For dog enthusiasts seeking a blend of size, intelligence, and affection, large Doodle dog breeds make an irresistible choice. Known for their charming personalities and hypoallergenic coats, these delightful crossbreeds combine the best traits of the Poodle with other well-loved breeds, offering loyalty, playfulness, and a dash of elegance. Whether you’re enamored by their curly coats or their gentle nature, these seven standout Doodle breeds are sure to capture your heart. From family-friendly companions to active adventure buddies, discover the perfect Doodle that seamlessly fits your lifestyle and fills your home with joy and furry companionship.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s smart, affectionate, and packed with personality, large Doodle breeds might just steal your heart! These lovable hybrids combine the intelligence of the Poodle with the best traits of other breeds, resulting in a mix of brains, strength, and those signature curly (often hypoallergenic!) coats.
Weighing in at 50+ pounds, large Doodles aren’t just cuddly companions—they’re also highly trainable, making them excellent for families, service work, and active lifestyles. Whether you need a loyal jogging buddy, a gentle therapy dog, or just a big, fluffy best friend, there’s a Doodle out there for you.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes these dogs so special, from their unique temperaments to their grooming needs. Whether you’re considering adding one to your home or just want to learn more about these incredible hybrids, you’re in the right place!
Did you know?
The first Doodle breed, the Labradoodle, was developed in the 1980s as a hypoallergenic guide dog, paving the way for various Poodle hybrids.
Large Doodle Dog Breeds
1. Saint Berdoodle
A combination of Saint Bernard strength and Poodle intelligence, the Saint Berdoodle is a large dog with a heart as big as its body. Their thick, wavy coats require regular grooming, and their affectionate nature makes them excellent family dogs.
This breed isn’t small by any means, tipping the scales between 100 and 160 pounds. Their sheer size alone can serve as a natural deterrent, though their temperament is more loving than aggressive.
With a calm yet social personality, Saint Berdoodles thrive on companionship. Their intelligence makes training straightforward, but patience and consistency are essential.
Their dense coat, while stunning, can be problematic in warm climates. Owners should ensure proper shade and hydration to keep them comfortable in the heat.
Moderate activity suits them best—daily walks and engaging play sessions are enough to keep them happy and mentally sharp.
Fun Fact
Saint Berdoodles may not be rescue dogs themselves, but they do inherit the Saint Bernard’s legendary history of saving lost travelers in the Alps.
2. Great Danoodle
The towering Great Danoodle combines the Great Dane’s impressive height with the Poodle’s intelligence, creating a unique blend of elegance and brains. Their sleek yet curly coats require consistent brushing to stay tangle-free.
These giants can stand 26 to 33 inches tall, weighing up to 120 pounds. Their commanding presence makes them naturally alert, giving them an instinctive watchdog ability.
Graceful despite their size, Great Danoodles move with surprising agility. Their long legs allow for quick bursts of speed, making them more athletic than their bulk suggests.
Due to their strength, training should start early to ensure they remain well-mannered. With proper guidance, they become obedient and easy to handle.
Keeping them fit means structured activities—long walks, playtime, and enough movement to prevent weight gain and restlessness.
Fun Fact
While Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild boars, their descendants, the Great Danoodles, have inherited their presence and protective instincts rather than their hunting drive. They were used to guarding estates in Europe, where they were once used to protect nobility.
3. Newfypoo
The Newfypoo combines the Newfoundland’s strength with the Poodle’s brains. This mix results in a large, curly-coated breed known for its endurance and ability to work in various conditions.
Newfypoos can weigh between 70 and 150 pounds, making them a substantial presence. Their dense coats offer protection against cold weather, a trait inherited from the Newfoundland side.
They have a naturally calm temperament, which helps them adapt to different environments. While not overly energetic, they still require daily exercise to maintain their health.
Water activities are particularly enjoyable for this breed. Their webbed feet and love for swimming make them well-suited for water-based tasks and play.
Grooming is an essential part of their care routine. Their thick coats require brushing to prevent matting and ensure a well-maintained appearance.
Fun Fact
Newfypoos inherit the Newfoundland’s history as a water rescue dog, originally bred to assist fishermen.
4. Mastidoodle
The Mastidoodle is a mix between the Mastiff and the Poodle, resulting in a powerful yet intelligent breed. Their thick, wavy coats require regular grooming to maintain a clean and healthy look.
They can weigh anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds, making them a formidable presence. Their size contributes to their natural guarding instincts, offering a sense of security.
