The 10 Best Poodle Mixes for Seniors: A Guide With Pictures


Poodles are very popular and can make excellent pets. They are hypoallergenic so they are ideal for people with allergies. They’re also outgoing and easy to train. For these reasons, poodle mixes have become popular with seniors worldwide.

Over time, different dog breeds have been crossbred with poodles to obtain their beneficial qualities such as hypoallergenic hair, while keeping some of their own breed’s unique characteristics. These poodle mixes are usually called Doodles

What are the 10 best poodle mixes for Seniors? Many poodle mixes adapt well to the lifestyle and needs of Seniors. Here are the top ten: 

  1. Maltipoo
  2. Cockapoo
  3. Toy Goldendoodle
  4. Bidoodle 
  5. Shih-poo
  6. Chi-poo 
  7. Pomapoo
  8. Yoodle
  9. Schnoodle
  10. Corgipoo

There are many different types of poodle mixes available in various sizes for seniors, so it’s hard to decide which one is best. Let’s go over the top 10 and discuss the pros and cons of each. 

Poodle Mixes

Why are Poodle mixes so popular? The quick answer is it’s because of the soft hypoallergenic curly fur that rarely sheds. Not only that, these Doodles usually live longer and have fewer health problems than the purebred poodle breeds. 

Doodles usually have a Poodle parent that was crossbred with another purebred dog. Poodle doodles are very responsive to training and pick up new skills quickly. They also have a friendly disposition and make wonderful companions. 

When looking for a poodle mix, it would be good to take into consideration the following:

  • Hair type & grooming needs
  • Size
  • Energy (How much stimulus is needed)
  • Training 
  • Health issues

Here is an easy reference chart which shows each of these 10 poodle mixes and the qualities of each:

Grooming
Needs
Size Energy Training Health Issues
Maltipoo Easy Small Moderate Easy Low-moderate
Cockapoo Easy-medium Small Moderate-high Easy Low-moderate
Toy Golden-doodle Easy Tiny Medium EasyModerate
Bidoodle  Moderate Tiny
Low- moderate
Medium-hard Low-moderate
Shih-poo ModerateSmallLow Medium-hard Low-moderate
Chi-poo  Easy-medium TinyModerateMedium Low-moderate
Pomdoodle Easy-medium TinyModerateMedium Low-moderate
Yorkipoodle Medium-high Small-medium Medium-high Medium Low
Schnoodle Medium-high Medium Low-moderate Easy Low-moderate
Corgipoo EasyMediumModerateEasyLow

1. Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is the cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. They are very popular with Seniors, and for good reason! The Maltipoo thrives in smaller spaces, like apartments. Additionally, The Maltipoo is very seldom aggressive and is friendly with strangers. They love to be cuddled and spoiled. 

Their need for attention also means they get along well in new environments. In fact, they’re quite social and won’t do well if they’re left alone for too long. A Maltipoo would be a great fit for a senior that plans on being available often. They also make wonderful traveling companions. 

Training a Maltipoo is not difficult because they really desire to please you. In most situations, they respond to attention and praise better than treats. 

As far as maintenance goes, Maltipoos are rather easy to groom. They require the same kind of grooming as most doodles, but they’re easier to handle due to their small size and friendly demeanor. 

A downside to a Maltipoo is they can become rather noisy. After all, small toy breeds are notorious for barking however, since Maltipoos are easily trained, they can be trained not to bark. 

GroomingSizeEnergyTrainingHealth Issues
MaltipooEasySmallModerate   Easy Low-moderate

2. Cockapoo

A cockapoo is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle. This miniature breed doodle loves attention and interaction. They get along with people and other animals and love to play. Cockapoos also make great lap dogs. They don’t grow to weigh more than 25 pounds, so it’s rather easy to pick one up for cuddles!

A Cockapoo’s fur is silky soft and easy to groom. It should be brushed often to keep matting in check. They are known for playfulness during grooming time and may want to play with you instead of sitting still. 

