Mixed dog breeds (also known as mutts) are becoming increasingly popular as pets. They are a mixture of some of the most popular dog breeds available and have a combination of the two dogs’ temperaments and appearance.
Mixed dog breeds are believed to be more genetically healthy and are often registered by the National Hybrid Registry, and the American Kennel Club is also starting to accept some mixed dog breeds into shows which has sparked the interest of many dog owners wanting to get a mixed breed dog.
These dogs come with a range of characteristics that make them desirable and are adorned with a cute appearance. If you are looking to adopt a mixed breed dog, these are some popular mixed breeds that might spark your interest!
The 12 Most Popular Mixed Dog Breeds
1. Cock-A-Poo
Parents: | Cocker Spaniel and Poodle |
Average size: | 14 inches in height |
The Cockapoo is another name for a mixture between a Cocker Spaniel and a miniature Poodle. They are a mixture of two loved dog breeds, which makes them so popular. The Cockapoo has acquired the Cocker Spaniel’s slightly grouchy habits and the small size of the miniature Poodle, making them the perfect lap dog.
This mixed dog breed is described as being friendly, intelligent, affectionate, and has been known to bond easily with their owners. They have a small body and a shiny coat that either flows straight, or curls slightly depending on which dominant physical traits they have gotten from their parents.
2. Siberian Retriever
Parents: | Labrador and Husky |
Average size: | 20 to 25 inches in height |
The Siberian Retriever (also known as the Labsky) is a mixture of the two popular dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever and Husky. They are energetic and have inherited the desirable traits from both their parents and are known to be easy to train due to their high intelligence which makes them willing to learn new tricks.
Since the Siberian Retriever is part Husky, they do not make the best dog breed for inactive families, as they are very outgoing and active dogs and they enjoy going for regular walks, running, and playing in large outdoor spaces. It is not uncommon for the Siberian Retriever to have multi-colored eyes which can be a bright blue, with the classic soft coat of a Golden Retriever.
3. Chug
Parents: | Pug and Chihuahua |
Average size: | 6-12 inches in height |
The Chug is a mixture of two small dog breeds, the Pug and Chihuahua. They are relatively small in size and have inherited both their parents’ high self-esteem traits which make up for their small stature. They are known to be affectionate and adventurous and great for inactive families that can provide them with plenty of playtime.
The Chug is accepting of cuddles from their owners; however, they can be quite vocal and bark a lot, especially if they feel they are not getting a lot of attention, much like the Chihuahua.
4. Beagleman
Parents: | Beagle and Doberman Pinscher |
Average size: | 16-22 inches in height |
The Beagleman is a “designer dog” and is a mixture between the Doberman Pinscher and Beagle. They have a medium-sized body with large eyes that they get from their Beagle parents. Beaglemans are highly intelligent and affectionate and get along well with other dogs in the household. They have great guard-dog qualities, and their high intelligence makes them willing to learn new tricks. They are fairly active and enjoy going on walks with their owners or playing in a large garden.
5. Shepherd Chow
Parents: | German Shepherd and Chow Chow |
Average size: | 22-26 inches in height |
The Shepherd Chow is a medium to large mixed dog breed that is a combination of the German Shepherd and Chow Chow. They are intelligent dogs that need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored. They are loyal and affectionate with long, fluffy coats in various colorations.
The Shepherd Chow gets along well with other animals and children, which makes them the perfect family dog. They make good watchdogs thanks to the loyal traits that they acquired from their parents.
6. Puggle
Parents: | Beagle and Pug |
Average size: | 12-15 inches in height |
The Puggle is a medium-sized dog breed that is a combination of a Beagle and Pug. They make an interesting lap dog that is friendly and loyal and are commonly referred to as being a designer mix dog breed. They have a slightly flat muzzle that they got from the Pug, with floppy ears and a medium-sized body. Their flat muzzle can cause them to produce the classic “sniffling” sound that you would hear in Pugs, and they are not big barkers. The Puggle is great with children and is very family orientated.
