Looking to welcome a furry friend with the warmth and charm of a Goldendoodle into your family? You’re not alone in seeking a companion with this popular breed’s affectionate nature and playful demeanor. But if you’re open to exploring other options that capture the essence of the Goldendoodle’s friendly personality, there are several other dog breeds to consider. These breeds boast a similar temperament, intelligence, and eagerness to please, making them ideal choices for anyone in search of a loyal and loving canine companion. Discover seven delightful dog breeds that may just be your new best friend.
Dreaming of a cuddly designer dog? While Goldendoodles are incredibly popular, several other breeds share their lovable traits. These fluffy companions boast playful personalities, high intelligence, and affectionate temperaments. Many inherit the hypoallergenic qualities of Poodles, making them excellent family pets. Find your perfect match and discover the joy of owning a loving, loyal companion.
Goldendoodles, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, are adored for their friendly, affectionate nature, hypoallergenic coats, and charming appearance. Their intelligence and adaptability make them ideal pets for families, singles, and even therapy dogs at work. If you love Goldendoodles, you’ll adore these similar breeds!
Here are 7 designer dog breeds, similar to Goldendoodles, chosen for their friendly nature, intelligence, and admirable looks:
Best Dog Breeds Similar to Goldendoodles
1. Cavapoo (King Charles Spaniel-Poodle Cross)
The Cavapoo, a popular dog breed, a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, is known for its charming and cuddly nature. They’re great pets, their small size fitting well into both apartments and homes with yards.
Standing 9–14 inches tall with a wavy to curly hypoallergenic coat, they’re ideal companions for allergy sufferers. Cavapoos are smart, easy to learn, and love brain games, making them perfect for potential owners looking for a small, friendly designer dog breed.
Cavapoo pups are especially cute, and known for their playful, high energy, and rapid bonding with their human companions.
Why They’re Similar to Goldendoodles
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Low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat
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Warm nature and affectionate nature, perfect for family life.
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The small size makes them adaptable to apartment living.
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High intelligence from their Poodle parent breed.
2. Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle Mix)
The Bernedoodle, a popular doodle breed, combines the gentle nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence of the Poodle. They’re known for their large, fluffy, and adorable doodle appearance, as well as their loyal, warm nature, making them both working dogs and great companions.
Standing 23–29 inches tall, Bernedoodles are friendly with both people and other animals, and their wavy, hypoallergenic coats are perfect for allergy sufferers. Despite their size, they’re gentle and affectionate, thriving in environments with plenty of exercise and outdoor activities.
Why They’re Similar to Goldendoodles
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Hypoallergenic, low-shedding wavy coat.
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Gentle, social nature ideal for family pets.
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Protective temperament with a playful side.
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Wonderful companions for active families.
3. Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian Water Dog)
Originating from Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo is often referred to as a working dog, originally bred for truffle hunting. Standing 16–19 inches tall with a dense, fleece coat, they’re hypoallergenic dogs well-suited for individuals with sensitivities.
Much like Golden Retrievers, they have an affectionate and clever temperament, making them excellent companions, especially for dog lovers looking for breeds that thrive on engagement and activity. These dogs are not only great for active families but also bond deeply with their owners, bringing both joy and loyalty into the home. Their hypoallergenic coats make them a popular choice for those seeking a loving and active companion without the worry of allergies.
Lagottos are curious, supportive, and good watchdogs, blending perfectly into both active and relaxed family environments. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Lagotto Romagnolo is known for its gentle nature and exceptional water-retrieving skills and is the only dog breed recognized for truffle hunting.
Why They’re Similar to Goldendoodles
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The wavy, low-shedding coat that’s great for people prone to allergic reactions.
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Loyal and affectionate, perfect for furry friends.
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Highly smart, needing brain games to stay happy.
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Good with other dogs and pets.
4. Barbet (French Water Dog)
The Barbet is a rare purebred dog breed, known for its kinky, hypoallergenic coat and loving nature. Standing 19–24.5 inches tall, they’re versatile dogs, excelling in outdoor activities like swimming, thanks to their history as working dogs.
