11 Dog Breeds That Look Like Poodles (With Pictures)
Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. The breed is known for its distinctive curly hair and outgoing and excitable personalities, and this extraordinary combination melts the hearts of many dog owners.
If you’re looking for a dog that shares some of these characteristics with Poodles, you’re in luck. There are several breeds of dogs that look like Poodles in both appearance and personality.
Characteristics of Poodles
While Poodles come in many colors, they all share specific physical characteristics. Poodles have long, tapered snouts, large eyes, and big, floppy ears.
Perhaps their most recognizable physical characteristic is their fur. Poodles have thick, curly coats that can be either corded or clipped. They are also known for their elegant gait and their ability to be trained to perform tricks.
Poodles are also known for their high intelligence, which means they can be easy to train, but they also require a lot of mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Poodles need plenty of physical and mental exercises to stay happy and healthy.
One of the reasons that people love Poodles so much is because of their complex personalities. Many owners describe their Poodles as loving and affectionate. However, it is not all sunshine and roses.
I know firsthand that Poodles can also be exceptionally stubborn, but their cuteness makes you quickly forget it.
One of the more fascinating characteristics of Poodles is that they love the water. If you bring your Poodle to a lake, river, or even the ocean, it won’t be long until they swim in the water and have the time of their life.
Portuguese WaterA Dog
The first dog breed on our list of dogs that look like Poodles is the Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs were initially bred in Portugal to assist fishermen. Like Poodles, they love the water and are excellent swimmers.
Portuguese Water Dogs are also known for their high intelligence and trainability. Like Poodles, water dogs are also high energy and have a stronger sense of independence.
Portuguese Water Dogs have many of the same physical characteristics as Poodles. They have a similar body type, and their fur can be wavy or curly. Their coat also responds similarly when trimmed.
If you cut a Portuguese water Dog’s hair short, it will look like a lion’s mane. You can also do this with a Poodle’s hair.
One of the main differences between the two breeds is that Portuguese Water Dogs are not as small as Poodles. They typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while standard Poodles can weigh up to 70 pounds.
Labradoodle
Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They are one of the most popular dogs that look like Poodles.
Labradoodles inherit many of the best qualities from both of their parent breeds. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, like Labrador Retrievers. They also have the Poodle’s signature curly hair.
Labradoodles come in many different sizes, depending on the size of their parents. They range from small (20 pounds) to large (80 pounds).
One of the best things about Labradoodles is that they are low-shedding dogs because they inherit the non-shedding coat from the Poodle parent. If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed, a Labradoodle is a great option.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are another famous cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they inherit the best qualities from their parent breeds.
Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent, and trainable. They also have the Poodle’s signature curly hair.
Goldendoodles are known to be great family dogs. I had a Goldendoodle growing up, and she was always gentle with young kids but could also play with my older cousins and adults. She protected the family members and made sure that everyone was safe.
Goldendoodles are excellent family dogs because they love to have fun. They love playing games like tug of war, fetch, and wrestling.
Goldendoodles have coats that are similar in color to Golden Retrievers. The color can range from yellow to dark gold color. However, they are hypoallergenic like Poodles and shed a minimal amount.
Maltipoo
Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. They are one of the smallest dogs that look like Poodles, typically weighing between 4 and 9 pounds.
Maltipoos are a popular designer dog breed that is playful, affectionate, and loves attention. They are also known to be intelligent and easily trainable.
Maltipoos have a coat that is similar to a Poodle’s. They can have a wavy or curly coat, and the hair is usually soft and silky. Maltipoos come in many colors, including white, black, brown, and cream.
One of the things that make Maltipoos unique is their small size. They are one of the most miniature dogs that look like Poodles.
Yorkipoo
Yorkipoos are a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. They typically weigh between 4 and 9 pounds, making them one of the smaller dogs that look like Poodles.
Yorkipoos are a popular designer dog breed that is intelligent and easily trainable. They are also known to be affectionate and loving dogs. Due to their intelligence, they are also easy to train.
However, they tend to have an independent streak and don’t desire as much affection as Maltipoos do.
Pumi
Pumis are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. They have a coat similar to a Poodle’s, with curly or wavy hair. The fur is usually thick and dense.
Pumis come in many colors, including black, brown, grey, and white.
Pumis are intelligent dogs that are athletic and adventurous. This breed loves to play and go on adventures but also likes to cuddle up and show affection. Pumis are easy to train, but you need a lot of energy to keep up with this fantastic dog breed.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a large breed of dog, and like Poodles, they are water dogs and love swimming.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the largest dogs on this list, weighing between 40 and 60 pounds. They have a coat similar to a Poodle’s, with curly or wavy hair. Their hair is usually thick and dense.
Irish Water Spaniels come in many colors, including black, brown, grey, and white.
Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent dogs that are athletic and adventurous. This breed loves to play and go on adventures. They are also very loyal.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a large breed of dog and one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. Like Poodle, Afghan Hounds are iconic in their appearance. The breed has an air of royalty about them.
Afghan Hounds look fabulous and stylish.
Afghan Hounds weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. They have a long, straight coat that is quite different from a Poodle’s. Their personality is also a bit different from a Poodle’s.
Afghan Hounds are not known for their intelligence and tend to be low-energy.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are often mistaken for Poodles due to their similar facial structure and short curly hair. Bedlington Terriers are a medium-sized breed of dogs that weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.
Bedlington Terriers have a coat similar to a Poodle’s, with curly or wavy hair. The coat is usually thick and dense. Bedlington Terriers are also known to be innovative and, like Poodles, can be pretty stubborn.
Many people have Belington Terriers as service dogs.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog that shares many physical characteristics with Poodles. They are about the same size, and their coats are also curly and come in similar colors.
Lagotto Romagnolo’s are also intelligent but are known to be more territorial and aggressive than Poodles. They can also be challenging to train.
Barbet
Barbets are more miniature Poodles. They have the same curly hair, and their coats come in similar colors. They have long snouts but are 10-15 pounds lighter than Poodles.
Barbets are intelligent dogs that require a lot of grooming. It can become matted and dirty if you don’t brush their hair often.
Barbets have outstanding personalities; many dog owners love them because they are friendly and obedient. Like Poodles, they need a lot of exercise and love to run around.
Wrap Up
Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, and it’s no surprise. They are intelligent, affectionate, and have a unique style. If you’re looking for a dog that shares some of these characteristics, then any dog breeds on this list of dogs that look like Poodles would be a great choice.
OodleLife Veterinarian Dr Charlotte Stiles (DVM)