7. Corgipoo
Parents: | Corgi and Toy Poodle |
Average size: | 10-15 inches |
A mixture between the Corgi and Toy Poodle, the Corgipoo is a small hypoallergenic dog that is full of energy and affection. They have soft, curly fur from the Toy Poodle and short, stubby legs from the Corgi. They are great house dogs and enjoy receiving affection from their owners.
They rarely shed which is why they are classified as hypoallergenic, so their grooming requirements are not as demanding as other mixed dog breeds. Corgipoos may be active dogs, but they can become tired fairly quickly and will enjoy napping throughout the day or resting in a comfortable spot indoors.
8. Schnoodle
Parents: | Schnauzer and Poodle |
Average size: | 10-20 inches in height |
The Schnoodle is a popular dog that is a mixture of a Poodle and Schnauzer. There are three different variations of the Schnoodle which can affect their height, such as a Toy Schnoodle, Miniature Schnoodle, and the standard Schnoodle. They are energetic and protective like the Schnauzer and can be quite big barkers.
The Schnoodle loves to play and explore, and they will enjoy going on walks with their owners or playing fetch in the yard. Furthermore, the Schnoodle is always willing to please their owners and makes a good family pet if you can meet their exercise requirements.
9. Maltipoo
Parents: | Maltese and Poodle |
Average size: | 8-14 inches in height |
The Maltipoo is a small dog that is a mixture of a Maltese and Poodle. They are bred to be hypoallergenic with a soft, curly coat. They are loving and affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners, but they can also be outgoing and cuddly depending on their mood.
Maltipoos have fairly low grooming requirements and are not big shedders. The Maltipoo is an adaptable mixed dog breed that can fit into different home environments with children and other friendly dogs.
10. Yorkipoo
Parents: | Miniature Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier |
Average size: | 7-15 inches in height |
Yorkipoos are a small mixed dog breed with Miniature Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier parents. They are suitable for apartments and smaller homes and are playful and affectionate. They enjoy getting attention from their owners and need lots of toys and playtime with their owners to appease their social nature.
The Yorkipoo can yap quite a bit, but they do not have a deep bark that will pose a problem like with other dogs. Most Yorkipoos are hypoallergenic and have low grooming requirements because they are not big shedders.
11. Labradoodle
Parents: | Labrador and Poodle |
Average size: | 21-24 inches in height |
One of the most popular mixed dog breeds is the Labradoodle which is a combination of a Labrador and Poodle. They are medium-sized dogs that are highly intelligent and very friendly. The Labradoodle can be found in the same typical colors as Labradors, which include black, brown, and yellow.
These dogs are confident and loyal while getting along with other dogs and children in the household. Their coat is short with less defined curls, but it can look very scruffy especially if their coat is not groomed regularly.
12. Horgi
Parents: | Husky and Corgi |
Average size: | 12 to 15 inches in height |
The Horgi is a fairly new mixed dog breed that is become increasingly popular amongst dog owners. They are a mixture between a Corgi and a Husky, with the short legs of a Corgi, and the coloration of a Husky. The Horgi may look unusual at first or appear to be a young Husky, but they do not grow more than 15 inches in height if the Corgi is the dominant gene, making them a small to medium-sized mixed dog breed.
They are active dogs that enjoy going on walks and playing with their owners, but larger versions of the Horgi will require much more exercise and a larger environment than the standard Horgi.
Final Thoughts
There is always a new mixed dog breed being introduced into the market and the numbers are continuously growing. The availability of mixed dog breeds is becoming more popular throughout the world and can be found in many shelters or from breeders. The combination of two different dog breeds can make a mixed breed dog’s size and temperament slightly unpredictable, but they usually have a similar temperament and appearance to their parents with a varying lifespan.
Featured Image Credit: srw-photo, Shutterstock