11 Dog Breeds That Look Like Poodles

Labradoodles are one of the most popular big dogs that look like Poodles. It's all in the name! The cutesie name is a portmanteau of Labrador and Poodle, which reflects the breed's lineage. These dogs are a cross-breed between two of the most popular canines around.

The first one came from a breeder in 1989; the rest is history. Because they're a mixed breed, Labradoodles aren't recognized by the AKG. However, that hasn't impacted their popularity. Hundreds of thousands are in the world today, and many non-AKG organizations offer registration to maintain breed standards.

You get the best of both breeds in the Labradoodle. You get the cute curly locks of the Poodle with the obedient and fun-loving nature of the Labrador. They make great family pets and are perfect for cuddling.

Here's another cross-breed. As the name implies, it's a mix of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. These living teddy bears are the epitome of cute. They have the floppy ears of the Golden Retriever and the signature color with the curly hair of the Poodle.

These dogs will melt your heart, and many people can't help but want one after laying eyes on them. Goldendoodles are very loyal family dogs. They do well with kids and are always eager to show affection.

Like the Poodle, Goldendoodles need plenty of grooming. But if you can work that into your schedule, owning one of these dogs can be a rewarding experience.

Portuguese Water Dogs are gorgeous creatures. Like the Poodle, they have curly hair. However, it's in a rich mocha color that you don't see very often in dogs.

Like the Poodle, The Portuguese Water Dog loves to swim. It was originally bred to assist fishermen, and many pups today will not hesitate to go for a swim.

These dogs are slightly smaller than Standard Poodles. They weigh as much as 60 pounds. However, their fur requires the same amount of maintenance. The cool thing about Portuguese Water Dogs is that you can cut their hair short or let it grow long. They're happy either way as long as you groom them.

The breed is highly intelligent, making them very trainable. However, they can also exhibit an independent streak.

Irish Water Spaniels are a sight to behold with their floppy ears and curly fur. Like the Portuguese Water Dog, these beauties love to get wet. They will not hesitate to swim in your pool or a nearby lake!

Curly or wavy hair is the norm. Irish Water Spaniels usually have thick coats, and they're usually dark brown or black. The low-hanging ears make these pups extra adorable. Like the rest of the body, the ears are covered in curly hair, creating a memorable hairdo.

This breed is adventurous and playful. Despite their coifed looks, they are always eager to explore and stay active.

Here's a unique-looking dog. Like the Poodle, it has curly hair that's often crisp white. While the fur normally grows throughout the body, many Bedlington Terrier owners stick to a signature grooming style. It includes shaving the body while allowing the legs and head to grow. The result is a distinct profile.

Once again, don't let that groomed look throw you off. Bedlington Terriers are hyperactive and full of energy! They are bred to be muscular. Originally, they accompanied hunters as they searched for foxes. That active lifestyle remains, and Bedlington Terriers need the opportunity to run and play.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a special curly-haired dog that comes from Italy. It's a cattle dog with a history of herding livestock. They also protected farmers from wolves and helped hunters retrieve waterfowl.

While most kennel clubs do not recognize them, the Lagotto Romagnolo is beautiful. It has the signature curly hair and floppy ears. Their coats are usually dual-colored, featuring patches of white or cream with a deeper brown.

Lagotto Romagnolos are highly intelligent creatures. They're full of life and constantly stay on alert. Therefore, they make great watchdogs. Many Lagotto Romagnolos take training well, too. As a result, you can sometimes see this breed performing agility drills.

Maltipoos are tiny dogs full of personality. They're only between eight and 14 inches tall, tipping the scales at a mere 20 pounds. Some of the smallest Maltipoos may not even get past five pounds.

Like the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, the Maltipoo is a cross-breed. It's a mix of the Maltese and the Toy or Miniature Poodle.

The fur can vary on Maltipoos. For some, the coat is wavy or scraggly. For others, it's curly like a Poodle's. Either way, it requires grooming.

Maltipoo dogs are famous for their intelligence. They're sociable creatures that take to training very well. Unlike other small breeds, most owners have no problem with obedience training.

Here's another cross-breed that's even smaller than the Maltipoo! Yorkipoos are a mix between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy Poodle. Most mature Yorkipoos weigh between five and 15 pounds while reaching heights of only seven to 14 inches.

Yorkipoos are sweet and gentle. They do well in family settings. They're outgoing, eager to play, and usually play well with kids. Younger kids can pose a problem due to this dog's size, but older kids who know how to be gentle will love the Yorkipoo!

One thing that sets this breed apart is its intelligence. It's very smart compared to dogs of a similar size, making it easy to train.

Pumis are smaller than Standard Poodles. They weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Their fur is curly and dense. It can also take on many colors. You can find Pumis with white, black, gray, and brown coats.

For the most part, Pumis are pretty easy to train. They're loyal and eager to please. Most Pumis love affection, too. As a result, they make great family pets and cuddle buddies.

That said, they are adventurous and full of energy. To keep Pumis happy and healthy, you must allow them to get plenty of exercise.

Barbets are a bit smaller than Standard Poodles. They're a full 10 to 15 pounds lighter, but they can get pretty big compared to other small dogs that look like Poodles.

These pups have thick coats of curly hair. The hair on their face is on the wavier side, creating a cute look that requires much grooming. Barbets are prone to tangles and mats, so regular brushing is paramount.

Regarding personality, Barbets are wonderful. They're intelligent and very friendly dogs. The breed is also known for being surprisingly obedient. They take to training well and are always eager to listen to owners.

Last but not least, we have the iconic Bichon Frise. These lap dogs are small. Mature males only get to be about 24 pounds and 12 inches tall.

They're not related to Poodles in any way, but the Bichon Frise has a thick coat of curly hair. It's usually bright white and requires just as much grooming.

This breed is friendly and fun-loving. They're pretty gentle, but you should always exercise caution around small kids. While they are self-willed, Bichon Frise dogs are eager to please. They do well with training and love to be at the center of attention.