Cockapoos are always on the lookout for something to play with, so they would do well in a home that offers plenty of toys. Cockapoos often like to chase anything that moves so training them to come when called would be helpful. 

Due to their longer lifespan, 12-15 years, they can develop blindness, dental diseases, and other common issues that come with old age. 

Grooming Size Energy Training Health issues
CockapooEasy-medium SmallModerate-high Easy Low-moderate

3. Toy Goldendoodle

The toy Goldendoodle is a smaller version of the original Goldendoodle, which comes from crossing Golden Retrievers and Standard Poodles. Their golden wavy fur may vary from mix to mix, but their weight stays at around 10 pounds. 

Golden Retrievers are known for being extremely friendly and loyal, so needless to say, the toy Goldendoodle is quite social. They get along great with adults and children, which means they make excellent travel companions. 

Puppies may seem high energy at first, but they mellow out as they age. Although they still enjoy playtime and would need toys for stimulus. They excel when it comes to training and seem to enjoy the challenge of learning new tricks. 

Goldendoodles are more susceptible to hip and joint issues, so there is a chance that your toy Goldendoodle may be subject to the same kind of problems. It may be helpful to give them very good quality food and ask the vet about joint supplements as they age. 

GroomingSize Energy Training Health issues
Toy Goldendoodle Easy TinyMedium Easy Moderate

4. Bidoodle

The Bidoodle is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a poodle. This Poodle mix is also nicknamed the Bichon Doodle or Bichoodle.

They’re a small toy-sized Doodle that loves being held and gives a lot of affection in return. Aggression is not an issue. In fact, their happy personality makes them a nice addition to any household.

They love to try and get attention from new people by jumping or dancing. Seniors tend to find them cute and entertaining and their diminutive size makes them ideal for small spaces, like apartments or community living. 

A Bidoodle’s need for attention means that they don’t do well if they are left alone for long periods of time. Bidoodles are prone to separation anxiety and would do better in situations where they can be with their pet parent often.  

Bidoodles can be a little mouthy at times. However, early training can help with any negative barking tendencies and separation anxiety behaviors. Bidoodles aim to please and will pick up on the training rather quickly. However, when it comes to potty training, that may take a bit longer. Due to their smaller size, it may be difficult for them to hold it for long periods of time.

Bidoodles also love teething toys and would need several of them around to stay busy. If they don’t stay active, they can quickly become overweight.  Read this article I wrote on the best toys for poodles. In it, you will learn what toys you need for your poodle mix to discourage separation anxiety and other negative behaviors.

Bidoodles need regular grooming to keep their tight curls from getting too matted and dirty. Routine brushing will help keep their fur stay soft and fluffy. 

GroomingSize Energy Training Health issues
BidoodleModerateTinyLow- moderate Medium-hard Low-moderate

5. Shih-poo

A Shih poo comes from mixing a Shih Tzu with a Poodle. It’s best known for its lazy disposition. They would much rather lounge around the home than go for long walks. A shih-poo is ideal for a single person household.

They do great in small and quiet homes with seniors and don’t require much attention. In fact, they usually stay close to one or two favorite persons and don’t go out of their way to get attention from strangers. 

They’re also known for their proud and stubborn attitude that comes from their Shih Tzu heritage. More often than not, they will defend their favorite person against any perceived threat. In a way, they make good guard dogs. 

Their stubbornness also means it may be harder to train them, but not impossible. It just takes more time and patience. Reinforcement training with treats usually works well with Shih poos. 

Their coats may vary from dog to dog, so grooming needs may differ. The usual standard is routine brushing and bathing with the occasional trim. Starting them young may prevent some aggression during grooming sessions. (They may develop a preference for a particular groomer.) 

Grooming Size Energy Training Health issues
Shih poo Medium Small Low Medium-hard Low-moderate

6. Chi-poo

The Chi-poo is one of the smallest Doodles on the list, but is big on personality! They can be cuddly and friendly, but they’re usually selective about who they’re kind to. Chi-poos may become defensive of their owners, and growl at other people if not properly trained.

