Miniature Doodles are super cute but how can you pick the right one for you? Temperament matters, which is the calmest miniature doodle dog breeds? 

A doodle is a mix between a Poodle and another dog breed. Which equals a doodle, or a poo, not the stinky kind. 😀

Some of these Poodle mixes are noticeably calmer than others. We will take a look at those temperament differences in this article. 

How many different types of doodles are there? 

Since Poodles are mixed with a second dog breed the possibilities are endless. How do you choose your forever dog? We have to look at the best temperament fit for you and your family. We will look at half of this doodle combination first, the Poodle. 🐩 Then we will break down each of the more popular breeds that get mixed with the Poodle to create the doodle.

Why was this doodle dog created in the first place? 

Back in the 1990s dog breeders wanted to create a service dog that was hypoallergenic. These breeders started by combining Labradors and Golden Retrievers who were highly intelligent and trainable, with Poodles. Considering that doodles were created first as a service dog they had to have a decent amount of energy to do their jobs. They were originally pretty energetic. 🔋

When the popularity of doodles exploded breeders started combining poodles with other breeds attempting to create cute hypoallergenic dogs of ALL kinds. 

There are many different types of doodles that have become popular. Many of these different breeds have standard, medium, or mini size versions. This article will only focus on the most popular miniature sized doodles. 

Benefits of a miniature doodle

Sometimes bigger is not better. Sometimes good things come in small packages. 📦 For people that like doodles but don’t want a standard sized, a miniature doodle may be a good option. Smaller dogs of any breed have great benefits. Miniature doodles live longer than standard doodles! They are more portable and you can take them to more places. They are smaller and easier to clean if they get messy. 🧼 Miniature doodles fit better in an city or apartment setting. Oh and one of the best benefits, they are easier to exercise. You can literally just chase them around your house for a bit and they are napping soon after!

Check the Data

We will start by taking a look at the data in the form of a table. Poodles being half of the doodle equation are listed at the top. Then each miniature sized popular doodle-mix is listed after that. The calmness scale on the chart is numbered from 1 being the lowest energy to 5 being the highest. We will use this data to see which is the calmest doodle dog breeds.

Poodle

• Breed grouping – Non-Sporting Group

Poodles can come in any size from standard to tiny. 🐩 But whether they are big or little they have big energy levels. These dogs are very active and require daily activity. Standard poodles were originally bred as water retrievers and have been used for years by humans in all kinds of sport. In France, 🇫🇷 they were used as hunting dogs and excelled in water retrieval. Due to their hunting history they have a high impulse to retrieve. People liked the standard Poodle so much that they wanted a smaller version and started breeding the Poodle smaller and smaller. 

Since Poodles have a high energy level they need daily activity. Poodles are extremely intelligent and very easy to train. They can be used in agility and obedience competitions. You could use any of these activities to keep your Poodle entertained and out of trouble. For the miniature Poodle just a brisk walk around the neighborhood would probably work too. 👍

• Height: 10 – 15 Inches
• Weight: 10 – 15 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 18 Years
• Country of Origin: France 🇫🇷
• Calmness Scale Rating: 4.5

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Cavapoo)

Breed grouping – Toy group

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel commonly called the “comfort spaniel” is as sweet and gentle as it is silky soft! Cavaliers are very affectionate and attentive to their owners. They are friendly with strangers and other dogs. Cavaliers are also great with children! 🧒 Cavaliers come from a long line of sporting breeds and they can be very athletic. They would be great for an active owner who wanted to work with them on sports or as a therapy dog. They are intelligent and easy to train. Cavaliers require a moderate level of exercise to remain happy. It is recommended to not let your Cavalier off leash in an area that is not fenced. Due to their breeding background they can still have strong hunting instincts. A fenced yard is recommended. Cavaliers can also make great lap dogs for people that are more of a homebody. But whether you are active or a homebody, early socialization for your Cavalier and puppy training classes are still recommended. 

