Perhaps it's because their curly hair is so cute, or maybe it's because they don't shed, but poodles have long been popular as an ingredient in cross breeding. People mix poodles with cockers, terriers — you name it. The progeny are cute as can be, but they're not purebred dogs. And as such, they don't have the predictability that you can expect from a purebred poodle. But if you're interested in owning a poodle cross, you have a variety to choose from:

• Cockapoos: Poodle/cocker spaniel mixes

• Schnoodles: Poodle/schnauzer mixes

• Peke-a-poos: Poodle/Pekingese mixes

• Labradoodles: Poodle/Labrador retriever mixes

• Terri-poos: Poodle/terrier mixes

• Lhasa-poos: Poodle/Lhasa apso mixes

The list can go on and on, since any breed can be mixed with a poodle. These mixes can be perfectly lovely dogs to adopt through a shelter or rescue, but don't buy one from a breeder. Anyone who intentionally breeds mixes and passes them off as a new breed is disreputable, and you won't be able to trust that they've done any health screening. Poodle mixes in pet stores more than likely come from puppy mills and should also be avoided.