The Best Poodle Mix for Kids

Poodles are highly intelligent, active dogs with a hypoallergenic coat; this alone is enough to make them excellent family pets, but breeders have begun crossing poodles with a number of other dog breeds to create new "designer" dogs. These designer dogs tend to have characteristics of both parent breeds, and when looking for a new dog who will be good with children, there are a few mixes that might make a good fit.

  1. Goldendoodle

    • The "goldendoodle" is a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever. As a cross, these dogs can inherit something of the build and fur from either parent, but they tend to be hypoallergenic and inherit the intelligence of the poodle and the obedience of the golden. These dogs tend to be friendly and outgoing, and they are good with both children they know and those they are just meeting. Because they are highly social dogs that need to be a part of the family's daily activities to be happy, goldendoodles are best suited to a family with children who makes the dog a part of everyday life. Like any hybrid, the characteristics inherited by the puppies vary, so it is important to choose a puppy based on individual personality, rather than on a breed standard.

    Yorkiepoo

    • A "yorkiepoo" can be one of the best choices for a family with small children. Because of the dog's small size and friendly disposition, the yorkiepoo can play safely with young children without fear of accidentally knocking them over or scaring them. A cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle, these dogs typically weigh no more than 10 lbs. at adulthood. Yorkiepoos tend to be cuddly dogs that are as happy snuggling on the couch with their family members as they are romping through the backyard with the kids. Yorkiepoos retain their puppy-like curiosity, energy and appearance throughout most of their lives, making this a good dog for children to grow up with. With a long life span of up to 18 years, this is a dog that can grow along with a child.

    Schnoodle

    • The "schnoodle" is a cross between a poodle and a schnauzer, and it can be the perfect fit for a family with active children. Ranging in size from 6 to 76 lbs., the schnoodle is an active breed that needs to be included in the everyday activities of the family. Once the puppy has bonded with the children, this energetic dog can help encourage an active childhood and healthy habits that continue into adulthood. In addition to the poodle's intelligence, many schnoodle puppies inherit a love of playtime that make them excellent companions for children of all ages. They are also extremely loyal to their family, very protective and, depending on the size of the dog (usually inherited from the schnauzer parent), they can be excellent pets for apartments or large yards.

    Labradoodle

    • The "labradoodle" -- a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever -- can be the perfect dog for children. These dogs tend to be easily trainable, mild-mannered and intelligent. Labradoodles have been found to make excellent guide dogs and service dogs, making them a good fit for families with special-needs children. They are hypoallergenic and tend to have either woolly of fluffy coats that come in a range of colors. Individuals can range in size from 14 to 26 inches tall, and they are generally long-lived, healthy dogs.