• Height: 12 – 13 Inches
• Weight: 13 – 18 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 Years
• Country of Origin: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3

Bichon Frise (Bichpoo)

• Breed grouping – Non-Sporting Group

Do you really like white dogs? A Bichon Frise may be the dog breed you’re looking for. Bichon Frise are small and hypoallergenic with loads of personality. They are friendly and they get along well with other dogs and children. Bichon Frise can also be a little bit on a comedian, so be prepared to be entertained. They are also pretty alert watchdogs if you need a little active alarm system. ⏰ Bichon Frise made great city dwellers for apartment or condo life.

Bichon Frise are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can excel in agility courses as well, they are very fast for their size. They require a somewhat active lifestyle to stay happy and healthy. But they love playtime and learn tricks easily with a positive reward system of training. As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training are recommended. The Bichon Frise can also be known to be difficult to housebreak. They also do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. 

• Height: 9.5 – 11.5 Inches
• Weight: 12 – 18 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 14 – 15 Years
• Country of Origin: Spain 🇪🇸
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3.5

Cocker Spaniel (Cockadoodle/Cockapoo)

• Breed grouping  – Sporting group

Who doesn’t love the movie “Lady and the Tramp”? Lady was the epitome of the best family dog. Lady was a Cocker Spaniel and they are just as sweet and sensitive in real life as Lady portrayed on screen. Cocker Spaniels were America’s 🇺🇲 favorite family dog for years, for good reason! They make great companions and they do great with kids. 

Originally bred as stout hunting 🦆 dogs they have good muscle tone and are the smallest breed in the sporting spaniels. They can be very athletic and can excel in obedience and agility training. But if that feels like too much for you as an owner, the Cocker Spaniel doesn’t actually require a whole lot of exercise per day. Just playing or having a fetch session will be just fine with them. 

The Cocker Spaniel is very smart and easy to train but they are sensitive and require positive training methods. As with all breeds early socialization and puppy classes are highly recommended. 

• Height: 13.5 – 15.5 Inches
• Weight: 20 – 30 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 14 Years
• Country of Origin:  England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3.5

Havanese (Havapoo)

• Breed grouping  – Toy  group

Feeling a down south island vibe? How about the Havanese? They are Cuba’s 🇨🇺  only native dog breed! They have a curly tail and a super pretty coat! The Havanese are sociable and very adaptable to many different living situations. They make great dogs to have in the city in an apartment or condo lifestyle. The Havanese love to be the center of attention and they have a tendency to show off, so be prepared to be amused! Even with all that showdogness they do make great watchdogs, they are very aware of their surroundings. But don’t think that the Havanese don’t like to snuggle up and get cuddly, they are very affectionate and love the pets! Havanses also get along well with other animals that are not aggressive. 

Havanese are very smart and easy to train using positive training methods. They require moderate exercise per day, so a nice game of fetch or a brisk walk would be great. Just remember that these dogs will still need early socialization and puppy training. Havaese do not like being left alone. So if you want to have one in your life, plan on taking it with you wherever you go! 😀

• Height: 8.5 – 11.5 Inches
• Weight: 7 -13 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 Years
• Country of Origin: Cuba 🇨🇺
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3

Russell Terrier (Jackapoo)

• Breed grouping  – Terrier group

The Russell Terrier might need to come with a warning label. There are many great qualities about the breed, but soon to be owners considering a Russell Terrier need to know what kind of responsibility they may be getting themselves into. Let’s start with the positive things.

Russell Terriers are upbeat and friendly. They were originally bred and used for fox hunts. 🦊 They are constantly curious about everything and they have endless energy. Russell Terriers have very big personalities, so you will probably never be bored with one of them around. 

Now, let’s look at a couple of the maybe not so great things for every owner. Russell Terriers are full of energy, I mean a limitless amount of energy! Which is great if that is your personality as an owner. On the flip side, if you are more of a chilled out homebody the Russell Terrier may drive you nuts. 🥜 The recommendation is, only consider one of these dogs if you live a very active lifestyle. Also, Russell Terriers tend to do better with older children, or children that have a good understanding of dogs. 

