In a world where purebred pedigrees often take center stage, mixed-breed dogs shine with their own unique charm and irresistible appeal. Blending the best traits of their diverse lineages, these dogs capture hearts with their endearing appearances and distinct personalities. From playful and energetic to calm and cuddly, each mixed-breed dog carries a story of genetic wonder. In this exploration of 17 adorable mixed-breed dogs, prepare to be captivated by their endearing quirks, legendary loyalty, and the pure joy they bring to their human companions. Get ready to discover canines you cannot help but fall in love with.
You’ve probably heard of a Goldendoodle. But what about a Whoodle or a Chug? No, I’m not talking about the latest teenager slang; they’re types of mixed-breed dogs. Whoda thunk?!
We’re digging into the dogs that arrive when people say, “Hmm, I’d love to have a Chihuahua Poodle mix.” These dogs have personality plus and play the important role as Head Spoiled Pooch in their households.
They’re the 21st-century royalty of the world, and when people say they have one, they adjust their crowns. So they’re a little froufrou, especially when you find out how much one of them can cost. Let’s get into the rest of the story about mixed-breed dogs.
Beyond Mutt Myths
Now, I never liked the word “mutt,” so I’m whispering it here, but that’s what a lot of people call dogs who have no distinguishing characteristics. Those who do have them and have them in spades are called “designer dogs.” What are they? Mixed breeds. (And frankly, all dogs are mixed breeds.)
These pups are developed to share characteristics of two separate breeds. The difference is the “designer dog” has two purebred parents. The other mixed breeds might not.
However, put a stray dog and a designer dog side by side, and you’ve got two wonderful dogs but in reality, one of them is much more popular. But are these status symbols more dangerous to breed than the average mix? Like Boston Terrier mix?
When dog breeds from inbreeding or linebreeding (mating parents who have a common ancestor) are developed, there is an increased chance of health issues/genetic problems. When unscrupulous breeders grab any dog in a breed to reproduce, bringing recessive genes along, you have a recipe for dynamite.
Since “designer dogs” began developing in the early 2000s, lines have become muddied. The smart choices? Rescue a mixed breed or hybrid, or if you must, purchase a particular breed from a reputable breeder.
Mixed Breed Dogs
Now that we’re square on that, here are 17 mixed-breed dogs who are so unique they have two names squished into one. (But also check out this list of hybrid dogs that will blow your mind.) Hybrids aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), though many of these dog clubs aim for it.
Note: All distinguishing characteristics of the following dog types could be different, depending on the breed’s health and genes.
1. Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise Mix)
| Height | 12”-13” |
| Weight | 15-25 lbs. |
| Fur color | Rarely a solid color – Pied (a pattern of white spots on a pigmented background), cream, white, brown, black, red |
| Lifespan | 10-15 yrs. |
With these two breeds, you’ll have a highly affectionate, intelligent dog. This canine is less likely to cause an allergic reaction to their guardians.
Just keep in mind that there are no truly hypoallergenic dogs. (All dogs spread dander through their skin, saliva, and urine.)
2. Pomsky (Pomeranian and Siberian Husky Mix)
| Height | 10”-15” |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs. |
| Fur color | Brown, chocolate, & liver; blue, gray, red, white |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs. |
A fairly new dog (around 2012), the Pomsky usually looks like a small version of a Husky. According to the American Pomsky Kennel Club, they’re great with children and playful.
But get ready for some serious grooming with this shedder.
3. Chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund Mix)
| Height | 6”-8” |
| Weight | 5-10 lbs. |
| Fur color | Most commonly black, tan, blonde, brown |
| Lifespan | 15+ yrs. |
Although they sound like a carnival snack, this mixed breed puppy is seriously loyal. They’re also known as the “Mexican Taco.” (Due to the Chihuahua’s lineage.)
Additionally, Chiweenies don’t require frequent grooming. They can be “alert” or watchdogs, meaning they could bark a lot to inform you there’s something unusual happening.
4. Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle Mix)
| Height | 4”-14” |
| Weight | 5-15 lbs. |
| Fur color | Apricot, silver, cream, chocolate, light brown, red, sable |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs. |
These mixed-breed dogs are quite popular. Insanely smart – poodles are almost always in the top five of intelligent breeds – these are also highly energetic cuties, so be prepared to keep their bodies and minds in tip-top shape.
