If you are familiar with Poodles, you know that they are one of the best dog breeds around. They are known for their active and fun personalities along with being very loving and loyal.
Poodle mixes are known for being just as great; although, they are some of the most expensive mixed breeds out there. There are many reasons for their high price including their health, physical characteristics, rareness, and many others!
If you are interested in learning what types of Poodles and Poodle mixes are out there and why they are so expensive, keep reading to find out more!
Why are Poodles/Poodle Mixes so Expensive?
Sometime in your life you have probably either owned or known someone who has owned a Poodle or Poodle mix. They are some of the most popular dog breeds around; although, some people often wonder why this type of dog is so expensive.
Poodles and Poodle mixes are more expensive than other breeds for many reasons, the most common reason is simply that they are just so popular!
Any dog that is in high demand will automatically become more expensive. While purebred Poodles are expensive, sometimes mixed Poodles are even more so.
Because certain Poodle mixes are so rare, their price rises. Just like most everything —high demand = higher pricing.
A purebred Poodle that is mixed with another purebred breed is called a “designer dog” (a mix of two purebred dog breeds), these types of dogs tend to be even more popular and expensive.
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Designer dogs are oftentimes bred together so that specific looks can be purposefully chosen. The time, effort, and decisions that go into the breeding also affect the cost of the mixed dog.
NOTE: A lot of Poodle mixes are more expensive than some traditional purebred dogs!
Before we dive deeper into why these Poodle mixes are so popular and expensive, let’s go over the top eleven most popular purebred Poodle Mixes and their prices; some of their names are very interesting:
- Labradoodle — Mix of Labrador Retriever + Poodle ($1,200–$3,000)
- Goldendoodle — Mix of Golden Retriever + Poodle ($500–$4,000)
- Bernedoodle — Mix of Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle ($2,000–$5,000)
- Maltipoo — Mix of Maltese + Poodle ($400–$3,000)
- Cockapoo — Mix of Cocker Spaniel + Poodle ($450–$2,600)
- Cavapoo — Mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle ($800–$2,500)
- Aussiedoodle — Mix of Australian Shepherd + Poodle ($500–$5,000)
- Sheepadoodle — Mix of German Shepherd + Poodle ($1,000–$3,000)
- Schnoodle — Mix of Schnauzer + Poodle ($600–$5,000)
- Yorkipoo — Mix of Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle ($250–$500)
- Chipoo — Mix of Chihuahua + Poodle ($500–$1,500)
EVERYONE wants a Poodle or Poodle mix! They are one of the top ten most popular dog breeds in the United States.
Poodles can basically be mixed with any other dog breed. There are some unique Poodle mixes that you may have not heard of before, here are some of the more unique Poodle mixes:
- Poodle + Rottweiler
- Poodle + Havanese
- Poodle + Great Pyrenees
- Poodle + Great Dane
- Poodle + Corgi
- Poodle + Cairn Terrier
- Poodle + Border Collie
- Poodle + Akita
NOTE: There are many types of interesting Poodle mixes that you may have never heard of, if you are interested in learning about a very rare and interesting Poodle Mix, check out this article: Poodle Wolf Mix, Is It Possible?
What Type of Poodle is the Most Expensive?
When deciding whether or not to purchase a Poodle, usually people’s biggest concern is what the price will be for this popular breed.
Usually, what determines how expensive a Poodle will be is its breeding/genetics, its size, and its color.
Purebred Poodles that are “show” Poodles are typically the most expensive purebred Poodle type. They will normally cost around a minimum of $1,500.
Show Poodles are very desirable dogs because they are elegant, have great fur, and are some of the most loyal dogs out there.
Show Poodles will usually have a registration certificate, whereas a lot of Poodles/Poodle mixes will not. This registration shows proof of ownership for the dog and owner (which is typically needed to participate in dog shows)
Having a registration certificate can make a dog more expensive, especially if someone who has the registration certificate is selling a dog to someone else, the price of the registration certificate will typically need to be paid along with the dog.
There are other types of Poodles that are on the more expensive side. The purebred Toy Poodle is one of these. The only difference between a Toy Poodle and a regular-sized Poodle is that the Toy Poodle is much smaller and weighs less.
Other reasons why Poodles and Poodle mixes so expensive is because they have some of the most desired genes, have a low birth rate, and are normally one of the healthiest of all dog breeds.
Color is always an important factor in price when it comes to different dog breeds, especially Poodles and Poodle mixes.
The most expensive purebred Poodle color is the red Toy Poodle along with Poodles that have fur in white and black. These colors are also the most wanted/popular among Poodle owners.
The blue Poodle (which isn’t actually blue), is one of the rarer colors of Purebred Poodles but is also the least desirable by owners.
NOTE: The fading gene in black coated Poodle is what causes the fur to appear lighter, sometimes appearing grey or blue colored.
What are the Most Expensive Poodle Mixes?
Like purebreds, Poodle mixes are just as expensive depending on color, parent breeds/mix, health, etc.
The most expensive Poodle mixes include the Tri-colored Bernedoodle, Doubledoodle, and Labradoodle
The Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle mix), is the most expensive of all, ranging from around $2,000–$5,000.
The Bernedoodle’s brown, white, and black fur color is very rare. The fur texture is also very unique, it tends to be very wavy/curly and in rarer cases can even be straight.
