Doodle FAQ
Straight, honest answers to the questions prospective doodle owners ask most.
What is a doodle?
A doodle (or “designer crossbreed”) is a Poodle crossed with another breed — a Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever × Poodle, a Cavapoo is a Cavalier × Poodle, and so on. The Poodle side usually brings a lower-shedding, curlier coat.
What do F1, F1B and F2 mean?
F1 is a first cross (50% Poodle). F1B is an F1 bred back to a Poodle (~75% Poodle) — curlier and the most reliably low-shedding. F2 is two F1s bred together, and it's the least predictable: about 1 in 4 puppies can inherit a flat, shedding coat. Our predictor shows the odds for each generation.
Do doodles shed? Are they hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Most F1 and F1B doodles shed very little because they inherit the Poodle “furnishing” gene. But shedding isn't guaranteed — it depends on genetics, and littermates can differ. See our lowest-shedding doodles ranking.
How big will my doodle get?
Adult size depends mostly on the two parents — especially the size of the Poodle parent (Toy, Miniature or Standard). It's the most predictable trait. Enter the parents in the predictor for an estimated adult weight and height range.
Do a doodle's colour or “rarity” affect health or price?
Colour has no effect on health or temperament. Breeders often charge more for “rare” colours, but you shouldn't pay a premium for colour alone. One real exception: merle. Breeding two merle dogs can cause deafness and blindness — read our merle genetics & health guide.
How can I know my doodle's coat and genes for sure?
A dog DNA test reads the actual furnishing and curl genes, so you'll know whether a puppy will likely shed or stay furnished — useful when the generation is unknown. Our predictor gives the odds; a DNA test confirms them.
Are doodles good family dogs?
Most are — they tend to be affectionate, sociable and trainable, which is why they're so popular. Energy levels vary a lot by cross, though. See the best family doodles and calmest doodles rankings.
Educational information, not veterinary or breeding advice. See how it works & sources.