Small Poodle Mixes - The Top Ten Curly Cross Breeds

Welcome to our list of the top 10 small Poodle mixes.

The little “Doodle” dogs that have quickly become America’s sweethearts.

Small and mini Poodle mixes are the result of crossing a Toy or Miniature Poodle with another small breed.

Miniature Poodle mix dogs are favored for their low-shedding and fluffy coats.

But first-generation mixes do not always favor the Poodle’s coat qualities.

Read on to learn more about the most popular small Poodle mix breeds, and whether one would be right for you.

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a Cocker Spaniel crossed with a Miniature, Toy, or Standard Poodle.

When the cross involves a Miniature or Toy Poodle, you get a curly-coated ball of pure cute.

Which may weigh anywhere from 6 pounds to about 18 pounds.

Though the Poodle doesn’t shed very much, the Cocker Spaniel is a heavy shedder.

So depending on which coat type they inherit, this cross may shed pretty profusely, seasonally, or hardly at all.

Cockapoos are typically pleasant, intelligent little fellows who rarely inherit an unfavorable disposition.

However, they may inherit a number of health problems.

Including blood diseases, cancer, heart disease, vision issues, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease.

These small Poodle mixes may live for 12 to 15 years.

To learn more about this loveable mix, refer to our article on the Cockapoo – The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix.

Bichon Poodle

The Bichon Poodle is a Bichon Frise mixed with a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

This cross produces a highly active pooch that is also blessed with patience, making it popular as a family pet.

Depending on whether the Poodle parent is Toy or Miniature, Bich Poos may weigh anywhere from 6 pounds to 12 pounds.

They typically have a medium-length, curly coat which is white or apricot in color and which sheds minimally.

Daily brushing and monthly coat trims are a grooming requirement.

Like many small Poodle mixes, Bichon Poodles can be quite the little barkers.

The barking can be worse when they are left alone for long periods of time, as they are prone to separation anxiety.

Bich Poos are also prone to some health problems.

Including tooth loss and gum infection (typically from overcrowding), cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

They can also have hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and Von Willebrand’s disease.

Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

To learn more about this playful pooch, refer to our article on the Bichon Poodle Mix – The Bich Poo Teddy Bear Puppy.

Maltipoo

This popular Poodle hybrid is the result of crossing the Maltese with a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

Depending on whether the Poodle parent is Toy or Miniature, Maltipoos may weigh anywhere from 5 pounds to 15 pounds.

They are agreeable dogs which make perfect companions, which makes them less than happy about alone time.

They will bark their displeasure at this!

The Maltipoo’s coat will not shed much.

Regardless of their coat type they will need weekly brushing and monthly trips to the groomers to keep the coat from matting.

Maltipoos may inherit health problems which are prevalent in their parent breeds.

These include mitral valve prolapse, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, epilepsy, white dog shaker syndrome, epilepsy.

As well as vision and joint problems (these are both common conditions in small Poodle mixes).

They live for 10-15 years, commonly reaching at least 12 years of age.

To learn more about this playful pooch, refer to our article on the Maltipoo – The Maltese Poodle Mix.

Westiepoo

The Westiepoo is a West Highland White Terrier (also known as the ‘Westie’) crossed with a Miniature Poodle.

Of the small Poodle mixes, this hybrid is on the larger side, with a full-grown weight of about 20 to 30 pounds.

Due to their Poodle lineage, some Westiepoos bond very closely with one or more family members.

This can make them leery of strangers.

Early socialization with people and animals will be necessary to prevent yippy or nippy behavior.

Due to their Terrier lineage, some Westiepoos can also have a high prey drive.

This may disqualify them as candidates for homes with cats or other small pets.

Both Westies and Poodles have long and curly coats.

A Westipoo will require daily to weekly brushing and monthly trips to the groomer to keep things clean and trimmed up.

If they have the Westie’s white coat, then regular baths can keep it crisp.

You won’t have to worry about much shedding with this hybrid.

As far as health concerns go, Westiepoos may inherit Addison’s disease, bloat, and atopic dermatitis.

They usually live for 10-18 years, with the average being 13 or 14 years old.