Much like Golden Retrievers, Barbets are affectionate, making them great home pets, and their low-shedding coats are ideal for those sensitive to allergens. They bond strongly with their owners and are excellent companions for both active families and those seeking a devoted, calm dog.
Why They’re Similar to Goldendoodles
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The hypoallergenic, wavy coat that reduces shedding.
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Affectionate and Faithful temperament.
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Active and playful, ideal for outdoor activities.
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Gentle nature makes them great with kids and other pets.
5. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy Varieties)
Poodles are the parent breed of many popular doodles, including Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Their intelligence, elegance, and often hypoallergenic coats, combined with their varied sizes (Standard, Miniature, Toy), make them great family pets and adaptable to diverse homes.
Their wavy, light-shedding coats are ideal for those with sensitivities. Intelligent and adaptable, Standard Poodles excel as both guide dogs and service dogs, particularly for individuals with allergies.
As one of the smartest and most energetic breeds in the dog world, Poodles excel in activities like agility and obedience, making them devoted companions.
According to WebMD, Poodles are highly trainable and were originally bred as water retrievers, excelling in swimming and hunting activities.
Why They’re Similar to Goldendoodles
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Kinky, hypoallergenic coat inherited by many doodle breeds.
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Exceptional intelligence and a quick learner.
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Friendly and sociable, great with other animals.
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Suitable for families, from small apartments to large homes.
6. Havapoo (Havanese-Poodle mix)
The Havapoo, a blend of the Havanese and Poodle, is a small dog with a big heart. Standing 8–15 inches tall, their wavy to curly hypoallergenic coats make them the therapy dogs ideal for people with allergies. Known for their loving nature, Havapoos are friendly with children, and other pets, and thrive in family life.
They’re simple to train, love attention and exercise, and adapt well to living in an apartment, making them excellent companions for both new and experienced, dog lovers and owners. Much like Golden Retrievers, Havapoos are known for their warm nature and loyalty.
While Havapoos are generally healthy, they can be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, common in other breeds.
Why They’re Similar to Goldendoodles
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Hypoallergenic, minimal shedding coat.
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Affectionate and friendly.
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Great for small spaces and apartments.
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Clever and eager to please, making them easy to train.
7. Maltipoo (Maltese-Poodle Cross)
The Maltipoo is a charming hybrid between the Maltese and Poodle, resulting in a small dog with a playful and loving personality. Standing 8–14 inches tall and weighing 10–20 pounds, they’re perfect for potential owners looking for dogs with low-shedding and hypoallergenic coats.
Maltipoos are friendly, clever, and known for their affectionate and generally healthy temperament, making them great family pets. Like Labradoodles, they adapt well to different environments, from busy households to quiet apartments, and enjoy being around people.
According to PetMD, Maltipoos are well-mannered, playful, energetic, and clever dogs, known for their adaptability to smaller spaces and strong companionship qualities, with an average lifespan of 13–16 years.
Why They’re Similar to Goldendoodles
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The soft, hypoallergenic coat that’s easy to maintain.
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A playful, affectionate nature ideal for family life.
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Easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
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Adaptable to both apartments and larger homes.
Conclusion
Goldendoodles are beloved in the dog world for their affectionate nature, energetic personality, and hypoallergenic coats, but many other breeds share these fantastic qualities. Whether you have Goldendoodle or prefer the devoted Bernedoodle, playful Cavapoo, smart Poodle, or friendly Labradoodle, these other breeds offer love, companionship, and joy to any household.
If you’re looking for a Goldendoodle alternative, you’ll find plenty of wonderful options to fit your lifestyle and family.
In exploring dog breeds akin to Goldendoodles, one can discover a plethora of friendly and social companions. These breeds, like Labradoodles and Bernedoodles, share the appealing traits of intelligence, affectionate nature, and a hypoallergenic coat, making them excellent family pets. Dogs such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos, and Schnoodles also offer a loving disposition and adaptability to various living environments. Ultimately, each breed presents unique characteristics that cater to different lifestyle needs, ensuring that potential pet owners can find the perfect canine friend to match their preferences and bring joy to their homes.