Hypoallergenic Poodle Mixes – Everything You Need to Know
Many people love to have a Poodle not only for its intelligence. The fact that it is hypoallergenic makes it more appealing to new pet owners. For those who prefer hybrid dogs yet have allergies, Poodle mixes are the solution. And today, there’s a huge demand for it. But before you get yours, we’ve created this article to answer your concerns and provide additional tips.
What Does It Mean to be Hypoallergenic?
There is a misconception that a hypoallergenic dog means you are 100% safe from allergic reactions. But this is not true. This just means that an adverse effect is unlikely to happen. Remember that even a hypoallergenic, least shedding and regularly groomed dog might cause an allergic reaction.
Take note that it is not only the hair that causes allergic reactions. The allergens could be from their saliva and even from their urine and feces.
Are All Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The answer is NO.
Poodle mixes have another parent which could be non-hypoallergenic. This could influence the genetic make up of the hybrid. They could be hypoallergenic, but it’s not always the case.
What are Doodles?
Poodle mixes are also known as Doodles. They come in different sizes and coat types. Like Poodles, Doodles require regular brushing and bathing because of usually long and thick fur or hair.
Remember that Poodles have three distinct sizes. We have the Standard, the Miniature, and the Toy Poodles. Because of this, you can see Doodles varying in sizes as well. Generally, they inherit the size of the smaller breed or their mother’s size.
Since Poodles are hypoallergenic, many assume that Doodles are the same as well. But as we’ve already answered in the previous section, there is no specific answer as the non-Poodle parent could influence the mixed breed.
Best Hypoallergenic Poodle Mixes
If you are looking for the right hypoallergenic poodle mixes, here are our recommendations.
Goldendoodle
First on our list would be the GoldenDoodle, a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This is known as one of the most popular Poodle mixes. Expect that it will be a medium to a large-size dog. They are an amazing breed and are friendly, intelligent, and reliable. Goldendoodle is an excellent therapy dog, sniffer dog, service dog, and even a guide dog. They are often healthy and athletic, which makes them the perfect dog for first-time pet owners.
If you get a Goldendoodle, you must be prepared for frequent grooming because of its thick coat. They come in three sizes, the Miniature, which weighs around 30 pounds, Medium, which weighs 45 pounds, and Standard that could weigh 100 pounds.
Labradoodle
This is a mixed breed between Labrador Retriever and Poodle. Take note that Golden Retrievers and Labrador are the same dogs. However, the latter has a straighter and shorter coat. When mixed with Poodle, it allows people will allergies to enjoy a low-shedding version of these popular breeds.
Labradoodle is a sociable and smart breed and is ideal for novice owners. It was originally bred to become a service dog, but it proved to be a good therapy dog as well. You can easily train them, and they do well with other dogs. It’s best if you spend at least 30 to 60 minutes per day exercising.
While they are good playmates for your children, you have to be careful because they could unintentionally knock them down. If you live in a small space such as an apartment, that is not the ideal setting for your Labradoodle.
You can choose from three variations of Labradoodle. You have the Standard, the Medium, and the Miniature. A Standard Labradoodle could be as tall as 24 inches and weigh 65 pounds. For the Medium Labradoodle, it grows up to 20 inches and could weigh 45 pounds. Lastly, for the Miniature breed, it grows up to 16 inches and could weigh 25 pounds.
Poochon
Poochon is a mixed breed from a Bichon Frise and Poodle. Bichon Frises are small and fluffy dogs and could resemble to white Poodle. In fact, many people get confused until this day.
A Poochon is also considered a good Poodle mix and is smart, happy, and playful breed. They have this soft, curly, and non-shedding coat which makes them even more adorable.
Other people call them Bichpoo, Bichon Poo, and Bichon Poodle. It’s a great addition to a family and is also a perfect companion for a single-person household. If you are to own a Poochon, you have to start training them early to prevent excessive barking.
This is also a good choice if you live in an apartment. And while it is hypoallergenic, they are high maintenance, and you need to brush their fur often. Remember that a Poochon does not like to be alone.
A Poochon is a relatively new breed, and there are a few standards when it comes to size. Most of them weigh 17 pounds and could grow as tall as 19 inches at the shoulder.
Yorkipoo
One of the smallest hypoallergenic dog breeds is a Yorkshire Terrier. But don’t be fooled by their size. They are highly intelligent and were bred to get rid of foxes and even rats. When you mix it with Minature or Toy Poodle, you get to have a Yorkipoo. This is bigger than a standard-sized Yorkie and is recommended as a family dog. They are energetic and enjoy playing around or barking loudly. You would be surprised how fast they run and how high they jump.
When training your Yorkipoo, keep his lessons fun because it loses interest when it becomes repetitive. You must also use positive reinforcement to engage them better in training.
Most Poodle hybrids are designed to be companion dogs for allergy sufferers. And Yorkipoo certainly fits the standards. Today, they are also considered good therapy dogs. It’s around 7 to 15 inches tall and weighs between 3 to 14 pounds.
