This Doodle puppy buying guide will share the best tips to consider before you take the leap to add a poodle mix to your family. Poodle mixes, or Oodles, have become increasingly popular over the last few years. This is because of their low-shedding coats, high intelligence, and easy trainability. They are also available in a variety of sizes, so there is always an Oodle that is right for you.
You can choose from popular Poodle mixes like Cavapoos (Poodle + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), Moodles (Poodle + Maltese), Groodles (Poodle + Golden Retriever), or Cockapoos (Poodle + Cocker Spaniel).
No matter which Oodle you zero in on, there are a few things you should know before bringing one (or two) home. Read our Puppy Buying Guide to find out how to prepare for a Poodle Mix puppy.
Table of Contents – Poodle Cross Breed Puppy Buying Guide
10 Things to Know Before Bringing Home a Poodle-Mix/Oodle Puppy Buying Guide
1. Oodles are Highly Intelligent
Since Oodles have Poodle genes in them, they are highly intelligent dogs. While this increases their trainability, it also means that your Oodle puppy will need plenty of mental stimulation throughout. You must provide plenty of enrichment activities for your Oodle to prevent boredom, barking and destructive behaviours.
2. They Need Regular Grooming
Fleece and wool-coated Oodles don’t shed too much, but that does not mean that they don’t need grooming. In fact, their unique coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats, knots, and tangles.
Certain coat types may even need professional grooming, which can be a significant financial commitment. Consider the grooming effort and costs before buying your Oodle puppy. Smooth-coated Oodles are lower maintenance but shed more heavily than the fleece and curly-coated varieties.
3. They Are Not 100% Hypoallergenic
Many people buy/adopt Oodles, thinking they will be great for preventing pet allergies. While most Poodle mixes are low-dander dogs, the exact quantity of their shedding will depend on their other parent breed and their generation.
For example, well-bred fleece-coated F1 Oodles such as Cavoodles and Groodles are unlikely to shed and trigger allergies. However, certain first-generation crosses like Labradoodles and some Bordoodles have wire coats and these tend to shed heavily. The coat genetics of the poodle parent (usually the stud dog) play a significant role in influencing the coat quality of the puppies. The poodle sire or dam should be double furnished to ensure the doodle puppies inherit fleecy and curly coats, not smooth coats.
But even if you buy the least shedding backcrossed F1-B Oodle, it may still give rise to allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals due to the proteins in their saliva and urine.
Remember: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, and that includes F1-B Oodles.
4. They Need a Lot of Patient & Consistent Dog Training
Oodles are smart and highly trainable dogs, but they need consistent training from a young age. Without training, they can get bossy and may even develop some bad habits.
In addition to potty training or house-training from an early age, you must train your Oodle puppy in basic obedience. If needed, enrol it in private or group dog training classes.
Continue training your buddy throughout its life, as training will keep your dog well-behaved, stimulate it mentally, and also encourage a deeper bond between you and your dog.
5. They Come in a Variety of Sizes
Oodles can come in different sizes depending on the Poodle dog used in the cross. Poodles are available in three sizes, which is why your Groodle or Cavapoo could be small, medium, or large.
Always buy your puppy from a reputable breeder who conducts health testing and will introduce you to the parent dogs. This way, you’d know what size to expect when your Oodle becomes an adult.
6. Oodles Are Super-Energetic Dogs
Even if you have a small or toy Oodle, expect it to have a lot of energy. Your little furball is not going to be satisfied sitting at home all day.
It will need to run, play, go for walks and hikes, swim, etc. Without exercise, these smart dogs can get bored and may also gain weight rapidly. Worse, they may turn to unwanted behaviours to expend all that energy. Be prepared to play with and walk your puppy every day for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your dog’s size.
7. They Are Possessive, Loyal, and Protective
These are great qualities to have in dogs, but they could result in behaviours like barking at strangers and even some displays of aggression from your pet.
To prevent these unwanted behaviours, you must consistently and patiently train your Oodle from day one. Don’t buy your Doodle puppy from a puppy farm or large breeding facility, these dogs are known to develop behaviour problems and live shorter lives than ethically raised puppies.
The best dog breeders raise their puppies in their family home and do Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and other life skill-building exercises in the first 8 weeks of a pup’s life.
8. They Could Suffer from Separation Anxiety
Poodle mixes are social dogs that love being around their humans. They tend to get depressed when left alone for prolonged periods and may even indulge in behaviours like chewing up items, peeing indoors, etc. Cavoodles are notorious for suffering from separation anxiety and like all doodles benefit from crate training to develop their independence.
If you remember one thing from this puppy buying guide, let it be that poodle mix breeds are prone to separation anxiety and that you will need to invest time with your puppy to develop their skill of independence.
Consider hiring a dog walker or arranging for a pet sitter to come and give your Poodle mix puppy (or adult Oodle) company while you’re away. Enrolling your dog in a good quality doggy daycare can also help keep your dog occupied while you’re at work.
9. They Are Susceptible to Certain Health Issues
Poodle mixes are prone to health issues like allergies (food and skin allergies), joint-related issues (hip dysplasia, luxating patella), and even epilepsy. Some Oodle mixes also develop ear infections and eye issues like PRA (progressive retinal atrophy).
It is important to buy your Oodle from a reputable breeder. Good breeders conduct genetic tests on the eyes, heart, and joints of the breeding stock and only breed those dogs that are cleared for these issues. Hip scoring is also important in poodle mixes, especially labradoodles, cavoodles, aussie doodles, bernedoodles, groodles and spoodles. This could lower the risk of these conditions in the Oodle offspring.
10. They Have a Long Lifespan
Compared to humans, dogs have a short lifespan, but Oodle or Poodle mixes are generally known to live long – between 12-18 years, depending on their size and genetics.
Smaller Oodle puppies easily live for an average of 15 to 16 years. Before bringing home your Oodle, you must be prepared to commit to your pet’s lifelong care. This also involves a financial commitment, involving medical bills, training costs, insurance costs, supplies and equipment, food and treats costs, etc.
In Australia, dog ownership costs can range between $900-$3000 annually, which can amount to lifetime costs between $18,000 and $60,000!
Take all of this into account before purchasing/adopting an Oodle.
FAQs – Doodle puppy buying guide
Are poodle mixes good for first-time owners?
Yes, most Poodle-mixes are good for first-time dog owners because of their affectionate natures, high trainability, and superior intelligence.
What is the best-mixed breed with a poodle?
All Poodle mixes are great and make excellent pets. In Australia, some of the most popular Oodles are Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Groodles, Labradoodles, Sheepadoodles, and Bernedoodles.
Which poodle mix is the calmest?
Toy Cavapoos and Moodles are known to be calm among the small-sized Oodles, while Bernedoodles and Groodles are known to be calm among the larger Poodle mixes.
How do you care for a Poodle mix?
The best way to care for an Oodle is by walking it 2-3 times daily, brushing it once or twice a week, training and socialising it, and feeding it a healthy diet.
Conclusion – Oodle puppy buying guide
By following the tips in this puppy buying guide you will be armed with essential information regarding the maintenance, grooming, care, training, health and coat traits of poodle mixes. Similarly, finding an ethical breeder can mean the difference between getting your dream puppy or a nightmare.
The best Oodle breeders raise their puppies in their homes and are passionate about their breeding program and bloodlines. Quiz breeders on what they feed their dogs and puppies, their response should indicate that they’ve researched and customised their dog’s food to ensure the best health outcomes. Responsible breeders will also understand dog behaviour and training, and have a puppy-raising program that reflects this level of awareness.
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