Pet Circle

    Last Updated: 28/05/2025

    Ultimate Oodle Breed Guide

    Find out why oodle breeds are so popular how to take care of them and where you can get an Oodle of your very own.

    Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

    Reading Time: 30 minutes - long read

    Why are Oodles so popular?

    In the past few years Oodle breed dogs have soared in popularity in Australia.

    Between 2021 and 2023 the Cavoodle was the number one dog breed nominated by Pet Circle customers in their pet profile, with Oodle breeds making up 6 of the top 50 breeds (Cavoodle, Labradoodle, Groodle, Spoodle, Moodle, Schnoodle).

    These breeds are so popular that some brands such as ADVANCE ™ have even created products that are specifically for 'Oodles'.

    In this article we will look into the characteristics and traits of Oodle breeds, why they are so popular, how to take care of them and where you can get an Oodle of your very own.

    Contents:

    Understanding Oodle Breeds

    1. What is an Oodle breed?
    2. Characteristics of 'Oodle' breeds

    What should I feed my Oodle?

    Why Are Oodles So Popular?

    Where to Get an Oodle Breed

    Understanding Oodle Breeds

    What is an Oodle breed?

    Oodle breed dogs (also known as 'Doodles' outside of Australia) are a crossbreed between a purebred Poodle and another dog breed.

    The first Oodle breed was developed in the 1980s by crossing a Labrador with a Poodle. This crossbreeding aimed to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for a visually impaired woman whose husband had allergies to dogs.

    Some examples of popular Oodle breeds include:

    Characteristics of 'Oodle' breeds

    How big do Oodles get?

    Oodles can vary in size from small (eg. 5-12kg for a Cavoodle) to large (up to 45kg for a Groodle) depending on the size of the poodle parent (toy, miniature, medium or standard) and the size of the other breed parent.

    What is the lifespan of Oodle breeds?

    As for other breeds, size can influence the lifespan of Oodle breed dogs. Typically small (under 10kg) and medium (10 to 25kg) breeds will live between 10 to 15 years of age. Large (over 25kg) breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan of around 8 to 12 years.

    What are the grooming needs of 'Oodle' breeds?

    The grooming needs of Oodle breeds varies depending on their coat type, which is determined by their genetic lineage. For example, the coat of a Labrador crossed with a Poodle will differ from that of a Labradoodle crossed with a Poodle.

    Fleece: Soft textured and shaggy, this type can vary from almost straight, to wavy or soft spiralled with no undercoat. The fleece coat sheds very minimally and has moderate care requirements, requiring thorough brushing at least once a week.

    Wool: Similar to the coat of a Poodle, the wool coat type is formed by tight spirals and is virtually non shedding. Dogs with this coat type should be brushed daily and visit a professional groomer every 6 weeks to prevent mats.

    Hair: This coat type can vary in length, but is straight and scruffy in appearance. It does not require much maintenance but does shed, making 'Oodles' with a hair type coat less allergy friendly.

    Regardless of coat type, feeding a premium quality food like ADVANCE ™, that is enriched with added omega 3 fatty acids and skin barrier nutrients is one simple way you can help keep your Oodle's coat healthy and shiny.

    How much exercise do Oodles need?

    The exercise requirements for Oodle breed dogs can differ depending on factors such as their size, age, and individual energy levels. As a general guideline, oodle breeds tend to be active and require a moderate amount of exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day, including walks, playtime, and engaging activities such as fetch or agility training is a good place to start.

    What should I feed my Oodle?

    Oodle breeds should be fed a high quality, complete and balanced diet that is tailored to their age, size and specific health needs. For example, small sized Oodles can be at risk of developing heart problems, while larger Oodles may be predisposed to joint and mobility issues.

    ADVANCE ™ dog food offers super premium, science based and Australian made formulas specifically customised for Oodle breeds. Each dry food diet in the ADVANCE ™ pet food range is formulated with beneficial nutrients, including:

    • Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat
    • Antioxidant Vitamin E to help support a dog's natural defences
    • Prebiotic fibre to support ideal stool quality and a healthy gut microbiome

    This formula is designed to support the growth and development of small to large sized Oodle puppies from two to twenty one months of age. The product is enriched with beneficial nutrients to maintain a healthy coat and skin barrier, as well as support vascular health and cardiac function.

    This dry food is formulated specifically for smaller sized Oodles weighing up to 25kg. The product targets a number of common health issues in small Oodles, with nutrients such as taurine and arginine to support heart health and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids plus zinc for healthy skin and reduced coat scale. It also contains controlled mineral levels to support urinary tract health and can promote dental health by helping to reduce dental tartar formation.

    Real salmon is the number one ingredient in this dry food tailored to Oodle breeds weighing 25kg and over. The product is designed to support heart health with the addition of taurine and arginine, and contains Freeze Dried Green Lipped Mussel Powder which is clinically proven to help manage joint health in dogs. This dry food is also designed to help reduce dental plaque and tartar accumulation and is enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids plus zinc for healthy skin and reduced coat scale.

    Adding some wet food to your Oodle's diet is a great way to offer some variety, while also increasing their water intake for better hydration. This wet food formula for Oodles is available in a convenient single serve tray. The product contains specific nutrients such as zinc and linoleic acid for skin and coat health and heart health nutrients to support vascular health and cardiac function. The product is also guaranteed to tempt even the fussiest of eaters.

    Why Are Oodles So Popular?

    Oodles can be hypoallergenic

    A major reason for their popularity is the reason the first Oodle breed was created; depending on their coat type, Oodles can be virtually non shedding, making them a great option for people with allergies to dog hair. This is also a drawcard for pet parents looking to avoid hair tumbleweeds around their house.

    Intelligence and trainability

    Oodle breeds are generally known for their intelligence and trainability. Poodles are highly intelligent and this trait is often inherited by their crossbreeds. This means Oodles tend to be quick learners and can excel in obedience training and other dog sports.

    Family friendly nature and good temperament

    Each dog will have a unique personality and nature depending on their genetics and upbringing, however there are some characteristics often associated with 'Oodle' breeds including:

    • Friendly and sociable nature: they tend to be outgoing and enjoy being around people, including strangers and children.
    • Affectionate and loyal: Oodles form strong bonds with the humans in their lives.
    • Good with other pets: if properly socialised, 'Oodles' can get along well with other pets, including both cats and dogs.

    Where to Get an Oodle Breed

    If you're looking to get an Oodle of your own, start by doing some research to determine what kind of Oodle breed will best suit your family, home and lifestyle. Remember that a dog or puppy is a lifelong commitment.

    Learn more about preparing for a new puppy.

    Finding an Oodle breeder

    Many pet parents will source their Oodle directly from a breeder. If you choose to take this path, make sure you find a responsible breeder. Unfortunately there are many people looking to capitalise on the increasing demand for Oodle puppies, which can result in unethical breeding practices and animal welfare concerns. For this reason, it is best to avoid online marketplaces or social media groups when searching for a puppy, a better place to start is to ask your local vet or use an ethical breeder platform like RightPaw.

    Oodle rescue groups

    Before seeking out a breeder, we recommend considering whether you could offer a loving home to an animal in need. Head to Pet Rescue to search for dogs near you that are looking for a furever home.

    Given their intelligence, trainability, loyalty and family friendly nature, coupled with their low allergen coat types and range of sizes, it's no surprise that Oodle's have become some of Australia's favourite dog breeds.

    Further Reading

    Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.