Mixed or cross breed dogs are some of the most popular dogs that are often in demand. If you are thinking of bringing home an adorable dog that comes with various interesting traits, you can choose a mixed breed dog.
To help you decide on the right mixed dog breed, the article discusses 20 mixed dog breeds and what to consider when looking for the right breed for you.
Why Choose a Mixed Breed Dog?
Mixed-breed dogs are some of the most popular and adorable dogs you’ll see. These dogs are results of two or more breeds in their genetic makeup that are generally noticeable in their appearance as most dominant breed traits show up such as the long body of a dachshund or the tight curls of a poodle’s coat.
Most knowledgeable dog breeders usually want to combine the most coveted qualities like size, coat, color, and temperament of each breed. But the results can be unpredictable. If you’re considering health, you can relax because mixed dog breeds tend to be healthier. According to Jessica Apted, DVM, a veterinarian at Sploot Veterinary Care, in an article published by Reader's Digest, mixed-breed dogs have lower chances than purebred dogs of developing health issues from genetic disorders.
Popular Mixed Dog Breeds and Their Traits
Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle)
A labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Both of these are large dog breeds. The highly energetic temperament of Labrador retrievers is usually evident in labradoodles, so they get on well with other dogs. Since poodles are trainable and intelligent, your mixed dog breed will have these qualities.
Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
Goldendoodle is a mix of a golden retriever and a poodle. You may have seen the cute mini goldendoodle - a mix of golden retrievers and miniature poodles. Poodle is usually evident in the curly hair of the goldendoodle.
However, the golden retriever can be seen in the broader face and rounded head of a goldendoodle. Though this dog breed is easy to train, you need to be careful around small pups and cats. Poodles are known for being intelligent and trainable.
Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)
Cockapoo is one of the adorable canine mix breeds born to a cocker spaniel and a toy or miniature poodle. A cocker spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed typically bred to flush woodcock, so your cockapoo may also show traits such as alertness and trainability. However, poodles were originally bred to be water-retrieving gundogs, which means they may also be highly trainable and intelligent.
Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle)
A schnoodle is a designer dog breed born to a schnauzer and a poodle that is considered the ultimate snuggler. Schnauzers were originally ratters and have also been used as guard dogs and watchdogs, meaning they can be alert and active but also territorial. But poodles’ proud and dignified nature may also be seen.
Schnoodles’ personality typically depends on the dominant genes. A grown schnoodle may weigh anywhere between 6 and 70 pounds because these breeds are found in three sizes.
Puggle (Pug + Beagle)
If you like the playfulness of a pug and the wanderlust of a beagle, you can get a puggle that has both traits. Small pugs are likely to be loyal and affectionate, whereas beagles get on well with others. Also, it is essential to be aware that pug breeds may have respiratory problems as they are brachycephalic. However, puggles will probably have lower chances of respiratory issues as they are crossed with beagles.
Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Bichon Frise)
Cavachon is a mix of cavalier King Charles and bichon frise. Cavaliers are typically sociable dogs that love being outside, which may be apparent in cavachon’s personality. Bichon frise is a toy-sized dog that can also have sociable traits as they are popular as lap dogs or companions.
Morkie (Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier)
One of the popular terrier mix breeds is the morkie, which has Maltese and Yorkshire terrier traits in its genetic makeup. You will see traits from Maltese, such as sociability, and they often get attached to their owners. Yorkshires are known for being lively and attentive.
Pomsky (Pomeranian + Husky)
If you are looking for a loyal and energetic dog like a Pomeranian, and obedient and alert like a husky, Pomsky may be your dog. This mixed dog breed is rare and it’s expensive to create Pomskies, as artificial insemination is needed because of the size difference.
Both parent breeds are known for being talkative and the husky’s trademark howl is more common. Since huskies are protective, they may bark at strangers, making them a good watchdog. According to an article by PetMD, Pomskies are usually a healthy breed with a life span of 12-15 years.
Chiweenie (Chihuahua + Dachshund)
Chiweenie is a mix between a Chihuahua and a dachshund, another interesting and adorable mixed breed. Dachshunds were used as rabbit hunters, so they may be stubborn and love barking and digging.
Chihuahuas are usually used for companionship and can be affectionate with their owners but can become nervous around strangers. While the mix is small, chiweenies have fearless and friendly personalities.
Shepsky (German Shepherd + Siberian Husky)
German shepherds and Siberian huskies are popular dog breeds; hence, they are often in demand. You can get the best of both in one dog breed—the gerberian shepsky. German shepherds are identified by their erect ears, coat color, and keen eyes, and they make great companions.
However, you can see the husky influence in the thicker coat and trademark husky mask. Also, huskies have an independent and mischievous side, but they make good companions. These two breeds love working and are easily trainable.
