13 Unknown Dogs That Look Like Poodles (With Pictures)

Last Updated on February, 2025

The Poodle is a popular and beloved dog breed among dog lovers due to their:

  • Distinctive curly coats
  • Adorable look
  • Charismatic personality
  • Fun-loving, friendly nature

However, did you know there are many dog breeds that look like Poodles and share their temperament, too? 

If you are a dog lover and curious to know about them, dive in.

Quick Summary

There are many dog breeds that look like Poodles and share their temperament, including the Cockapoo, Yorkiepoo, Lagotto Romagnolo, Bedlington Terrier, Afghan Hound, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Maltipoo, Shih-Poo, and Poochon.

Poodle breeds are a favorite among dog lovers due to their distinctive curly coats, adorable look, charismatic personality, and fun-loving and friendly nature.

Dogs that look like Poodles share physical features like curly or wavy single-coat, low shedding, long floppy ears, dark rounded eyes, black nose, long neck, an athletic physique with well-defined muscles, royal posture, and long docked tail.

Most Popular Dog Breeds That Look Like Poodles

1. Cockapoo

A Cockapoo dog breed looking at the camera

Cockapoo dogs date back to the 1960s and were one of the first designer dogs. They are a hybrid dog mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, known for their friendly and playful personalities. 

They are curious, loyal, people-oriented, and affectionate. You’ll never feel lonely with a Cockapoo by your side. But these dogs are aloof to new people and animals that don’t belong to their pack. As they are intelligent, you can train them quickly. 

Cockapoo coats are hypoallergenic and soft. The hair can be curly or wavy and comes in various colors. 

Origin: United States
Lifespan:12-15 years
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight:13-19 pounds
Breed Recognition: Designer Dog. Recognized by The American Kennel Club as a mixed dog breed
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2. Yorkiepoo

Yorkiepoo Dog Breed

Yorkiepoo is a hybrid cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Poodle. They are one of the smallest and most intelligent dog breeds. Yorkiepoos coats can be curly, straight, or wavy. 

These dogs look like cuddly toys. So, they are winning the hearts of many dog owners, even though they are not an official breed. 

Yorkiepoos are social, loyal, and good with kids. You can train them quickly. Another notable feature is that Yorkiepoos are independent. So they don’t need a lot of affection like other dogs. 

Origin: United States
Lifespan:10-15 years
Height: 7-15 inches
Weight:5-15 pounds
Breed Recognition: Designer dog. Breed registries or significant kennel clubs do not recognize them. 

3. Lagotto Romagnolo

A Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed is resting on a vibrant red towel

Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog known for its truffle hunting skills. This is the only purebred dog breed recognized as a specialized truffle searcher. 

Their size, curly coat, and coat colors are similar to those of Poodles. Their coats are dense, curly, and water-resistant. 

They are intelligent, playful, and affectionate dogs but can be aggressive and territorial too. Training Lagottos can be a challenging task for you. 

Origin: NorthEastern Italy
Lifespan:15-17 years
Height: 17-19 inches (male) 16-18 inches (female)
Weight:28.5- 35 pounds (male) 24-31 pounds (female)
Breed Recognition: Recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 2015 

4. Bedlington Terrier

Two pictures of a white Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed with a leash

Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized breed known for its speed. They are formidable vermin hunters and ideal for dog shows. 

These dogs have a unique appearance, resembling a lamb with a top knot of silky hair. 

Bedlington Terriers are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and loyal companions. They are also less aggressive when compared with the other Terrier breeds. These characteristics make them excellent family pets. 

Now, about their coat, the Bedlington Terrier has a thick, dense coat with short, curly, or wavy hair. Their face, standing posture, and hair resemble that of a Poodle.

Most people have Bedlington Terriers as service dogs due to their stamina and unwavering courage. 

Origin: England
Lifespan:11-16 years
Height: 15-17.5 inches
Weight:17-23 pounds
Breed Recognition: Recognized as a terrier breed by AKC

5. Barbet

Two images of a brown Barbet dog breed seated on a chair

The Barbet breed is one of the dogs that earned the American Kennel Club recognition in 2020. 

Barbets are known as “poodles in the head,” as their broadhead structure strongly resembles the Poodle. In addition, the curly coat, lengthy tail, large nose, and agile frame are also similar to Poodles. 

The coat of a Barbet dog can vary in color. But black, brown, and fawn are the most common. The curly hair is more ruffled than a Poodle, requiring regular grooming. 