Something to remember: Poodles come in three sizes.
5. Schnoodle (Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle Mix)
| Height | Miniature Schnoodles range from 12”-15”; Standard Schnoodles range from 15”-26”; Giant Schnoodles range from 20” to 28” |
| Weight | Miniature Schnoodles can weigh as little as 10 pounds; Standard Schnoodles weigh between 50–60 pounds; Giant Schnoodles can weigh as much as 80 pounds. |
| Fur color | Most common – black; Grey, brown, white, apricot, parti (a combination of two or more colors). |
| Lifespan | 10-16 yrs. (depending on several things, including their size) |
(Why does this dog make me hungry?) This dog is the unique of the unique. Poodles come in three sizes: Toy, miniature, and standard.
And Schnauzers do as well: Miniature, standard, and giant. You’ll certainly have a one-of-a-kind dog on your hands.
6. Puggles (Pug and Beagle Mix)
| Height | 8”-15” |
| Weight | 15-30 lbs. |
| Fur color | Fawn, red, tan, lemon, black, parti |
| Lifespan | 10-15 yrs. |
If you’d like a scent-chasing lapdog on your hands, you may want to adopt/purchase one of these dogs.
Caveat: Since a pug is brachycephalic, you may have a dog who could eventually be dangerously ill.
7. Morkie (Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier Mix)
| Height | 4”-8” |
| Weight | 4-13 lbs. |
| Fur color | White, black, brown, or a mixture of colors |
| Lifespan | 10-14 yrs. |
The kids will love the Morkie just as much as the adults, but be forewarned… Their small stature can make them prone to injury just from playing. They’re hyper-energetic, so daily walks and backyard playtime are necessary.
Fun fact: A Boston terrier Jack Russell mix is called a Bojack.
8. Corgidor (Corgi and Labrador Retriever Mix)
Photo Credit: @jackson_the_corgidor
| Height | 10”-24” |
| Weight | 30-60 lbs. |
| Fur color | A smorgasbord of colors or color mixtures |
| Lifespan | 10-13 yrs. |
Take a Welsh Corgi and a Labrador Retriever, and you may have quite a swimmer here since both breeds love the water. You also might have a dog who will ask a complete stranger inside to join the family. What you can almost count on is having an affectionate pup.
9. Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle Mix)
| Height | Toy – 10” or less; Miniature – 11”-14”; Standard – 15” or higher |
| Weight | Toy – Under 12 lbs.; Miniature – 12-20 lbs.; Standard – Over 20 lbs. |
| Fur color | Sable, black, merle, roan, buff, phantom, parti, tri-color |
| Lifespan | 14-18+ yrs. |
Maybe as popular as a Labradoodle, the Cockapoo is one of the cutest in the bunch. According to the American Cockapoo Club, “They are very people-oriented, outgoing and happy dogs.” Sounds like a winner to me.
10. Chug (Chihuahua and Pug Mix)
| Height | 10”-14” |
| Weight | 10-20 lbs. |
| Fur color | Black, brown, cream, fawn, white |
| Lifespan | 10-13 yrs. |
Chugs + cold weather = an unhappy chug, so bundle them up. Spirited and loyal, the Chug needs positive reinforcement training to respond accordingly.
Although they can be feisty, don’t overdo the exercise due to the brachycephalic pug mix. Shoot for 45 minutes a day (a walk and some playtime) for them to live their best life.
11. Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu and Poodle Mix)
| Height | 8”-15” |
| Weight | 7-20 lbs. |
| Fur color | Many solid colors or mixtures of colors |
| Lifespan | 10-16 yrs. |
Breeders are looking for small, smart dogs mixed with hypoallergenic or at least low-shedding qualities like the poodle and shih tzu.
Friendly and outgoing, these small dogs are perfect family companions. These smarty-pants (who are healthy) do well in agility, obedience, and rally contests.
12. Siberian Retriever (Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky Mix)
| Height | 22”-25” |
| Weight | 40-60 lbs. |
| Fur color | Black, white, golden, chocolate, tan, and/or a mixture of colors |
| Lifespan | 10-14 yrs. |
Now to the bigger boys and girls – the Siberian Retriever. Both labs and huskies are double-coated. These coats “blow” (shed) their coats twice a year to the tune of almost shedding an entire other dog, so there’s that.