Some of their behavior can be linked to their ancestry. Chi-poos are bred from chihuahuas and poodles. While chihuahuas can be small and cute, they are infamous for having a hostile attitude towards others. 

The good news however. The poodle side of a Chi-poo means socialization and training will most likely curb any undesirable behavior. This training will also help cease any barking or howling issues.

They love to be held, and their small size makes it easy to pick them up. Many seniors enjoy having Chi-poo because of their ever-lasting puppy appearance and playful personality. They love to play with toys, playing for as long as an hour. In fact, if they don’t stay moderately active, they could become overweight. 

Due to their small stature and soft hair, the brushing process is rather easy. Grooming won’t take long either, it really depends on their attitude towards the groomer. It’s best to start young and expose your Chi-poo to plenty of people and bring it to a groomer regularly. 

Grooming Size Energy Training Health issues
Chipoo Easy-medium Tiny Moderate Medium Low-moderate

7. Pomdoodle

A Pomdoodle, also known as Pomapoo, is a cross between a Pomeranian and a poodle. These Doodles are born tiny and don’t usually grow larger than 10 lbs. Actually, Pomdoodles are one of the smallest Doodles out there. Some would call it a “Teacup Doodle.”

Even though it’s a Doodle, it still sheds hair– so it’s not hypoallergenic. This is because the Pomeranian is known to shed excessively. By crossing it with a Poodle, the shedding issue is reduced, but not eliminated. I wouldn’t worry too much about this. With regular brushing, the shedding can be kept to a minimum. 

Due to its small size, the Pomdoodle would make great traveling companions and indoor pets. They can be potty trained with potty pads instead of going outside and would make good pets for a senior who doesn’t go out much. 

Pomdoodles do better in single-parent households, rather than a family household with children, because sometimes they do become attached to their pet parent and show signs of resource guarding. Any signs of aggression can usually be resolved with proper socialization and training. 

Tip: If you are going pick out a pomdoodle puppy, chose one who seems to enjoy interacting with you from the start. If he backs up or hides in a corner, you may find it harder to train and socialize him later.

Grooming Size Energy Training Health issues
Pomdoodle Easy-medium Tiny Moderate Medium Low-moderate

8. Yorkipoo

Yorkipoo’s are a mix between a toy or miniature poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier. They’re an adorable small dog with wavy fur and hair colors that look more like their Yorkshire terrier side. The wavy hair comes from its poodle parent. 

Most Yorkipoos are very social and crave attention, especially while young. If they feel neglected, they will become quite vocal and let you know they want some love and attention ASAP. Aggression is not usually an issue, they may seem standoffish at first, but they get along well with most people and other small dog breeds. 

Yorkipoos respond well to reinforcement training with treats and positive reinforcement. Training at a young age will curb any undesirable behavior. It may take a while to reduce negative vocal behavior, but it’s possible. 

Grooming a Yorkipoodle is more involved than some of the other Doodles on this list. They usually need a professional groomer for a specific haircut and style, and it’s not cheap. It can run you around $50 to properly groom a Yorkipoodle. 

However, it’s possible to deviate from the standard Yorkshire terrier look by requesting a “puppy cut,” where the hair is trimmed to the same length. This will make the grooming process a lot easier on the dog (and your pocketbook). Routine brushing will lessen the risk of the fur matting between grooming sessions. 

Grooming Size Energy Training Health issues
YorkipooMedium-high Small-medium Medium-high Medium Low

9. Schnoodle 

A Schnoodle is a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle. Instead of having straight, wiry hair of a Schnauzer, a Schdoodle will have silky gray curly fur. It’s usually hard to create a Schnoodle because it requires an equal mix to obtain the right kind of fluffy coat.

As a puppy, they can be shy and timid at first, but with proper socialization, they open up quickly. Once they do, they’ll take off with quite a bit of energy. Schnoodles love to run around and chase things. Like Schnauzers, they need plenty of stimuli. They would do better in houses rather than apartments. 