Chorkie (Chihuahua + Yorkshire Terrier)
Chorkies are small mixed-breed dogs that you will love to cuddle with. Standing tall between 6 to 9 inches, chorkie is a mix of two toy breeds - a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier. The Yorkies were used to hunt small vermin, meaning that your chorkie may have a trait of being attentive and lively.
When you look at a chorkie, you will notice Yorkie’s tricolor coat and dreamy eyes, and the Chihuahua is typically more visible in the bouncy ears on top of a dome-like head with traits like confidence and perseverance.
Boxador (Boxer + Labrador Retriever)
Boxador breed is a cross between a boxer and a labrador, the two breeds popular for being loyal and loving family dogs. Boxadors usually have the width of the face, drop in the ears, innocence in the eyes of a labrador and fawn color coat, and masked face of a boxer. Both parent dog breeds love social and athletic lifestyles, so you need to play hard.
Horgi (Husky + Corgi)
Weighing around 20-50 pounds and standing tall between 12-15 inches, horgis are mix breed puppies of a Siberian husky and a Pembroke Welsh corgi. A horgi typically inherits the striking appearance of a husky, which means a dense double coat with a muscular build and short legs from a corgi. This hybrid has the independence and intelligence of the husky, while the corgi have a loyal and affectionate nature.
Dorgi (Dachshund + Corgi)
Dachshunds and corgis mix dorgi can be identified by their tapered faces and fluffy round ears, which come from the dachshund, and their long bodies and short legs, which come from both breeds.
However, the fluffy tail and fawn-colored coat come from Pembroke Welsh corgi. Since dachshunds are a hound breed, they are friendly, curious, clever, and affectionate - you may love that in a dog for your family.
Bullmatian (Bulldog + Dalmatian)
Bullmatian is one of the dog mixes known to be affectionate and loving, making them great companions. These are also lively and energetic and need lots of exercise and active owners, so be ready to offer plenty of walks and playtime if you’re considering getting a bullmatian.
Moreover, these mixed-breed dogs can be stubborn and hard to train hence you may require lots of patience and perseverance.
A bullmatian is a medium-sized dog having body types similar to bulldogs. However, their ears hang downward like Dalmatians and are strong and muscular.
Shorkie (Shih Tzu + Yorkshire Terrier)
Yorkshire and Shih Tzu come together to create a 6-15 inches tall shorkie that weighs around 15 pounds. While a lively and attentive nature comes from a Yorkie, the playful and affectionate personality of Shih Tzu is prominent in a shorkie. Also, they form good bonds with their owners but dislike sharing.
Chug (Chihuahua + Pug)
Chug is another adorable mixed dog breed - a combination of Chihuahua and pug - entertainers at heart. Their silly antics will make you laugh and bring you comic relief. Not only that, these dogs are mischievous and can tear up a sofa and chew your slippers. So, ensure to know the right strategies to keep them away.
Huskamute (Husky + Alaskan Malamute)
Huskamute - a mixed dog breed known for its good looks and gentle demeanor is a cross between the Siberian husky and Alaskan Malamute. Though these dogs are considered ideal family pets if you’re becoming a first-time dog parent, this breed may not be for you. Malamutes contribute stamina and strength, whereas huskamutes get speed and agility, which makes them perfect sled dogs.
Pitsky (Pit Bull + Husky)
Pitsky is a mixed dog breed coming from a pit bull and a husky. These dogs generally have short coats, making them allergy-friendly. Pitsky is a friendly and loyal dog breed that is perfect for a family with children. However, they may require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Most pitskies weigh around 30-80 pounds and stand tall at 16-25 inches at the shoulder.
Poochon (Poodle + Bichon Frise)
Poochon, also known as the bichpoo, is a small mixed-breed dog that will surely capture your heart. These teddy bear dogs have similar parents, bichon frise and toy poodle, which give a smooth blend of both. They get the playfulness and friendly nature from both breeds.
Finding the Right Mixed Breed for Your Family
When looking for the right mixed breed for your family, you must consider all the important factors such as environment, lifestyle, family, and your experience as a pet parent. If you live in a small apartment, then a small dog might be the perfect choice; however, some dogs, small or large, require more space and attention, so it is best to understand their temperament first.
Moreover, considering your family is important because if you have children, you will want a breed that does well in this setup. Also, when someone in your family has an allergy, choosing a breed that sheds less like a schnoodle is a good idea. If you are a first-time dog parent, select a breed with a gentle temperament like mixes with pugs or golden retrievers. You can get in touch with an expert dog breeder and a veterinarian to guide you.
Conclusion
In case of mixed breed, no trait is guaranteed and the personalities and looks of these dogs may vary greatly. Also, whenever getting a dog it is essential that you look for a breed that suits your family and lifestyle.
