your options, explore our complete Poodle Mixes Guides to compare dozens of other crossbreeds and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
6 Poodle Mix Breeds that Don’t Smell
Before we dive into the top six poodle mixes that don’t smell, it is important to note that all dog breeds have an odor. So, when I say these mixes are “odorless,” we really mean that it is exceptionally rare for these mixes to have a foul smell unless there is a medical issue or something is lacking in their care.
That being said, all of the mixes on this list, apart from the Labradoodle, are created from two breeds that are consistently ranked as the most “odorless” breeds in the dog world.
Ultimately, the doodle craze has exploded, and there are now dozens of recognized crossbreeds in the dog world. If you want to see the complete scope of what is out there, check out my comprehensive guide to the 50 Best Poodle Mixes (2026): Traits, Cognition & Realities. Because all of these breeds have a Poodle parent, they will inherently smell less than most other dogs, but this specific list will detail which Poodle partners create the absolute lowest-odor crossbreeds.
The Low-Odor Poodle Mix Quick Reference
Use this chart to quickly compare the top six low-odor mixes by size and the specific grooming required to keep them smelling fresh.
Poodle Mix Parent Breeds Average Weight Key Grooming Need (To Prevent Odor) Havapoo Poodle + Havanese 13 – 44 lbs Regular brushing to prevent debris buildup in the dense coat. Maltipoo Poodle + Maltese 5 – 15 lbs Wiping under eyes to prevent smelly tear-stain bacteria. Poochon Poodle + Bichon Frise 6 – 17 lbs Strict daily brushing to prevent tight, smelly mats. Schnoodle Poodle + Min. Schnauzer 10 – 20 lbs Washing the “Schnauzer beard” after meals to remove trapped food. Westiepoo Poodle + West Highland Terrier 20 – 55 lbs Routine ear cleaning to prevent yeast buildup in floppy ears. Labradoodle Poodle + Labrador Retriever 15 – 100+ lbs F1b generations require consistent baths to manage oily skin (sebum).
1. Havapoo: Poodle + Havanese
Also known as a Poovanese, Havadoodle, or Island Mini Doodle, the Havapoo is a mix of a Poodle and Havanese. This breed is popular with individuals who want a small, cuddly, and fluffy dog that is also, of course, odorless. In fact, havapoos are the least smelly poodle mix available in the world today!
The origins of the Havapoo aren’t widely known due to a lack of information, but many suspect the mix first came to be around 20-30 years ago. They are a small to medium breed that weighs 13 to 44 pounds when full grown and measures between 7 to 15 inches tall.
In terms of temperament, Havapoos are great family dogs that are sensitive, intelligent, and easy to train. They are also friendly and playful, which, paired with their size, makes them great playmates for children when trained properly.
In addition to being a mix of two “odorless” breeds, the Havapoo has a hypoallergenic coat that resembles the Poodle’s thick and curly coat. This coat is a major reason why this mix is relatively odorless and hardly sheds. As long as the Havapoo isn’t excessively bathed, and their natural oils stripped from their hair, it’s unlikely you get a single foul whiff from these adorable furballs.
2.Havapoo: Poodle + Havanese
A small, curly-haired bundle of joy, the Poochon, also known as a Bichpoo, Bichon Poo, and Bichon Poodle, is a mix between a Poodle and a Bichon Frise.
As another mix from two “odorless” breeds, the Poochon doesn’t smell. However, this “odorless” dog requires a relatively hefty list of grooming needs.
Because the Poochon has the Poodle’s curly hair and the longer length of the Bichon Frise, they require daily brushing and monthly trips to a legitimate dog groomer to keep their fur from matting (which will smell).
Of course, this effort is rewarded with a clean, odorless coat that can come in cream, tan, and apricot. As a relatively new breed, it is hard to pin a standard size and weight on the Poochon. The majority will stick around 6 to 17 pounds and measure 9 to 15 inches.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a companion that looks more like a teddy bear than a canine and is full of playful energy and intelligence, you’ll want to get a Poochon.
3. Maltipoo: Poodle + Maltese
Another extremely new breed, the Maltipoo, is a cross between a miniature or toy Poodle and a Maltese. Again, you don’t have to worry about any odor here because this breed boasts the benefits of both parent breed’s “odorless” and hypoallergenic coats.