A groomer usually cuts the hair of a Schnoodle similar to the Schnauzer traditional cut. As a result, most Schdoodles have the well-known schnauzer “mustache” appearance. 

Schnoodles are either black or gray. If they’re any other color, then they have been mixed with an additional breed. 

They don’t usually have many health problems. However, it would still be a good idea to check the health status of their parents, if at all possible, before taking a Schnoodle home. 

Grooming Size Energy Training Health issues
Schnoodle  Medium-high MediumLow-moderateEasyLow-moderate

10. Corgipoo

Corgis have been popular with seniors for many years. Even the Queen of England loves Corgis! 

A Corgipoo is a mix between a Corgi and a poodle. Most Corgipoos look very similar to the original Corgi, just with curlier fur. This may appeal to seniors who prefer Corgis because of their lineage. The downside is that Corgis tend to shed a lot. However, a Corgipoo sheds much less.

A Corgipoo usually easy to train because they’ll do almost anything for treats. New tricks and toys will keep them stimulated. If you notice them giving chase in the backyard, recall training may be helpful. 

Their friendly demeanor makes Corgipoos easy to groom, and their fur is easy to maintain. They don’t need any specific hairstyle or cut aside from an occasional trim. Routine brushing will keep it from developing any tangles. 

Grooming Size Energy Training Health issues
Corgipoo Easy Medium Moderate Easy Low

Poodle Lineage Explained

When did the poodle breed start? According to the American Kennel Club, about 400 years ago.

Standard Poodles

Standard Poodles began as retrieving water dogs in Germany. The name Poodle means “splashing in the water.” It’s intelligence, and excellent swimming ability made the Poodle an ideal hunting dog, and the curly coat helped protect it against harsh elements.

Over time, it’s unique appearance, and trainability helped evolve its reputation, especially as the European circus tradition became popular. The Poodle went from being a hunting dog to a show dog. 

Standard Poodles are still bred to be large like their poodle ancestors. Some of them may grow to be nearly as tall as a Great Dane. You may still see them around from time to time with the traditional poodle pom-pom hairstyles, they come in two colors– black or white. 

As far as health problems go, Standard Poodles are known to have hip and joint issues, similar to some of the other larger dog breeds. Their eyesight may fade as they age. 

Miniature Poodles

Miniature Poodles are smaller than Standard Poodles, but not as tiny as Toy Poodles. In other words, they’re in between. They were bred down from the larger size to make it easier for people to have them as house pets. 

Breeders discovered that creating smaller breeds (and mixes) eliminated or reduced some of the health risks that the larger breeds are susceptible to, which means the miniature Poodles live longer, with less health problems. 

When miniature Poodles first came out, they became so popular that almost every neighborhood had several poodles. Their hair made it easy to alter their appearance with each grooming session. This allowed for some creative fashion and hairstyles. 

Toy Poodles

After the miniature Poodle was created, the first toy poodle came about in America in the early 20th CE. Now, if you thought miniature Poodles are small, toy poodles are even smaller. They’re actually quite tiny. 

In the city, larger breeds don’t have any backyards to run around in, and most of them do not do well with small spaces. The small sizes of toy breeds makes it easier to manage a dog while living in such small spaces. 

They’re also easier to clean up. There’s not much hair on a dog that small, so grooming and bathing should be relatively easy.

Toy Poodles are not as susceptible to hip, and joint pain as Standard Poodles are. However, they still may succumb to conditions such as blindness or dementia that come with old age.  

Other Purebred Dog Breeds That do Well Living With Seniors

Here are some more Purebred dog breeds that have become favorites among many senior citizens due to their small size and personalities. Many of these breeds have been crossed with Poodles to create various other doodles. 

 These purebred breeds include:

  • Maltese
  • Corgi  
  • Shih Tzu  
  • Yorkshire Terrier 
  • Pomeranian 
  • Papillion  

Maltese

A Maltese is similar to a poodle, but they’re not poodles. Malteses were specifically bred to be a good house dog. Known to be gentle and very loving, they make a wonderful companion. 

