Poodles come in three sizes, so they can accommodate almost any living space. If you’re looking for a smaller dog, check out a toy poodle mix.
Toy Poodles are being mixed with just about every breed, says Sue Shemuga, president of the Toy Poodle Rescue in Dover, Mass. Poodle mixes are “the thing” right now, she says.
Toy poodles stand 10 inches or under and were often used in performances and circuses. Here are 8 of the most popular toy poodle mixes.
Cockapoo
A Cockapoo is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Toy Poodle. The Cocker Spaniel is known for its warm demeanor. Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence. Though the temperament and traits of mixing two breeds are based on genetics, cocapoos are often smart, caring companions.
Cockapoos generally weigh under 10 pounds and stand up to 10 inches tall.
Brian Lasenby via Shutterstock
Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a mix between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle. Both types of dog were bred for companionship.
Maltipoos typically have wavy, woolly coats that need to be brushed often.
These dogs can weigh anywhere from 4-to-15 pounds and be 7 to-15 inches in height.
Rob Hainer via Shutterstock
Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is a mix between a Pekingese and a Toy Poodle. The Pekingese has been a popular lap dog for over 1000 years!
When fully grown, Peekapoos usually weigh less than 15 pounds and stand 9 inches high or less
These dogs can be black, brown, apricot, red, sliver, and white.
Perry Harmon via Shutterstock
Pomapoo
The Pomapoo is a mix between a Pomeranian and a Toy Poodle. Pomeranians descended from sled dogs, and when they were larger (30 pounds), they served as sheep herders. Their size was reduced through breeding in the 19th century.
Pomapoos usually weigh 5 to 15 pounds and stand 8 to 10 inches tall.
Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a mix between a Schnauzer and a Toy Poodle. Originally, the miniature Schnauzer was used to keep rats and vermin away from farms.
These dogs can come in a mix of colors: white, black, gray, cream, brown, red, sliver, or a mix of two colors.
When mixed with a toy schnauzer, the schnoodle will most likely be under 10 inches tall and weigh only 12 to 20 pounds.
The Schnoodle’s coat may be wiry like a schnauzer or curly like a poodle.
Patrick McCall via Shutterstock
Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle. The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, was bred in Yorkshire, England and was used to control rats in cotton mills and coal mines.
When fully grown, Yorkipoos can be 6 to 14 inches tall and weigh 4 to 14 pounds.
astrocoz via Flickr
Shihpoo
The Shihpoo is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. The name Shih Tzu or Shuh Tzu Kou translates to “lion dog” from Chinese.
allnightavenue via Flickr
Chipoo
The Chipoo is a mix between a Chihuahua and Toy Poodle. Chihuahuas can be nervious, but are extremely devoted to their owners.
Some believe the chihuahua originated from the Fennec Fox, a small creature with big ears.
Chipoos will be small in size, which means they require little exercise and are good for owners that have small places—like a city apartment.
A Little History on Poodle Mixes
The first poodle cross “designer dogs” were Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. However, some of those two mixes are now being surrendered because the resulting dog isn’t guaranteed to have a good disposition, says Shemuga. People also don’t realize that crossing a Lab or Golden Retriever with a poodle results in a dog that needs a lot of exercise because poodles are water dogs, she explains.
In addition, poodle mixes are popular because of the poodle’s reputation for having a hypoallergenic coat. But there’s really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, Shemuga says, explaining that people are allergic to the dander in the hair, not the hair itself.
Regardless of the reason behind wanting a Toy Poodle mix, Shemuga cautions, “don’t go by looks, go by personality.” That cute little poodle mix may or may not be the right fit for you.
via Shutterstock
Samantha Drake is a freelance writer & editor in the Philadelphia area who writes about pets, business & general interest topics.
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