I don’t know about you but does it seem like Doodles are everywhere? From your TikTok FYP to dog parks, even at your local coffee shop. Chances are you will see an adorable Doodle of some sort! These curly hair dogs, are known for their intelligence, hypoallergenic coats, and playful personalities. They have become one of the most sought-after dog types here in America. But how did Doodles rise to fame? I feel like it started in 2016, but we will find out. Plus we need to mention why some end up in shelters despite their popularity.
The History of the Doodle
It all started when a blind women needed a guide dog that was hypoallergenic due to her husband’s bad allergies. And so it began and I was way off, the doodle trend started in the late 1980s when Australian breeder Wally Conran crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. The adorable result? The Labradoodle. A successful mix that influenced blending Poodles with other breeds, hoping to create the perfect unicorn combination of intelligence, temperament, and a low-shedding coat.
Since then, a wide variety of doodle mixes have been introduced:
- Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
- Bernedoodles (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle)
- Aussiedoodles (Australian Shepherd + Poodle)
- Cavapoos, Schnoodles, Sheepadoodles, and more!
Each doodle is unique from both parent breeds, that result in an adorable family friendly, intelligent and trainable floof.
Why are Doodles So Popular?
Doodles gained popularity for a million reasons:
- Hypoallergenic appeal – While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, poodle coats tend to shed less and may be better for some allergy sufferers.
- Family-friendly temperament – Most doodles are bred from social, loving breeds.
- The Floof – Let’s be real, those fluffy curls and teddy bear faces are ready to pose 24/7.
The doodle boom also sparked a massive market of boutique breeders at premium prices, but not always the responsible practices that should come with them.
Meet Bear, the Mighty Queen of Magical Mixes
Before we go further, I have to introduce you to someone special, my dog Bear. She’s a proud poodle mix with five other breeds swirling through her DNA, making her the mighty queen of magical doodle mixes. She’s smart, sweet, and totally one-of-a-kind. Some of the best dogs are often the ones with a little bit of everything.
Bear is the reason I’m so passionate about pet adoption and education. She reminds me daily that dogs don’t need a designer label to be incredible family member companions.
Doodles in Shelters
Despite their popularity, doodles are not immune to being surrendered or abandoned. Here’s why:
- Unrealistic expectations – Some owners underestimate the grooming, energy, or training needs of a doodle.
- Unethical breeding – Puppy mills and backyard breeders turn out doodles without regard for health or temperament.
- Pandemic pet returns – Many families adopted doodles during lockdowns, only to surrender them when life “went back to normal.”
- Return to office– Many workers were given ultimatums to return to office. Dog daycare is expensive.
Rescue organizations are now seeing more doodle-type dogs than ever before. Groups like California Doodle Rescue and local humane societies often have poodle mixes in need of forever homes. You can also connect with breed-specific rescues or monitor Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet using alerts for terms like “Poodle Mix” or “Doodle.”
Be sure to check the shelters or rescues first before spending thousands on a doodle puppy. Take a tip from Bear and me you will never regret helping a doodle dog in need of a loving home. Your very own “magical mix” might be waiting to wiggle into your heart.
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