Size Matters: The Maltipoo’s tiny stature makes them ideal for apartment living or elderly owners. If you are specifically searching for a compact, low-odor companion that weighs under 20 pounds, you will want to compare the Maltipoo against the other breeds in my comprehensive guide to the 22 Best Small Poodle Mixes: Real Size, Barking & Health.
Since they are a mix, the height and weight of Malitpoos can vary, even within the same litter. Generally, Maltipoos measure up to 14 inches tall and will weigh anywhere between 5 to 15 pounds. For the most part, Maltipoos are very small dogs and are therefore best suited to homes with older owners and family members that know how to handle them properly.
The Maltipoo is an extremely playful, clever, and gentle breed. They enjoy human company and can even make good emotional support animals with the proper training.
When it comes to grooming, the level of care they will require will vary depending on their coat. Those with the long fluffy poodle curls will need daily care and monthly grooming like the Poochon, but those with shorter scruffier coats won’t need as much care.
4. Schnoodle: Poodle + Miniature Schnauzer
Who doesn’t want a Schnoodle? If not for their “odorless” coat, then at least for that adorable name! This breed is becoming increasingly popular within families, and it’s not hard to see why.
A cross between a poodle and a miniature Schnauzer, the Schnoodle is a relatively small breed, measuring 10 to 12 inches tall and weighing 10 to 20 pounds. They are intelligent, cuddly dogs that enjoy moderate exercise and perform quite well in competitive sports such as flyball.
Although their coat itself doesn’t produce much of an odor, Schnoodles can easily smell without consistent care and grooming.
For instance, a staple feature of the Schnoodle is their proud Schnauzer beard. This feature is uniquely adorable Schnauzer and Terrier breeds, but it can also be a significant source of odor if food, dirt, and other substances get stuck in the hair.
In addition to their beard, it is also common for this breed to have brown tear stains under their eyes from drainage. If left uncared for, the moisture here can cause a significant growth of bacteria which could cause an unpleasant smell.
Luckily, these are common issues with dogs and can be solved with regular brushing and grooming as well as washing your Schnoodle’s face under the eyes with sterile eyewash pads or hydrogen peroxide.
5. Westiepoo: Poodle + West Highland White Terrier
An absolutely beautiful breed, the Wesiepoo, also known as the Westiedoodle or Wee-Poo, is a mix between a toy or miniature Poodle and a West Highland White Terrier. Therefore, they are also smaller dogs that will measure between 10 to 17 inches in height and weigh between 20 to 55 pounds.
Westiepoos combines all the best genetics of both breeds, including its odorless coat. Typically, you can find Westiepoos in white, cream, black, or tan and the length and texture of their coat largely depend on their genetic makeup. Some might have short Poodle curls, and some might have long wiry Westie hair.
The grooming level will also depend on the Westiepoo’s coat, but typically owners and groomers should pay close attention to this breeds ears and over the eyes, so their hearing and vision aren’t impaired.
These little dogs have a big personality and do well, both with families and an individual owner. They are self-reliant and affectionate dogs with lots of charm and spunk, suitable for any environment, whether it be urban, rural, or suburban.
6. Labradoodle: Poodle + Labrador Retriever
Possibly the most popular poodle mix you’ll find on this list is the coveted Labradoodle. This mix is created with a Poodle and Labrador retriever, both highly intelligent and energetic breeds with a kind disposition.
Labradoodles were first bred in Australia in 1988 by Wally Conron to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for individuals with allergies. The result was a loveable mix that is perfect for families, hardly shed, and best of all, don’t smell.
Depending on whether they are mixed with a miniature or a standard poodle, Labradoodles can come in a range of sizes measuring anywhere from 14-24 inches and weighing 15 to 30 pounds for a miniature-sized, 30 to 45 pounds for a medium-sized; 45 to more than 100 pounds for a standard-sized.
Compared to the other breeds, the Labradoodle is a bit of an outlier since Labrador retrievers are actually consistently ranked as one of the smelliest dog breeds. However, due to careful breeding and the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat, this mix is potentially one of the least smelly of all mixes on our list, despite its smelly parent breed.
What is the Least Smelly Poodle Mix?
Considering the sheer number of poodle mixes, all of the breeds mentioned above are, more or less, equally deemed the least smelly breed. Some of this can certainly vary on an individual level.
