Poodle mixes are arguably the cutest dogs out there. However, not all of them take after their generally chill-natured poodle parent. Some mixes are much calmer than others. So, what are the calmest poodle mixes? Poodles mixed with other naturally tranquil dog breeds are often the calmest.
The calmest poodle mix breeds include:
- Airedoodle
- Aussiedoodle
- Bassetoodle
- Bernedoodle
- Boxerdoodle
- Cavapoo
- Double Doodle
- Eskipoo
- Goldendoodle
- Poovanese
- Rottle
- Sheepadoodle
Not all mixes inherit the calm genes of their poodle parent. However, the Poodle mixes listed above promise to not only be 100% adorable pups but to be surefire tranquil companions too. Let’s dive into more detail below.
What is the Calmest Poodle Mix?
Among the calmest poodle mixes, one reigns supreme.
The bernedoodle is the calmest poodle mix crossbreed due to its gentle and sweet disposition. Bernedoodles are great pets for seniors or families with children and get along well with other animals in the home. While very friendly, early socialization is key to ensure bernedoodles stay calm in new situations.
The bernedoodle, or Bernese mountain poodle mix, is the most mellow, loving, calm dog you may ever meet. His endless pounds of fluff may seem overbearing at first sight, but get to know the sweet-faced, even-tempered, real-life teddy bear and your heart will melt.
I will go on to mention how it’s sometimes challenging to identify the personality of a mixed breed because they could take from either parent. Luckily, Bernese mountain dogs are the gentlest of doggy giants, and when mixed with an equally serene poodle you’ve hit the jackpot.
Bernedoodles’ teddy faces match their sweet, mellow temperament and will make loyal, lovable life companions.
Check out the complete guide to Bernedoodles found on Amazon here. In this book, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully raise the calmest Bernegoodle possible for you and your family.
The 12 Calmest Poodle Mixes From A-Z
It was hard to compile this list because so many other poodle mixes could be great, calm companions. The problem is that you’ll never know for sure unless you:
- Wait it out
- Train hard
- Check the mother’s temperament
When mixing dogs, it’s a toss-up if they’ll be more like one parent or the other. If you don’t want to jump through those hoops to find out if your puppy will be mellow or tirelessly hyper then it’s probably best to err on the safe side and choose one from the list below.
I do want to note before we get started that ALL dogs need basic training and exercise to some extent. Even naturally calm dogs could go berserk if they lacked proper care as puppies or if they are continuously neglected.
A great behavioral training course can help lighten your training load. I use a fantastic training system called Brain Training for Dogs.
With this training, I was able to greatly improve my dog’s anxiety while in his crate. I like the private member’s area where I was able to connect with other dog owners to get solutions to issues I had with his training. If you need any behavioral training at all for your dog, I would highly recommend this course! Check it out here
As I noted previously, the calmest poodle mixes are:
- Airedoodle
- Aussiedoodle
- Bassetoodle
- Bernedoodle
- Boxerdoodle
- Cavapoo
- Double Doodle
- Eskipoo
- Goldendoodle
- Poovanese
- Rottle
- Sheepadoodle
1.Airedoodle (Airedale Terrier Poodle Mix)
Airedoodles have an easy-going nature that works well with children and strangers. They’re intelligent but stubborn and may not be a good fit for a first-time trainer. They’re active and they need companionship. They can become destructive if left alone too long.
The sweet and gentle airedoodle can be your best companion if you give it the right amount of attention and exercise. Daily outdoor exercise is needed to keep these pups stimulated and in shape. An hour of jogging or playing fetch is recommended.
The dogs remain mid-sized at about 40-60 pounds with a medium-long wavy thick coat. Regular grooming is recommended.
This mixed breed is generally healthy with a life expectancy of 10-15 years. Regardless of their genetic strength, they are still predisposed to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Patellar luxation
- Lens luxation
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2. Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix)
Even though it’s a gamble when it comes to the temperament of a hybrid dog, aussiedoodles almost always make for affectionate and even-tempered companions.