To learn more about this active and clever little dog, read the Westipoo – The Poodle West Highland White Terrier Mix.

Pomapoo

The Pomapoo is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Toy Poodle.

This tiny hybrid weighs just 3 to 9 pounds when fully grown, which means they do not need a lot of exercise.

About an hour of play time, short walks, or a combination of both each day will suffice!

Since both Pomeranians and Toy Poodles are very loyal to their families and tend to bond closely with one person.

They may exhibit guarding tendencies. Proper socialization can help with this behavior.

They may also get grumpy or nippy when they are tired of being petted or messed with.

This makes this mix an unlikely candidate for a family with small children who may not know when enough is enough.

They combine the Pomeranian’s thick double-coat and the Toy Poodle’s dense and curly coat.

A Pomapoo will need daily brushing with a slicker brush or pin brush, respectively, as well as monthly trips to the groomer.

Additionally, Pomeranians shed seasonally, so a Pomapoo may also shed seasonally.

If their coat more closely resembles that of a Poodle, though, then they may shed minimally.

Health issues to watch out for in Pomapoos are progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, hypothyroidism.

Also Addison’s disease, seizures, problems associated with dental overcrowding, tracheal collapse, and joint problems.

They usually live for 10-18 years, with many reaching at least 12 years old.

To learn more about the fluffy Pomapoo, refer to our article on the Pomapoo – Is the Pomeranian Poodle Mix for You?.

Cavapoo

If you cross a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Miniature or Toy Poodle, you get the Cavapoo!

This cross may reach 10 to 18 pounds at maturity.

They are sturdy dogs which thrive in a moderately active environment, but they also enjoy lounging in your lap.

There are a couple of behavioral quirks with this hybrid, as there are with many small Poodle mixes.

Cavapoo may exhibit guarding tendencies.

Again, proper socialization can alleviate this behavior.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a high prey drive, so a Cavapoo may also want to chase after wildlife when they’re outside.

A Cavapoo may inherit their Spaniel parent’s long, silky coat, or their Poodle parent’s tightly curled coat.

Or some combination of both.

Their coat may be solid or multi-colored, and it may require weekly or daily brushing as well as regular trims.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do shed seasonally, so a Cavapoo may also shed seasonally.

If their coat more closely resembles that of a Poodle, though, then they may shed minimally.

Possible health problems to keep an eye on are syringomyelia, which results in the dog’s skull being too small.

Only get a puppy whose Cavalier parent has been scanned as clear for the condition.

Additionally heart disease, Addison’s disease, Von Willebrand’s disease, bleeding disorders, diabetes, epilepsy.

And bloat, hepatitis, and joint problems.

They usually live for 10-18 years, with many reaching 12 years and beyond.

To learn more about the eager-to-please Cavapoo, see the Cavapoo – The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle Mix.

Yorkipoo

Perhaps one of the most popular small Poodle mixes, the Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle.

Yorkipoos may reach just 4 pounds or up to 15 pounds, depending on their parents’ respective sizes.

They enjoy spending time with their humans and will do whatever it takes to get your attention!

However, some Yorkipoos may get a little too attached to their family and will exhibit guarding tendencies.

We cannot stress proper socialization enough with these types of dogs.

This hybrid also needs short bursts of exercise each day, as they are quite energetic.

A Yorkipoo may inherit the Yorkshire Terrier’s silky and straight coat, their Poodle parent’s tightly curled coat, or some combination of both.

Their coat may be any color which is accepted for Terriers and Poodles, and it will require regular brushing to eliminate matting.

Yorkipoos may shed minimally, like a Poodle, or seasonally, like a Yorkshire Terrier.

But the good news is that any shedding can be minimized with regular grooming.

This mix may be prone to Legg-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia and other joint problems .

Addison’s disease, epilepsy, bloat, hepatitis, collapsed trachea, and other vision and neurological problems can occur.

They usually live for 10-18 years.

To learn more about the charming Yorkipoo, refer to our article on the Yorkipoo – The Yorkshire Terrier Poodle Mix.

Shih Poo

When you cross a Shih Tzu with a Miniature or Toy Poodle, the end result is the Shih Poo.