Shih-Poo
Looking at the name alone, you can already guess that this is a mixed breed of Shih Tzu and Poodle. Shih Tzus are known to be great companion dogs and were bred in ancient China. They can also be great watch dogs due to their excellent sense of hearing and heightened alertness. This has become popular for people with allergies and is low-shedding too.
They could be stubborn at times, but their personality certainly makes up for it. They have a moderate energy level, which means it’s natural for them to take a nap for hours. Never free-feed your Shih-Poo as they could easily gain unnecessary weight, which could affect their overall health.
There are different names for this mixed breed. Some call them Shoodle, Pooshi. However, do not confuse them with Poo-Shi since that’s a different hybrid.
It’s ideal for all owners, especially retired seniors longing for a companion. Another advantage of having a Shih-Poo is that it thrives in most environments. It doesn’t matter if you live in a small apartment, a huge mansion, or in the middle of nowhere.
If you own a Shih-Poo, remember to shower them with love and affection. In addition, you should never keep them outside. They weigh around 18 pounds and could be between 8 to 18 inches tall.
Maltipoo
Maltese is a breed from Europe and also a hypoallergenic toy breed. These fluffy white dogs are obedient, active, and extremely playful. You will be surprised because even with their size, they are fearless. If you have mild to severe allergies, we recommend getting this breed.
Take note that Maltipoo can be highly sensitive, and they don’t want to be left alone for a long time. So if you have a loving family and would show Maltipoo compassion, we suggest getting one. They are also good therapy dogs.
This hybrid needs early socialization or exposure to different environments. This ensures that your puppy will grow a well-rounded dog.
They could grow between 8 to 14 inches tall. As for the weight, the standard is around 5 to 20 pounds.
Schnoodle
Schnauzers are like Poodles in terms of having three different sizes. They have the Miniature, Standard, and the Giant Schnauzers. For the hybrid Schnoodle, they are described as ‘forever happy’. This mixed breed enjoys playing with the family and is an ideal companion dog.
But they are not all fun. They are also good watch dog because of their loyal and protective nature. And like their parent, they are intelligent and affectionate. He excessively barks, and this needs to be addressed at the onset. Proper training could help them.
They are also hypoallergenic and is one of the large non-shedding dog breeds. It could grow as tall as 26 inches and could weigh up to 75 pounds depending on the size.
Basenjipoo
Last on our list is the Basenjipoo.
An interesting fact is that Basenji dogs don’t bark – they yodel. This earned them the name, African Barkless Dogs. These are rare to find, but it’s worth it because they are also fit for hunting.
If you are looking for a medium-sized hypoallergenic Poodle mix breed, Basenjipoo is a good choice. You can never be certain what the hybrid will look like. It could have the curly hair of the Poodle or the straight coat from Basenji. But regardless of their appearance, they will turn out to be smart and highly trainable.
They could weigh anywhere from 4 to 70 pounds, depending on the Poodle’s breed.
Why Get a Hypoallergenic Pet?
It’s already established that hypoallergenic dogs are for people with pet allergies. For others, just being near a dog can cause adverse reactions and could be inconvenient. But as we all know, getting a pet dog holds a number of benefits too. They can be your watchdog, and even become an emotional support.
Fortunately, there are many hypoallergenic Poodle mixes to choose from as we’ve already listed above. At least you get to have the benefits of owning a dog without worrying about health concerns.
Where to Get Hypoallergenic Poodle Mixes?
You can get your hybrid dogs from a reputable breeder. The health and overall condition of your puppy highly rely on the type of breeder they came from. The good ones understand what makes a show-quality dog. But expect to shell out a significant amount of money when buying a pet from well-known breeders.
Shelters are a good option too, but there is no guarantee that you can get hypoallergenic poodle mixes. If you have allergies, it’s best to get yours from a breeder.
Reducing the Risks of Pet Allergies
There are a few ways to limit the risks of having allergies.
- Thoroughly wash your hands after you come into contact with the dogs
- Bathe and brush your pet regularly
- Avoid getting licked by your pet because most allergens are found in their saliva
- Get a quality air purifier
- Invest in a good vacuum
How to Register Hypoallergenic Poodle Mixes?
The American Kennel Club does not recognize crossbreeds. For Poodle mixes, you need to register with the American Canine Hybrid Club.
This club was established in 1969 to register hybrid dogs from purebred ancestry that are registered with a recognized kennel club. The objective is to have a record of the lineage and the parentage of the hybrid dogs.
You need to provide all the important information about your puppy to the club. After the review, you can then register the Poodle mix. There’s also a website where you can check the list of hybrids that you can successfully register.
For other countries, you may check your local groups and clubs to register your hybrid dogs.
Which Hypoallergenic Poodle Mixes Are Best For You?
The answer depends on what type of pet owner you are. Understanding each breed’s personality and requirements is critical when deciding which Doodle to take home.
We made a list above so you can make an informed decision and manage your expectations for each hypoallergenic Poodle mix. But at the end of the day, you must be responsible enough to provide them with their needs.