Russell terriers are extremely intelligent. They love to solve problems and puzzles but they can be a little stubborn. This terrier stubbornness can sometimes make training more challenging. Russell Terriers can get bored easily. As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training are important to ensure that you have a happy and healthy dog. 

• Height: 10 – 12 Inches
• Weight: 9 -15 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 Years
• Country of Origin: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
• Calmness Scale Rating: 5

Maltese (Maltipoo) 

• Breed grouping  – Toy group

One of the smallest dogs on our list today is the Maltese. They are very affectionate and they are well known for their super soft coat that can reach all the way to the ground if properly cared for. The Maltese is the second dog on our list today with an all white low shedding coat. Maltese are a happy dog breed that lives a long time. They can make great watch dogs for apartments and condos, they are fearless and don’t understand their own size. Maltese can adapt well to all kinds of living situations and they also make friends easily with humans and other animals. 

The Maltese are highly intelligent and they respond well to positive training but they can be stubborn and want to get their own way. Consistency in training is key to have a well mannered Maltese. They only require occasional exercise. So a quick tag game around your condo would probably be nice for them. Or if you are feeling more sporty the Maltese can be trained in obedience training or agility courses.

• Height: 7 – 9 Inches
• Weight: Under 7 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 Years
• Country of Origin: Italy 🇮🇹
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3

Shih Tzu (Shihpoo)

• Breed grouping  – Toy group

The Shih Tzu has one of the sweetest expressive faces of all of the dog breeds. Shih Tzus can be charming and full of cuddles, perfect for those people who prefer a lap dog. Shih Tzus fit perfectly within city life, they adapt well to apartments or condos and don’t need much room to run. These little dogs are also full of personality and will always entertain. 

Shih Tzus do not require a whole lot of exercise to be happy. A nice jaunt around the neighborhood is perfect to keep them content. 

These little dogs aren’t all sunshine 🌞 and cuteness though…They can be frustrating to train. Shih Tzus have a tendency to want to try to get their own way. Some of the common issues around training Shih Tzus involve properly house breaking and grooming without a huge hassle. Shih Tzus need a firm but positive training method that doesn’t let them get away with misbehaving which can become a bad habit. As with all dogs they will need early socialization and puppy training. 

• Height: 9 – 10.5 Inches
• Weight: 9 -16 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 Years
• Country of Origin: China 🇨🇳
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3

Miniature Schnauzer (Schnoodle)

• Breed grouping  – Terrier group

Miniature Schnauzers are another low shedding breed on our list, they also have very distinctive bushy eyebrows and a beard. They are a dog that has a fairly long life span and makes a great family dog choice. The Miniature Schnauzer is outgoing and is great around kids and other pets. They have an outgoing personality and can adapt well to life in an apartment or condo. Miniature Schnauzers make friends quickly with humans and animals. 

They were originally bred in the terrier group to work on farms or in mills to hunt down and remove vermin. 🐀 Miniature Schnauzers were bred to be fearless for their size but not to be aggressive. Due to this they can still have some pretty strong prey drive instincts. It is recommended to only walk them on a leash when not in a fenced in area. The Miniature Schnauzer alertness can also be useful in the capacity of a watchdog for your home. 

They require daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. 

Miniature Schnauzers are very smart and can be trained easily, they are fast learners. They are usually eager to please their owners but they can become bored with repeated training methods. Owners need to come up with fun and interesting ways to keep them engaged and learning. Miniature Schnauzers excel at agility and obedience training or canine sports. As with all breeds early socialization and puppy training are recommended to make sure you have a happy puppy and a happy owner. 