Don’t let their energetic nature fool you- they are relaxed dogs indoors, which makes them a great fit for apartment living as long as they get their routine exercise.
Like all other poodle mixes, their intelligence can give them a mischievous streak. Teach your aussiedoodle good behavior as a puppy and you’ll have a happy-go-lucky fur friend for life.
Aussiedoodles need day-to-day outdoor exercise. Stimulating their minds along with their bodies is a plus. Try simple games like flyball to keep your dog alert and content.
The weight of mixed breeds is usually an average of both parents which brings aussiedoodles to about 40 pounds at the standard size. Mixing with a mini poodle drops the weight down to about 18 pounds. Their athletic bodies are covered with a dense layer of wavy-to-curly hair.
Regardless of their robust health, Aussiedoodles are prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Sensitivity to ivermectin
- Progressive retinal atrophy
For the most part, they live full, healthy lives of up to 12 years.
3. Bassetoodle (Basset Hound Poodle Mix)
These dogs are naturally super calm and friendly and will suffer from separation anxiety if you’re away too long. Like all the other mixes, they’re intelligent and a bit stubborn. Their outgoing nature allows them to get along well with strangers.
A light walk or time in the yard is enough to keep bassetdoodles fit.
Bassetoodles stay small at about 20-30 pounds. Their fur coat is of the classic poodle mix variety with wavy or curly hairs.
In the rare case that a Bassetdoodle falls ill, some of the more common conditions it could face would be:
- Epilepsy
- Joint dysplasia
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Eye issues
4. Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix)
Bernedoodles are loyal and playful while remaining gentle. With two generally calm parents, bernedoodles are guaranteed to bring peace and joy to your home.
Unlike other herding dogs, Bernese mountain dogs were meant for laid-back companionship, making this poodle mix one of the calmest out there.
Bernedoodles can be mixed with all poodle sizes. Their weights are:
- An average of 15 pounds as a toy
- An average of 37 pounds as a miniature
- An average of 80 pounds as a standard.
The size of your dog will depend on how much exercise it needs, but some outdoor time each day is best.
Their thick, fluffy poodle skin still comes in varied colors of white, black, and brown.
They are expected to live from 12-15 years but are predisposed to complications such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye issues
- Skin issues
5.Boxerdoodle (Boxer Poodle Mix)
Boxerdoodles are great with the family and hard not to fall in love with. They are smart, social, and affectionate and can adapt to any situation, making them great therapy dogs. All in all, the charm of a Boxerdoodle is irresistible.
Work out your Boxerdoodles a little each day to wear out their high energy so they can comfortably be their laid-back selves.
Boxerdoodles exist in a rainbow of colors but will always keep that trademark doodle curly fur. Depending on the size of the poodle they’re mixed with they can run from 25-70 pounds.
A healthy Boxerdoodle can live from 10-14 years. There are a small chance Boxerdoodles may be afflicted with:
- Entropion
- Cardiomyopathy
6.Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle Mix)
Cavapoos are outgoing, amicable, and serene. They too make for great therapy pets due to their excellent companionship.
Even as small dogs that only weigh about 12-25 pounds, their composure exudes tranquility and love.
Depending on genetics, they can either look more like a cavalier or more like a poodle, but they always inherit the curly fur. Cavapoos will live 13-15 years.
There’s a small chance they can suffer from:
- Ear infections
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
7.Double Doodle (Goldendoodle Labradoodle Mix)
These special pups are a mix of two doodles. They are highly loveable, gentle, and great with people, just like retrievers. Additionally, they’re highly intelligent like poodles.
They must be worked out daily (preferably outdoors) or their pent-up energy could become destructive.
Double doodles retain the retriever look of their predecessors with floppy ears and an endearing expression. They come in classic Labrador colors such as yellow, black, brown, and cream.
Their lifespan is 12-15 years.
8.Eskipoo (American Eskimo Poodle Mix)
Known to be extremely loyal, smart, and even-tempered, Eskipoos make for some of the best pets.