Barbets are affectionate and loyal dogs. They are intelligent with outstanding, curious personalities. 

Origin: France
Lifespan:12-14 years
Height: 19-24.5 inches
Weight:35-65 pounds
Breed Recognition: Recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) and the International Canine Federation (FCI)

6. Afghan Hound

Two pictures of Afghan Hound Dog Breed roaming in the grass ground

Afghan Hounds are one of the oldest dog breeds and display an air of royalty. They have an iconic appearance with an extra long, straight coat that requires daily brushing. 

Their personality and coats look different from Poodles. But their defined facial features and long legs make them similar to that of Poodles and set them apart from other dog breeds. 

Afghan Hounds are intelligent, affectionate, and low-energy dogs. They can be mischievous to family members. 

Origin: Afghanistan
Lifespan:12-18 years
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight:50-60 pounds
Breed Recognition: Recognized as a breed by the AKC

7. Portuguese Water Dog

Two pictures of a black and white Portuguese Water Dog Breed standing in the water

Portuguese Water Dogs is another dog breed that looks like a Poodle but is smaller. 

They were originally bred in Portugal to assist fishermen in herding fish into the nets and to serve as a courier. 

The Portuguese Water Dog is intelligent, independent, affectionate, and friendly. You can train them quickly to do tricks. They are the perfect companion for young kids. 

Portuguese Water Dog has a long, wavy coat with a soft, dense undercoat. Their hair will look like a lion’s mane when cut short, just like the Poodle’s hair when cut. 

Origin: Portugal
Lifespan:11-13 years
Height: 20-23 inches (male) 17-21 inches (female)
Weight:42-60 pounds (male) 35-50 pounds (female)
Breed Recognition: Recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1983
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8. Irish Water Spaniel

Two pictures of a Irish Water Spaniel dog breed in the the water

Irish Water Spaniels are one of the giant breeds of dogs that look like Poodles. They have a curly, water-resistant, shaggy coat. 

Like a Poodle, an Irish Water Spaniel is water-loving and a natural swimmer. Their webbed feet make them suited to water-related activities. 

Initially, Irish Water Spaniels were bred for hunting. So, they excel at hunting waterfowl and retrieving objects from water. 

They are intelligent, loyal, and adventurous. Their coats are similar to Poodles and come in four colors: gray, white, black, and brown.

Origin: Ireland
Lifespan:12-13 years
Height: 22-24 inches (male) 21-23 inches (female)
Weight:55-68 pounds (male) 45-58 pounds (female)
Breed Recognition: Recognized by the AKC

9. Labradoodle

Two pictures of a Labradoodle dog breed seated in a grass field

A Labradoodle is one of the most popular dogs, like Poodles. They are a Poodle cross with a Labrador Retriever. 

Labradoodles are intelligent, loyal, friendly, and easily trainable. So, they make excellent pets. The best thing about Labradoodles is that they are non-shedding. If you are looking for a dog that does not shed, this is your choice. 

They inherit the iconic curly coat of the Poodle parent, but the skin is shorter and more rounded than that of Poodles. They are in high demand in the dog world.

Origin: Australia
Lifespan:12-14 years
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight:50-65 pounds
Breed Recognition: Designer dog. Not AKC-recognized 

10. Goldendoodle

Two pictures of a brown Goldendoodle dog breed lying in the grass and one lying in a bed

A Goldendoodle is a hybrid mix between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They grow medium to large and inherit a mix of the features of both parents. 

Goldendoodles are independent, confident, and obedient. They are friendly, lovable dogs that make fantastic family pets. They can also be your hunting companion if you train correctly. 

Goldendoodles have curly, wavy, or straight shedding coats. They have oval-shaped black eyes, floppy ears, and button noses. They don’t have a signature Poodle snout and the crest of fur on the top like Poodles. 

Origin: United States and Australia
Lifespan:10-15 years
Height: 20-24 inches
Weight:50-90 pounds
Breed Recognition: Designer dog. Not AKC registered

11. Maltipoo

Two adorable pictures of a seated Maltipoo Dog Breed looking at the camera

Maltipoos are miniature dogs resembling poodles known for their adorable looks. They are a hybrid of Maltese and Poodle. 

Maltipoos have the same physical characteristics and intelligence as standard Poodles. But they are not strong, independent, or large like the Poodle. Their coats are wavy or curly, with soft and silky hair. 