• Height: 12 – 24 Inches
• Weight: 11 – 20 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy:  12 – 15 Years
• Country of Origin: Germany 🇩🇪
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3.5

Cardigan Welsh Corgi (Corgipoo)

• Breed grouping  – Herding group

Who doesn’t love Corgis? With their pointy ears and short little legs! They are sweet and adaptable to different living situations with the right amount of exercise. Let’s clear up one thing here, Corgis come in 2 kinds, with or without tails. Cardigan Corgis = tails  Pembroke Corgis = no tails. But tails or no tails, they are faithful and gentle with children and other pets. But corgis also have a “big dog” bark and can be effective guardians for your home.

Don’t let their cuteness fool you. They are not just an adorable package, they were originally bred as very active cattle 🐄  herding dogs. Corgis are very athletic and fast and have a background of loving the outdoors. Let’s face it, not all Corgi owners want to buy a bunch of cattle just to exercise their Corgi. So what other options are there to exercise this fairly active breed? The good news is most Corgis love to play fetch and if you were looking for something more active they would love to go hiking. Corgis are happiest with the right amount of physical and mental activity daily. Note: Avoid jumping and stairs with this breed, they can be prone to back injuries. 

Corgis are smart and easy to train. As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training is important for a well balanced pup. 

• Height: 10.5 – 12.5 Inches
• Weight:  25 – 38 Males (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 Years
• Country of Origin: Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
• Calmness Scale Rating: 4

Chihuahua (Chipoo)

• Breed grouping  – Toy group

The Chihuahua is another one of the  smallest breeds on our list. But what they lack in size they make up for in personality! Chihuahuas are known for their uniquely apple 🍎 shaped head. They can have long or short hair and they are great city dwelling dogs. They fit nicely in an apartment, condo or purse. 👜The Chihuahua is not just for show, they can be a very alert and useful watchdog. Fun Fact: Chihuahuas are one of the oldest breeds in the Americas! These dogs are well loved for their loyalty and charm. 

If you are against dogs in clothes and you live in a colder climate you may want to pass on the Chihuahua. They do not like cold weather and will probably need a jacket. 🧥

The Chihuahua is fairly active and will require daily exercise. The good news is that since they are tiny, exercising them will not be difficult. 

Chihuahuas are very intelligent but due to their history as a terrier they are not always the easiest to train. They can be stubborn and need consistent firm training. Positive reinforcement still works best with this breed. As with all breeds early socialization and puppy training is recommended for a well balanced puppy. 

• Height: 5 -8 Inches
• Weight:  Up to 6 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 Years
• Country of Origin: Mexico 🇲🇽
• Calmness Scale Rating: 3.5

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkipoo)

• Breed grouping  – Toy group

Yorkshire Terriers are our last tiny dog breed for today. These dogs are also well known for their amazing silky hair. If cared for properly it can reach the ground. One of the benefits of their great hair is that it is also hypoallergenic! In addition to great hair qualities this dog is known for its feistiness and heart. They were originally bred to be ratters. Ratters were dogs used to exterminate vermin 🐀  from mines and mills. The Yorkshire Terriers’ tenacity can also be channeled in the use of a watchdog for your home. These terriers fit well in any home including apartments and condos, they have been voted America’s 🇺🇲  favorite city dog many times! In addition to their well known big personalities they also live for quite a long time. 

Yorkshire Terriers require a moderate level of exercise to stay happy and healthy. You could play fetch with them or chase them around your house! Or you could focus on obedience and get then certified as a therapy dog. They can also excel in agility training as well. 

Training this terrier breed can come with its own challenges. They can be stubborn and want to do things their own way. Sticking with positive training methods and not using harsh corrections are the way to go with this breed. Challenging their mind and keeping them engaged is the most effective way to keep them interested and on your side. As with all dogs, socialization early as well as puppy training to prevent bad habits from setting in. 

• Height: 7 – 8 Inches
• Weight:  7 (Pounds)
• Life Expectancy: 11 – 15 Years
• Country of Origin: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
• Calmness Scale Rating: 4

I hope this article gave you more insight into the breed characteristics that miniature doodles may have. Each dog is different and dog temperament is usually a combination of both genetics [1] and training. If you would like any more information about bigger standard sized doodles head over to 11 Calmest Standard Doodles to find out more.