Havapoos are the least smelly poodle mix due to their short hair. A Havapoo’s compact coat collects less dirt and debris than other poodle mixes resulting in the reduction of odor. While havapoos are typically odorless, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and oral issues can cause foul smells if left untreated
If you have a Schnoodle with an extremely long and wiry coat versus a Havapoo with a short curly coat, the Havapoo is likely to smell less because its coat is more compact and won’t have as much dirt or debris stuck in it to create an odor.
That being said, there are poodle mix breeds that would definitely be smellier than those mentioned on this list. If any poodle mix had a parent from the list below, they would likely need extra grooming and have more of a natural odor.
Not all of the dogs on this list have official Poodle mixes yet, but some do, and all of them are consistently ranked as the least smelly dog breeds in the world.
This is partly because many of the dogs on this list were specifically bred to hunt and have weather and/or water-resistant coats. To achieve this, these breeds have a larger sebaceous gland, which produces an oily/waxy secretion known as sebum.
If you’ve ever noticed your dog has an especially shiny or silky coat all the time, it is because of this oil. The sebum functions as a protective barrier between water or other elements and the dog’s skin, and it is this oil that makes them exceptionally smelly breeds.
Which Dog Breeds Smell When Mixed With Poodles?
However, there are a few dog breeds that are smellier. This is due to their coats needing constant grooming or frequent health issues, such as ear infections, that cause strong odors and would be less ideal for owners trying to avoid bad smells.
Here are the smelliest dog breeds that would make any Poodle mix’s scent more pungent:
- Basset Hounds (doodle mix is called a Bassetdoodle)
- Bulldogs
- Cocker spaniels (doodle mix is called a Cockapoo)
- St Bernard
- Blood Hound
- Mastiff
- Beagle
- Pug (doodle mix is called Pugapoo)
- Yorkie (doodle mix is called a Yorkipoo)
- Shar-pei
The one exception here is the Labradoodle. Although Labradors are commonly seen amongst the smelliest dog breeds, they have been carefully bred with poodles so a strong argument could be made that the Labradoodle is one of the least smelly poodle mixes.
This point is supported by the fact that, as opposed to many other poodle mix breeds, the Labradoodle shows up on lists of least smelly dog breeds alongside its parent breed, the Poodle.
How to Stop a Poodle Mix from Smelling
Although the Poodle is one of the least smelly breeds and many of its mixes have followed suit, there are still conditions that would cause any Poodle mix to smell. Therefore, if you find this is the case with your Poodle mix, try troubleshooting with some of these tips, and perhaps they will remedy the issue.
To ensure your poodle mix has a clean and odorless coat, bathe your dog about every three weeks. Dirt, debris, and even fecal matter can get stuck or matted into their coats, resulting in foul smells. Avoid excessive bathing as this strips a dog’s coat of necessary natural oils, which can cause health or skin issues.
Give Your Poodle Mix Some Grooming and a Bath
More often than not, if your Poodle mix is emitting some foul smells, then he probably needs some quality grooming.
As a breed, Poodles have extremely curly and tightly packed coats that more resemble human hair than fur. This means that the coat can grow to significant lengths, which becomes an issue when you consider the fact that their coats are also water-resistant.
Therefore, giving your Poodle mix a much-needed bath can be difficult if they genetically have a more Poodle-Esque coat than their other parent breed.
When you give your Poodle mix a bathe, lather them thoroughly with shampoo, and then lather them some more for good measure. Since their coats are so thick, curly, and water-resistant, many owners don’t actually wash all the way down to their Poodle mix’s skin, which can actually cause a more significant odor when they’re done bathing.
In addition to regular bathing, your Poodle mix will need regular brushing, trimming, and potentially a trip to a professional groomer. Those with longer coats will need some of this care routinely, potentially daily, whereas others can get by with weekly brushing and some trimming when necessary.
The “Puppy Coat Transition” (The 8-Month Matting Crisis)
Most owners buy a Poodle mix puppy, marvel at how good it smells, and then panic around the 8-month mark when the dog suddenly develops a foul, swampy odor. This isn’t a medical emergency; it’s the coat transition.
