12 Dog Breeds That Look Like Poodles (With Info & Pictures)

Poodles are amazingly bright and energetic dogs that get along well in a variety of household dynamics. They’re great pets for singles who love to hike, head to the beach, and participate in adventures in general. They also enjoy spending time with kids of all ages, especially when it comes to outdoor gameplay.

However, Poodles are not ideal pets for all families. Luckily, several breeds look similar to Poodles and might be a better fit! Check them out here!

How Are Poodles Classified?

Poodles are water dogs known for happily jumping into bodies of water to help hunt down ducks and other water birds. The breed is typically divided into several categories—based mostly on size—which are Toy, Miniature, Medium, and Standard. Here is the breakdown:

However, just because a dog looks like a Poodle, that does not mean they will meet the weight and size expectations outlined here.

The 12 Dog Breeds That Look Like Poodles

1. The Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are medium to large-sized dogs that take on many Poodle traits, such as independence and confidence, while retaining important traits of the Golden Retriever, such as curiosity, obedience, and sociability. This mixed dog breed can make an excellent family pet, hunting companion, and/or farm assistant if they have a proper mix of direction and freedom.

2. The Labradoodle

A mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, the Labradoodle tends to look more like their Poodle parent, though not all these mixed breed dogs do. That said, the ones that do look like Poodles have many of the same attributes.

3. The Yorkipoo

Yorkshire Terriers are adorable in their own right, but when bred with a Poodle, they tend to become more sophisticated without losing any of their visual charm. Yorkipoos are social, curious, loyal, and good with kids. They enjoy outdoor adventures but don't seem to mind spending time inside if they have plenty to do and comfortable places to snooze.

4. The Maltipoo

These dogs are not big, strong, or independent like the typical Standard Poodle, but they share many of the same physical characteristics and have the intelligence to learn new things as quickly and easily as the average Poodle would. Many Maltipoos happen to be big snuggle bugs too.

5. The Cockapoo

Cockapoos are primed and ready for action. They may end up with a thick or short coat, depending on which breed they take after more. These dogs are usually curious and loyal. However, they can be aloof when it comes to meeting new people and animals that are not already a part of their “pack.”

6. The Irish Water Spaniel

Proud and independent, the average Irish Water Spaniel was originally bred to help hunt birds and is still considered an athletic retriever. Like the Poodle, the Irish Water Spaniel was born to swim and loves spending time in bodies of water, whether a pool, lake, river, or ocean.

7. The Portuguese Water Dog

The people of Portugal taught this breed to herd fish into their fishing nets and to retrieve lost nets when necessary. The Portuguese Water Dog also worked as couriers, passing on messages from ship to ship, and traveled with fishermen to places like Iceland to help procure fish. Today, these dogs are popular as household pets, and they love being a part of the family.

8. The Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound once took on leopards in their native Afghanistan environment. They quickly adapted to rough landscapes and harsh environments, which is something that makes them flexible in today’s world. While these dogs sport luxurious coats rather than curly ones, their long legs and defined facial features are similar to those of the Poodle and help set them apart from other dog breeds.

9. The Lagotto Romagnolo

This breed was developed to traverse small, cramped spaces for hunting reasons, which is why they are one of the smaller water dogs in existence. Lagotta Romagnolos almost became extinct in the 1970s, but a group of enthusiasts rescued the breed by creating successful breeding programs. As time went on, these dogs morphed from duck hunters to truffle searchers and are now integrated into the family setting as beloved household pets.

10. The Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier has a unique appearance, resulting in many people comparing their aesthetic features to those of a lamb. But these are formidable vermin hunters with seemingly unending stamina and unwavering courage. They also happen to get along well in family environments, just like the Poodle.

11. The Barbet

This rustic dog breed shares many physical characteristics with the Poodle. They are known for their affectionate attitudes and curious personalities, making them popular pets for families with and without children. The Barbet is also well-known for their broad head, agile frame, and lengthy tail.

12. The Pumi

The typical Pumi has a cute appearance with a coat full of curls that look like corkscrews, impressive circular tail, and innocent-looking facial features that are hard for the average person to resist. While cute and cuddly on the outside, these extremely active dogs love to spend their days working and playing outdoors.

Are the Dogs That Look Like Poodles Hypoallergenic?

The truth is that there is no truly hypoallergenic dog breed. While some dogs, like Poodles, shed little and therefore tend to incite fewer allergic reactions in people, all breeds shed a certain amount, and the shedding of any hair and dander is enough to create allergens. Some dogs that look like Poodles shed as little as Poodles do, while others shed more. It depends on the breed and what their coats are designed to do.

Final Thoughts

Poodles are awesome pets that get along well in a variety of different family environments. However, Poodles are not right for all people. Fortunately, there are many dog breeds that look like the Poodle and that make just as great pets.

• Related Read: Best Brushes for Poodles

Featured Image Credit: nieriss, Shutterstock