13. Shorkie (Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier Mix )
| Height | 6”-11” |
| Weight | 4-12 lbs. |
| Fur color | Any combination of black, white, brown, golden, blue, red, or fawn, with patterns including bi-color, tri-color, and brindle |
| Lifespan | 11-16 yrs. |
These quite vocal and alert mixed-breed dogs adore their human family. For the average price of $1,000, you can have a devoted best friend.
If they’re not attached to your lap, they might be getting into things, but early training from puppyhood can nip that in the bud.
14. Border Collie-Sheltie ( Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog Mix)
| Height | 16”-22” |
| Weight | 25-45 lbs. |
| Fur color | Black, blue, Merle, sable, tri-color |
| Lifespan | 12-15+ |
The Border Sheepdog, or Border Sheltie, is so intelligent you may have to hide the keys to the car. They prefer go-go-going, so a hiker or bicyclist would be an excellent match for this hybrid.
The Border Sheepdog is not suitable for first-time dog owners; they’re for those with prior experience in handling energetic dogs, a passion for outdoor activities, and the readiness to welcome a lively and spirited pup into their lives.
15. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle Mix)
| Height | Miniature Doodles 10”-15”; Standard Doodles 15”-21”; Large Doodles 20”-29” |
| Weight | Miniature – 15-35 lbs.; Standard – 40-50 lbs.; Large – 50-90 lbs. |
| Fur color | Golden, white, cream, red, brown, grey, black |
| Lifespan | 10-13 yrs. |
These lovey-dovey mixed breed dogs are going for $1,500-$3,000, depending on the state you live in, demand, size, and more. Reputable breeders will most likely be in this range, but be prepared for $3K+ if you have your heart set on a Goldendoodle.
16. Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier and Poodle Mix)
| Height | 12”-16” |
| Weight | 20-45 lbs. |
| Fur color | Cream, black, gray, silver, brown, red, or mixture of colors |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs. |
These scruffy-looking hybrids are said to be an attempt to develop a dog with the intelligence of a Poodle and the soft, silky fur of a Wheaten. They make a cutie pie, that’s for sure.
Whoodles boast a delightful balance of traits, merging their sweet, affectionate demeanor with the keen intelligence and alertness characteristic of Poodles.
17. Docker (Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel Mix)
Photo Credit: @dilysthesausage
| Height | 9”-15” |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs. |
| Fur color | Black, brown, tan, gold, cream, white |
| Lifespan | 12-14 yrs. |
Possibly the most diverse-looking dog within its hybrid, both of its parents were bred to hunt. Their prey drive is real, so you may not want to have a pet hamster in the same household.
A blend of Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel, these medium-sized, versatile crossbreeds are trainable for tasks ranging from tracking to serving as military dogs.
FAQs
What is a mixed-breed dog?
A mixed dog breed has at least one parent who isn’t a purebred. They have two or more different breeds in their lineage. Like Bernedoodle, it is a mix of a Bernese Mountain dog and a Poodle, and other mixed breed dogs.
What is the best mixed breed?
The best-mixed breed is one you rescue from a shelter that is easy-going and affectionate.
Is a mixed-breed dog considered a hybrid?
A hybrid dog has purebred parent breeds, while a mixed breed might not. But it gets a little strange from here: A hybrid dogs are a mixed breed, while a mixed breed can be a hybrid.
Conclusion
Many cool dogs like German shepherd, french bulldog, Australian shepherd, and Welsh corgi along with their purebred counterparts, can be utilized to produce a loyal companion with good genetic health.
So now, as pet parents, you’re pros at recognizing the fancy-schmancy among dogs, and all of them make fantastic family pets. Just be aware of the health issues that may come up and decide before you get a designer dog breed if you can afford it.
Have some fun with these names, and even come up with your own for your mixed-breed dog.
Just don’t go calling it a Whackadoodle.
In conclusion, these 17 adorable mixed-breed dogs are a testament to the unique charm and diversity that crossbreeds bring into the world of pets. Each dog boasts a captivating blend of traits, combining the best of their parent breeds’ personalities, appearances, and abilities. By embracing mixed-breed dogs, pet owners not only gain loyal and loving companions but also contribute to reducing overpopulation in shelters. These delightful canines exemplify the joy and surprises that come from mixed heritage, proving that love knows no standard and that sometimes, the most beautiful stories come from blending diverse origins.