The Role of Diet & Gut Health in Skin Odor
A dog’s skin is their largest organ. If they are eating low-quality kibble filled with cheap fillers, their body will excrete those toxins through their skin oils (sebum), resulting in a greasy, smelly coat.
Medical Conditions That Cause Poodle Mixes to Smell
If you know that your Poodle mix is clean and gets groomed regularly, then you might want to search for any signs of any medical conditions.
Common medical conditions that cause a poodle to smell include:
- Ear infections: Poodles and their mixes have floppy ears that trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for smelly yeast.
- Skin and Paw infections: Bacterial overgrowth in the folds of the skin or between the paw pads.
- Anal sac impactions: When the glands near the rectum fail to empty naturally, they produce a highly pungent, fishy odor.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Strong, foul-smelling urine that can sometimes soak into the hair around the hindquarters.
- Periodontal (Dental) Disease: Toy and Miniature Poodle mixes (like the Havapoo and Maltipoo) have overcrowded mouths, making them highly susceptible to plaque buildup. What many owners mistake for “body odor” is actually severe dental decay. According to data synthesized from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), daily brushing is mandatory for small breeds to prevent this foul-smelling bacteria from entering their bloodstream and causing organ damage.
Check for any visible redness or irritation, swelling, or foul odor. If you find your Poodle mix refuses to let you touch a certain area due to pain or sensitivity, this is a red flag that something might not be right.
If you do notice any health issues with your Poodle mix, be sure to contact your veterinarian for further instructions. Some of these conditions can be remedied with common medications, while others may need strong antibiotics only your vet can prescribe.
Make Sure Your Vet or Groomer Empties the Anal Glands
Many pet owners might not be aware that dogs have something called anal glands that release an oily substance when dogs greet each other.
Typically, your dog will naturally expel this oil when they defecate, but it is very common that at least some oil builds up in the anal glands and needs to be emptied manually. If not, the oil could continue to build to the point that the gland could even rupture and cause serious infections.
If you notice your Poodle mix is liking their bottom frequently or scooting along the floor, this might indicate that their anal glands are irritating them. Another sign would be a foul smell paired with secretions of brown liquid.
Fortunately, emptying anal glands is a relatively easy process that most professional groomers will perform during every session. However, this is a delicate process the individual should be fully educated on before they perform.
Therefore, if you suspect this is the root cause of any odor from your Poodle mix, you should have a veterinarian empty their anal sac if not otherwise done by a professional groomer. It is inadvisable for owners to do this themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Goldendoodles smell? Generally, Goldendoodles have a very low odor. However, Golden Retrievers have thick double coats designed to repel water, which produce natural oils (sebum). An F1b Goldendoodle (75% Poodle) will smell significantly less than a standard F1 Goldendoodle because they inherit more of the Poodle’s dry, hair-like coat.
Why does my Poodle mix smell like corn chips? If your dog’s paws smell like corn chips or old sweat socks, they likely have a harmless overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast and bacteria (specifically Pseudomonas or Proteus) on their paw pads. Regular paw washing with a dog-safe antifungal shampoo will neutralize this scent.
How often should I bathe my Poodle mix to stop odors? According to grooming standards outlined by the American Kennel Club (AKC), you should bathe a Poodle mix every 3 to 4 weeks. Bathing them more frequently than this will strip their skin of essential moisture, which actually causes their body to overproduce oil and makes the bad smell worse.
Final Thoughts
Poodle mixes have become increasingly popular within the past twenty years, and many families and elderly owners have been flocking to breeders and shelters in search of these friendly, fluffy canines.
If you or someone you live with is particularly sensitive to pet odors or have dog-related allergies, the top six Poodle mixes listed here would be an exceptional match for you. If you want a dog with the slimmest chance of odor, and all the best qualities of both parent breeds, try opting for a Labradoodle or the classic Poodle.
Matching Scent with Sensibility
Securing an odorless, hypoallergenic coat is a massive win, but it is only half the equation. You also need a companion whose energy level fits your daily life. Before making your final decision, read through my research on the 12 Calmest Poodle Mixes (Quiet, Gentle, & Easygoing Doodles) to ensure your new best friend is as easy to live with as they are to smell.
Medical & Veterinary Disclaimer: PoodleReport.com is an informational resource for Poodle owners and enthusiasts. We are not veterinarians. The content on this website is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s medical condition, diet, or overall health.