Eskipoos need daily outdoor exercise to maintain a healthy weight and release energy. As long as they’re properly cared for, they’ll be a perfect placid companion.
Eskipoos live from 12-15 years. They could inherit illnesses from either parent such as:
- Diabetes
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Luxating patellas
- Retinal dysplasia
- Juvenile cataracts
9.Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever Poodle Mix)
Cuteness aside, Goldendoodles make the best pets due to their loving and easygoing personality. Train them well and they can be the best family dog of all time.
Give them a good half hour of work out a day to keep them healthy and sane
These doodles come in a wide variety of colors. Their fur can be shaggy and straight or super curly. They can be mixed with toy, miniature, or standard poodles.
Since golden retrievers and poodles alike are very prone to physical ailments, the Goldendoodle is not completely immune regardless of its mixed advantage. Problems could arise like:
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Patellar luxation
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
These balls of fluff live 10-15 years.
10.Poovanese (Havanese Poodle Mix)
It’s challenging to find a calmer pup than a Poovanese. Also known as a Havapoo, this laid-back canine is a perfect home companion. Intelligent and chill, a Poovanese will always have your back. Just don’t abandon them for too long or their separation anxiety can be exerted in catastrophic ways.
A Poovanese will always remain small-to-medium sized and only need a small amount of daily exercise. A short walk or a game of fetch is enough to keep these hybrids healthy and fit.
These poos will live for 10-14 years and will hopefully never face the genetic ailments of their parents such as:
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
- Deafness
- Heart disease
- Hip dysplasia
11.Rottle (Rottweiler Poodle Mix)
Rottles bring the best of both parents to the table- intelligence, playfulness, and gentleness. Don’t let the rottweiler image fool you- these dogs are even-tempered and loveable and get along great with children and strangers.
Rottles are generally larger than other poodle mixes, weighing in at around 85 pounds.
These gentle giants need daily exercise or play to stay mentally and physically fit.
On average, rottles will live about 9-15 years. There’s a slight chance your Rottle could inherit:
- Joint problems
- Heart problems
- Cancer
- Bloat
12.Sheepadoodle (Sheepdog Poodle Mix)
Sheepadoodles are well-known “good boys”. Gentle giants seem to be the goofiest, big-hearted dogs around, and Sheepadoodles are no different.
They’re intelligent and loveable, making them easy to train. Of course, these big dogs need lots of daily exercise, but their overly calm nature takes over even when they are feeling pent-up. It’s rare to see an agitated sheepadoodle.
They weigh in at about 60-80 pounds with curly fur and endearing teddy bear expressions.
These loveable dogs live about 12-15 years. As with all mixes, they’re not 100% immune to sickness and could develop:
- Joint problems
- Bloat
- Addison’s disease
- Cancer
The Benefits of a Poodle Mix
There are so many reasons to add a poodle mix to your life. From health to smarts to charm, let’s take a look:
- Genetically healthier
- Higher intelligence
- Hypoallergenic
- Low shedding
- Size
- Balanced personality
- Good with children
- Adorable
These qualities also make poodle mixes very popular with seniors. Check out this article I wrote called the 10 best Poodle Mixes For Seniors to discover which poodle mixes are the most conducive to a senior’s lifestyle.
1. Genetically Healthier
According to a study, mixed-breed dogs are genetically healthier than their purebred parents.
This means they’re less prone to genetic diseases and are overall more likely to live longer, equating to more precious time with your pup.
Goldendoodles are a great example because both golden retrievers and poodles are famous for their genetic ailments. Together, however, you get the best aspects of both worlds and a strong, healthy puppy.
To say poodle mixes never get sick would be incorrect. But the chances of inheriting certain ailments compared to their parents decrease significantly.
Check out this article I wrote on the 10 healthiest Poodle Mixes. In it, you’ll learn which Poodle mixed breeds are most likely to live the longest, and which might even save you some money on vet bills in the long run.
2. Higher Intelligence
Poodles are the second most intelligent dog species, behind only the border collie.