Their hair is curly like a poodle, but the curls are not as tight, so they don’t have that frizzy hair look. They would still need routine brushing and trimming to keep their hair at its best. The good news is it doesn’t shed much. 

The Maltese breed rarely has health issues, which means they can live for a long time before showing signs of old age. 

  • Grooming: Moderate- high
  • Size: Small
  • Energy: Low- moderate
  • Training: Easy
  • Health issues: Low

Corgi

The Corgi is a Welsh dwarf breed known for their loyal and protective nature. They’re also the Queen of England’s favorite type of dog. She prefers the Pembroke Corgi variety. They’re very friendly, easy to train, and easy to maintain.

According to legend, Vikings breed them as herding dogs. They’re quite loyal and like to protect their family members as they were the herd. They also make good service dogs because they’re easily trainable and would rush to aid their owners in an emergency. 

However, Coris are not hypoallergenic and they do shed a lot. This can really be problematic for seniors with allergies. In addition, Corgis have short legs, and often develop issues with their limbs and/or hip joints as they grow older. 

  • Grooming: Low- moderate
  • Size: Medium
  • Energy: Moderate- high
  • Training: Easy
  • Health issues: Low

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus have less dander and shed less than the Corgi, so they are one of the best dogs for seniors with allergies. They don’t require much exercise and would rather stay at home and relax. They’re more of a sedimentary breed of dog. 

The Shih Tzus are known to play favorites and may bond with only one or two people. This means there is a risk of them developing resource guarding behavior and becoming defensive of their pet parents against any perceived threat. 

However, their moody or stubbornness can be remedied with socialization and training. It’s best to start when they’re young. Some of them prefer to do things on their own terms. 

The Shih Tzu breed is considered generally healthy aside from usual symptoms that come with old age such as blindness or dementia. 

  • Grooming: Moderate- high
  • Size: Small
  • Energy: Low
  • Training: Medium
  • Health issues: Low

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are a popular favorite because they tend to bond well with humans and love to be a part of the family. You may recognize it by its orange and black fur, or it’s infamous groomed haircut. 

The Yorkshire terrier was one of the first toy breeds to gain popularity and is still popular with many seniors.

They’re known for their spunky attitude and big personality, even though they only average about seven pounds. Yorkies can be a great watchdog, no matter their size, because they’ll let you know loud and clear if someone’s invading your territory. 

The terrier genes mean Yorkies have natural hunting instincts, so they’re quite smart and able to figure things out quickly. They’ll do great with training and any challenges they encounter. 

  • Grooming: Moderate- high
  • Size: Tiny- small
  • Energy: Moderate- high
  • Training: Easy
  • Health issues:

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are like little teddy bears. Their fur is extremely soft and fluffy, like a chow, only much smaller. They love to cuddle and make wonderful lapdog companions for seniors. 

Their small size makes it easy for them to be picked up and carried. Since Pomeranians are docile indoor pets, they don’t really need a big backyard to run around in. Although they do enjoy walks and playing with toys. 

Having soft and plush fur means plenty of shedding but brushing their undercoat often will help reduce the amount of shedding. 

  • Grooming: Easy
  • Size: Small- medium
  • Energy: Moderate- high
  • Training: Medium
  • Health issues: Low- moderate

Papillion

Papillons are very small breeds that are easy to care for. They are also brilliant and easy to train. They are known to have silly personalities and can be taught many tricks for entertainment purposes. 

They tend to look like chihuahuas, but with longer hair. Papillons are extremely loyal to their owners and love being spoiled.

These dogs tend to be active and would need plenty of playtime or toys to keep busy. Having another dog around to keep a Papillion occupied is not ideal, because they prefer to be the only dog in the house. 

  • Grooming: Easy
  • Size: Tiny
  • Energy: Moderate
  • Training: Easy
  • Health issues: Low 

Must Have Products For Poodles And Doodles

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Brent Hartman

I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need.

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