Despite their large stature, Mastidoodles are highly trainable. Their Poodle heritage allows them to pick up commands quickly, making structured training beneficial.
Their energy levels vary, requiring moderate exercise to stay in shape. Long walks and controlled playtime help keep them mentally and physically engaged.
Mastidoodles thrive in homes with ample space to move. While adaptable, they benefit from environments that accommodate their larger size.
Fun Fact
Mastidoodles inherit the Mastiff’s ancient guarding lineage, dating back to Roman times when they were used as war dogs.
5. Pyredoodle
Pyredoodles blend the protective nature of the Great Pyrenees with the intelligence of the Poodle. Their thick, fluffy coats require frequent brushing to maintain their signature appearance.
These dogs typically weigh between 85 and 100 pounds, offering a sturdy and imposing build. Their dense fur provides insulation against colder climates, making them well-suited for mountain regions.
Pyredoodles are naturally cautious, a trait inherited from the Great Pyrenees. While observant, they require early exposure to different environments to ensure a well-rounded temperament.
They respond well to structured activities like obedience exercises. A firm training routine helps reinforce discipline, ensuring they remain manageable as they grow.
Physical activity is important for this breed, but mental exercises like puzzle toys also play a key role in keeping them engaged.
Fun Fact
Pyredoodles inherit the Great Pyrenees’ long history as a guardian breed, originally bred to protect livestock from predators.
6. Shepadoodle
A mix between the German Shepherd and the Poodle, the Shepadoodle boasts a sharp mind and a resilient build. Their curly coats require consistent grooming to avoid matting and tangling.
Shepadoodles generally weigh between 50 and 90 pounds, making them medium to large. Their strong, agile bodies contribute to their versatility in various tasks.
This breed has a natural inclination for structured learning. Their ability to quickly grasp commands makes them suitable for obedience training and even advanced working roles.
Mental stimulation plays a vital role in their development. Activities like scent detection or tracking games can challenge their intellect and prevent boredom.
According to PetMD, regular exercise is essential, with tasks like hiking or agility training helping to keep them physically engaged.
Fun Fact
Shepadoodles inherit the German Shepherd’s reputation as a service and working dog, excelling in roles such as search and rescue.
7. Giant Schnoodle
The Giant Schnoodle is a powerful blend of the Giant Schnauzer and the Poodle, known for its sharp instincts and sturdy build. Their coats require frequent grooming to maintain a well-kept look.
They typically weigh between 60 and 100 pounds, providing a strong, muscular frame. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs in different environments.
Training is crucial from an early age. This breed benefits from structured routines, helping to mold their naturally intelligent and sometimes independent temperament.
Giant Schnoodles need both physical and mental stimulation. Engaging them in interactive games or agility exercises ensures they remain active.
Their wiry coats require brushing to avoid tangling. Routine grooming ensures they stay clean and comfortable year-round.
Fun Fact
Giant Schnoodles inherit the Giant Schnauzer’s background as a working farm dog, originally used for herding cattle and guarding property.
Conclusion
Large Doodle breeds offer a fascinating mix of strength, intelligence, and adaptability. These hybrids inherit desirable traits from their parent breeds, making them versatile dogs for various environments. While their grooming needs and exercise levels vary, each breed has unique qualities that set them apart. Some excel in protection, while others thrive in water-based activities or structured training. Their size ensures a commanding presence, yet their intelligence makes them highly trainable.
Although not mentioned above, breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, Miniature Poodle, Standard Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and Shih Tzu have also contributed to the development of various Doodle hybrids. Many Poodle mix breeds, such as the Shih Poo, are known as great family dogs and can live comfortably with other pets. These dogs are often considered wonderful family pets, adapting well to different households. Whether they are large or small, from the Toy Poodle to the biggest Doodle hybrids, these dogs continue to impress pet parents with their intelligence and
In conclusion, the allure of large Doodle breeds lies in their blend of intelligence, charm, and hypoallergenic qualities, making them ideal companions for dog lovers. Each breed, from the friendly Goldendoodle to the energetic Labradoodle, offers unique attributes catering to various lifestyles and preferences. They are celebrated for their friendly dispositions, adaptability, and ease of training. These Doodles not only fit seamlessly into family life but also thrive with active owners who appreciate their playful and loving nature. Ultimately, large Doodle breeds represent a harmonious balance of size, personality, and minimal shedding, making them exceptional choices for dog enthusiasts.