Many mixes inherit their poodle parent’s smarts for better or worse. It’s great to have an easily trainable pup who’s in tune with your emotions. But some breeds need more attention than others, so be careful not to leave a needy dog alone for too long. Smart dogs suffering from separation anxiety know how to get destructive!
The high intelligence of poodle mixes also makes them a great fit as therapy dogs.
3.Hypoallergenic
Poodle hair is hypoallergenic, meaning it has low allergenic qualities. So even if they seem like a fluffy ball of sneezes, their hair is not as threatening as another dog’s hair that may be even shorter.
Luckily, most poodle mixes inherit the hypoallergenic hair trait.
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of owning a certain dog, but your body wouldn’t permit you to be around it. Going for a poodle mix version may make your wish come true.
4. Low Shedding
This is yet another plus for allergenic dog owners!
Poodles rarely shed and often share this genetic trait with their mixes. Because they lack the underlayer of fine hair that most dogs possess, their hair stays on longer. And when the hair does shed, it falls off in clumpy softballs of hair that are easy to remove.
5. Size
Poodles come in three different sizes:
- Standard
- Miniature
- Toy
This gives you a vast amount of options to mix breeds. If you live in a small apartment and can’t have large dogs, no worries! Buy a toy mix like a Yorkiepoo. If you’re into larger dogs an aussiedoodle can give you the gentle giant vibes of an Australian shepherd with the curly cuteness of a poodle.
6. Balanced Personality
Poodles are generally relaxed, easy-going dogs and when you mix them with a high-strung Yorkie, for example, you can get the best of both worlds with an adorably fluffy and cool-tempered Chipoo.
But be warned, the Yorkie personality could be more dominant than the poodle’s side. You won’t know for certain until you wait to see how they grow up. Even better yet, study the temperament of the mother if you have the chance so you have a clearer idea of how its litter will grow up.
7. Good with children
Poodle mixes are notoriously kid-friendly and usually get along with other animals in the home. Not every breed mix is exactly the same, but overall, they make for great family companions. Their innocent stuffed animal appearances will probably be a big draw for the kids, too.
8. Adorable
Do I even need to mention this? Mixed poodles are becoming the most popular designer breed dogs around. And with their irresistibly cute faces and fluffy teddy bear fur, how could they not be gaining traction in the dog world? It’s hard to refuse an adorable, intelligent, well-mannered, family-friendly dog.
Take a look at this article I wrote on the 7 most cute and adorable poodle mixes and see pictures of the most popular and irresistible Poodle crossbreeds on earth!
How to find a Calm Poodle Mix
- First generation vs Multigeneration
While they are both great choices, multigenerational mixes will be even less prone to health problems and fur shedding because they’re farther down the ancestral line.
- Genetic Testing
Some breeders altogether skip genetic testing which can be a problem down the road as your dog gets older. Testing your specific dog’s genetics will help you to understand possible future complications.
You can easily purchase an at-home DNA kit from Amazon here. These tests require you to do a bit more work by collecting and submitting the DNA samples. However, there could be significant cost savings by employing this method.
- Avoid Puppy Mills
Puppy abuse could cause temperamental issues throughout your dog’s life and you wouldn’t be able to understand why. More importantly, though, avoid puppy mills always because abusing puppies is wrong.
- Save Up
Designer dogs are always pricey and poodle mixes are really hot right now. Expect to pay anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 dollars. Don’t forget poodle hair is high maintenance, so trips to the groomer will dip into your paycheck every two months.
- Adopt a pound puppy
Check out your local shelters. You may be doubting why a designer dog breed would end up abandoned, but it, unfortunately, happens more often than you realize. You’d be saving a life while helping your savings!
- Registration
Mixed breeds are not accepted by the American Kennel Club. You can register your mixed poodle pup with the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Must Have Products For Poodles And Doodles
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Lemonade Pet Insurance: Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. Lemonade is a great company, and I can’t recommend them enough!
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Pet Plate: I first learned of Pet Plate when the company was featured on the TV show “Shark Tank” back in 2016. Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price.
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