NOTE: A completely white Bernedoodle is extremely rare.
The Doubledoodle, which can be a mix of Golden Retriever and Labradoodle, or mixes of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle, are typically an average price of up to $2,000
A Labradoodle typically ranges in price from around $1,500–$3,000. Depending on some of the factors listed above will determine how high that price will go.
What Poodle Mix is the Most Popular?
Many Poodle mixes are popular based on their personality, behavior, physical characteristics, etc.
Three of the most popular Poodle mixes include the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle mix), Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle mix), and the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle mix).
All of these dogs are great companions with amazing temperaments who are friendly, intelligent, and easily trainable.
A lot of owners looking to own a Poodle mix will oftentimes choose a mix that fits their specific needs or lifestyle.
For example, an owner might choose a Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle mix) instead of a Bernedoodle because the Maltipoo requires less exercise than a Bernedoodle.
A lot of owners will choose the Golden or Labradoodle because they are two Poodle mixes known not to shed as much.
What Characteristics Make Poodles/Poodle Mixes so Expensive?
Along with their genes, rarity, and popularity, Poodles and Poodle mixes are expensive because of their physical characteristics and personalities/behaviors as well.
Height, weight, and fur type are three main reasons why Poodles and Poodle mixes can be so expensive.
A purebred Poodle will usually stand at or above 15 inches in height and weigh around 40–70 pounds depending on whether they are male or female.
A Poodle’s fur is one of the most important factors when owners consider getting a Poodle or mixed dog. This is why Goldendoodles are so in demand, they have unique curly fur that is usually a beautiful brown/tan color.
NOTE: A lot of Poodle mixes don’t tend to shed much because the Purebred Poodle doesn’t. The Poodle is hypoallergenic, this only adds to their popularity and demand among dog owners. (Less allergies = happy dog owners!)
Poodles tend to have a high life expectancy (between 10–18 years), this can make them more valuable as well, especially if they are bred with another breed known to live a significantly long time.
Along with all of their physical characteristics, Poodles are overall great dogs to have. They are terrific with kids and families, are very social/playful, and are also easily trainable!
Usually, Poodle mixes will carry these same attributes with them. A lot of Poodle mixes will have the characteristics of the purebred Poodle, but also those of the breed they are mixed with.
Most Poodle mixes turn out to be great combos, only adding to the greatness of the dog overall!
While a lot of Poodle mixes turn out to be great dog mixes, like the Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Aussiedoodle, Yorkipoo, etc. It is important to consider what breed a Poodle is being mixed with.
For example, say you bred a Poodle with an Akita; Akitas have been known show aggression, if the mixed puppy ends up developing a lot of traits from the Akita, there may be future issues.
NOTE: It is important to train any dog early so that they will be used to socializing and new environments.
It is important to consider any risks that could occur when breeding a Poodle mix. Like a lot of other times when mixed breeds have been made, there have been risks and sometimes complications with the new puppy.
Thankfully, Poodles seem to be one of the safer breeds that can be bred with other dogs!
Is a Poodle Mix Right for Me?
If you are a new dog owner or considering owning a mixed breed for the first time, you may be concerned about whether or not a Poodle mix is right for you, especially if you are unfamiliar with Poodles.
As mentioned previously, if you are thinking of getting a Poodle mix, the best choice will depend on your lifestyle. Think of your living space, your ability to walk the dog, time spent at home, the price of the dog and all of the things it will need, etc.
All of these factors are important to think about when deciding what Poodle mix would work best for you.
Different Poodle mixes will have specific needs as well as certain personalities depending on what breed they are mixed with.
Consider your own experience with dogs; are you good at training? Would you have to take your dog to a trainer? This could influence your decision of what mixed breed to get, especially if the breed you are considering is resistant to training.
NOTE: Poodles are very smart, this is why training them is typically very easy! They are one of the top easiest breeds to train, mostly because they are highly intelligent and eager to please their owner.
A first-time dog owner, or first-time Poodle mix owner may be better off choosing a lower maintenance Poodle mix such as a Yorkipoo, Maltipoo, Goldendoodle, etc.
Some Poodle mixes would be considered “harder to deal with” for a first-time dog owner.
Here are some of the more difficult Poodle Breeds for new owners, along with their average price ranges:
- Corgipoo (Mix of Corgi + Poodle) — Prone to health issues ($350–$850)
- Peekapoo (Mix of Pekingese + Poodle) — Known to bark excessively ($275–$1,450)
- Shihpoo (Mix of Shih Tzu + Poodle) — Difficult to groom ($500–$1,000)
- Havapoo (Mix of Havanese + Poodle) — Known to be very anxious and suffer from separation anxiety ($2,000–$5,000)
- Dalmadoodle (Mix of Dalmatian + Poodle) — Very high maintenance/High energy ($1,000–$2,000)
If you are a first-time dog owner or currently have other dog breeds and are considering getting another dog, Poodle mixes can be a great choice, just think about what will work best for you and your new dog!
Not only are Poodles/Poodle mixes well-behaved and great companions, but they also get along great with other dogs and usually other animals, like cats!
Of course, every dog is different, especially if a Poodle is mixed with a breed that is not so fond of other dogs or animals.
NOTE: Purebred Poodles are usually great when it comes to meeting other dogs, or living in the same space, this can sometimes be different when it comes to Poodle mixes.
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