Shih Poos may weigh anywhere from 4 to 16 pounds.

How small they stay depends on whether a Toy or Miniature Poodle was bred with the Shih Tzu parent.

This hybrid is usually a cuddler, and needs just a little bit of running amok each day to satisfy their energy requirements.

A Shih Poo may inherit a tendency to get defensive of their owner or family as well as a barking tendency.

They may also get tired of being fussed over and get nippy.

With these traits in mind, socialization and keeping these dogs in the proper environment are ideal.

A Shih Poo may inherit the Shih Tzu’s silky and straight or wavy coat, their Poodle parent’s tightly curled coat.

The coat may be solid like a Poodle’s or multi-colored like the Shih Tzu’s.

Daily brushing as well as visits to the groomer will ensure that the coat is kept free of mats, is kept out of your pup’s eyes.

And is easier to maintain at home.

Neither Shih Tzus nor Poodles shed very much, though, so you won’t have to deal with excess dog hair.

This mix may be afflicted with eye problems, brachycephalic syndrome, joint problems, kidney issues, Cushing’s disease, bladder stones, and skin tumors.

The Shih Poo’s life expectancy is 10-15 years.

To learn more about the spirited Shih Poo, refer to our article on the Shih Poo – Your Guide To The Shih Tzu Poodle Mix.

Miniature Labradoodle

A Miniature Labradoodle is the offspring of a Miniature Poodle and a Labrador Retriever.

These small Poodle mixes are the cousins of the vastly popular Labradoodle, a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador.

Not all Miniature Labradoodles stay small.

The cross could be as small as a Miniature Poodle, as large as a full-sized Labrador, or somewhere in between.

The same could be said of the mix’s personality.

Labradors are usually happy to greet strangers, but Miniature Poodles can be shy.

The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy

You should also plan to have either a high-shedding double-coat that’s straight like the Labrador’s.

Or a low-shedding but densely curled coat like the Poodle’s, or a combination of both.

A curled coat will require regular trips to the groomer for trims to prevent matting.

Health problems may include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and any other conditions which are present in Poodles.

Miniature Labradoodles have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

To learn more about the Miniature Labradoodle, refer to our article on the Mini Labradoodle.

Miniature Schnoodle

A Miniature Schnoodle is a Miniature Schnauzer crossed with a Miniature Poodle.

This mix may grow to between 10 and 20 pounds.

They can be vastly loyal to their owners and may or may not have disagreements with strangers.

Small Schnoodles with the teddy-bear coat (soft and fluffy, but not densely curled) are in rather high demand.

But this coat is not guaranteed in first generation crosses.

As the resulting pups could inherit the Poodle’s curls or the Schnauzer’s wiry coat.

Regardless of their coat type, a Miniature Schnoodle will need some brushing.

The Schnauzer’s double coat is thick and wiry, so brushing is necessary to rid it of any tangles.

However, a Poodle coat or similar will need both brushing and regular trims to keep it from getting too long.

Both Schnauzers and Poodles are low-shedders, so the hybrid will not shed much.

Additionally, both Schnauzers and Poodles are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia.

Also progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, patellar luxation, epilepsy, and several heart and liver disorders.

Any other health problems in Schnauzers and Poodles may also present, though.

The Miniature Schnoodle has a lifespan of 10 to 18 years.

To learn more about the Miniature Schnoodle, refer to our article on the Schnoodle.

Small Poodle Mixes – a summary

With any hybrid puppy, there isn’t much that you can be certain about, especially in first-generation crosses.

We’ve mentioned some defining characteristics for small Poodle mixes.

But it’s important to note that these are meant to be read as guidelines only.

Anything is possible when two dog breeds are combined.

You may be more likely to find a small Poodle mix with the expected traits if you purchase a later-generation cross from a reputable breeder.

Furthermore, genetic testing can help to identify any health problems which your future puppy may have inherited.

Please check out our breed-specific article on the particular combination so you’re armed with plenty of knowledge before you make the leap!

Resources

Small Poodle Mixes – The Top Ten Curly Cross Breeds