Origin: United States
Lifespan:10-15 years (Read complete Maltipoo lifespan guide here.)
Height: 8-14 inches
Weight:5-20 pounds
Breed Recognition: Designer dogs. Not AKC-recognized

12. Shih-Poo

two pictures of a brown Shih-Poo Dog Breed and a black and white one roaming in a flower field

The Shih-Poo is a hybrid cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. They are also called Shoodle or Pooshi. 

They are cuddly, playful and friendly. They love to be doted on and pampered. So they’ll nap on your lap for hours if you like it. Their friendly, playful nature makes them good companions for anyone. 

Shih-Poos have curly coats, straight coats, or a combination of both. Their coats are hypoallergenic and come in a variety of colors.

Origin: North America
Lifespan:13-17+ years (Read complete Shi-poo lifespan guide here.)
Height: 8-18 inches
Weight:8-18 pounds
Breed Recognition: Not recognized by AKC. Registered under some designer breed registration clubs: American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry

13. Poochon

Two pictures of a poochon dog breed in a grass field

Poochon is a dog breed designed by crossing a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. 

They are small, intelligent dogs with a playful, charming nature. Poochons don’t like to be isolated. So they are ideal companions for large families with many people. 

Their adorable look will make passersby pet your dog. 

Origin: Australia
Lifespan:12-15 years
Height: 9-15 inches
Weight:6-17 pounds
Breed Recognition: Mixed breed, not recognized by AKC

About Poodles

Two pictures of a poodle

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are gentle dogs with an energetic and intelligent personality. Their cute, adorable look has made them famous among pet owners like you. So, let’s take a deeper look into Poodles.

Size

Based on size, Poodles are categorized into four: toy, miniature, medium, and standard. I have listed down the weight and height of each size. 

Poodle category Average weight (pounds)Average height (inches)
Toy4.5-6.59.5-11
Miniature10-1511-14
Medium20-3014-18
Standard45-7018-24

Appearance

The most significant feature of Poodles is their thick, curly coat. It can be clipped or corded. Some of the standard clips include modern clips: continental clip, teddy bear clip, and puppy cut. 

Poodles are low shedding. Their coats keep growing if you don’t groom them, and it can smell bad, too. So, Poodles are pretty high-maintenance.

Other physical features of Poodles are:

  • Large eyes
  • Big floppy ears
  • Tapered snouts

Characteristics

  • Extremely smart and intelligent. So, Poodles learn names quickly, and it is easy to house-train them. But they also need much physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
  • Water loving.
  • Fun and outgoing.
  • Independent. They can be exceptionally stubborn at times. 
  • Loving and affectionate.

What Makes a Dog Look Like a Poodle?

A poodle dog is staring at the camera

Poodle-like dogs are born by the cross between a purebred Poodle and other purebreds like Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers.

Here are some features that will make a dog look like a Poodle:

  • Curly or wavy single-coat
  • Should shed very little
  • Long floppy ears that hang to their cheekbones
  • Dark rounded eyes
  • Black nose
  • Long neck
  • An athletic physique with well-defined muscles
  • Royal posture
  • Long docked tail 

A dog doesn’t need to tick all the above points to look like a Poodle. Only some will suffice.

Which is Your Favorite Poodle Mix?

There are several breeds that look like Poodles. Some are hybrid crosses between two breeds: a Poodle and another purebred dog. Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, and Maltipoo are examples of Poodle mixes. 

Some other dogs, such as the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog, Bedlington Terrier, and Afghan Hound, are pure breeds that share similar physical characteristics with Poodles. 

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Other guides and tools you might need when training your dog:

FAQs

The dogs that look like a giant Poodle are the Irish Water Spaniel, Airedale Terrier, and Goldendoodles. These breeds are larger than a standard Poodle and weigh more than 70 pounds.

The dog breeds known as “teddy bear poodles” are Poochon, Shih Poo, Labradoodle, and Goldendoodle.

Yes, most dog breeds that look like Poodles are typically hypoallergenic due to their coat genetics inherited from their Poodle parents, which reduces the amount of shedding.

The Irish Doodle is a breed of dog that has a similar look to the Labradoodle, but is typically darker in color.

The French Dog That Looks Like a Goldendoodle is the Barbet, which has a similar coat.

The breeds of dogs that have hair resembling Poodles include Bedlington Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Labradoodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Bichon Frise.

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Author
Laura Vinzy
Laura Vinzy is one of our contributors. She is also a certified professional dog trainer & currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and her two rescue dogs.

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