24 Lovable Mixed-Breed Dogs You’ll Want to Bring Home
Updated: Apr. 02, 2024
When peanut butter collided with chocolate, it was a good thing. The same is true for these mixed-breed dogs, all of which offer a combo of cuteness and charm.
Why you’ll love a mixed-breed dog
No matter what you call them—crossbreeds, designer breeds or mixed-breed dogs, these are some of the most popular dogs you’ll see on the streets. These pups have two or more breeds in their genetic makeup and are undeniably adorable. Sometimes, the dominant genes are easy to spot, like the tight curls of a poodle’s coat or the long body of a dachshund.
Though the intent of a knowledgeable and reputable breeder is to combine the most sought-after qualities (size, color, coat, temperament and health) of each breed, the results are still mostly unpredictable. Even puppies in the same litter can look different, but mystery and unpredictability are part of their charm. Still, if you’re curious about your mixed-breed’s makeup, you could always buy a dog DNA kit to learn more about your dog’s family tree.
As far as health concerns go, crossbreeding is one of the reasons dog mixes are among the healthiest dog breeds. Research shows that mixed-breed dogs are less likely than purebred dogs to develop health issues from certain genetic disorders. “Purebred dogs have a limited gene pool, causing genetic disorders to continue from generation to generation,” says Jessica Apted, DVM, a veterinarian at Sploot Veterinary Care.
Reader’s Digest rounded up dozens of mixed-breed dogs worthy of your love and spoke to two veterinarians to get the pawsitively fascinating facts about each cutie pie.
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About the experts
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Poochon
Bichon frise and toy poodle
Also known as the Bichpoo, these cuties are small, super cute and fluffy teddy bear dogs. When the parents of a mixed-breed dog are similar—like toy poodles and bichons—you’ll likely get a smooth blend of both breeds instead of a pup with a strong trait toward one breed or the other. In this case, both breeds are known for being extremely playful and affectionate. While they are all-around happy-go-lucky pups, they are also quite sensitive. “Leave them alone too long, and they may get a case of separation anxiety, so lots of cuddles and attention are the way to go with these lovable pups,” says veterinarian Sam Meisler, DVM, founder and CEO of PetWellClinic in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Porkie
Pomeranian and Yorkshire terrier
This toy dog breed‘s nickname is a bit of a misnomer—there’s nothing porky about these spunky pups. In fact, the Porkie is pint-size, weighing in at just 7 pounds when fully grown. It’s easy to spot the parent breeds in these small mixed-breed dogs: You’ll notice the Yorkshire terrier in the Porkie’s tricolor coat and fluffy beard. The Pomeranian genes are seen in the fuller, stockier, rounded body. Both breeds are extroverts and have lively and spirited personalities. This sweet-faced mutt fits perfectly in a doggy tote and relishes a day on the town, getting showered with attention and giving it back in mini-size kisses.
Pomsky
Pomeranian and Siberian husky
How in the world is it even possible for a big Siberian husky and Pomeranian to create puppies? There’s no doggy romance or love connection needed. “Due to the size difference between Pomeranians and huskies, artificial insemination is required, making Pomskies rare and expensive,” says Dr. Apted.
Different as the dogs may be, they have one thing in common: a talkative nature. Pomeranians are known for being yappy, and huskies have a trademark howl. “While protective and loyal, they may bark around strangers, making them good watchdogs,” says Dr. Apted. They tend to form a tight bond with one person in the household and might be skittish with small children.
Cockapoo
Cocker spaniel and poodle
Mixed-breed dogs often go by a couple of monikers, and the cockapoo is no exception. In Australia, people call this cocker spaniel and poodle mix a spoodle. No matter the nickname, this is an adorable combo of wavy poodle hair and dreamy cocker spaniel eyes. Usually (but not always), the cockapoo is bred with a miniature poodle, so it will be around 30 pounds—small enough for sofa snuggling yet big enough to get rough and rowdy in the backyard. Poodles and cocker spaniels are happy-go-lucky aspiring athletes that love to frolic and play with the entire family. When you add it all up, cockapoos are one of the best dogs for kids and families.
Boxador
Boxer and Labrador retriever
There’s no mistaking the boxer influence in the fawn-colored coat and masked face of this pup, but the width of the face, the drop ears and the longing eyes suggest a Labrador retriever. Boxers and Labradors are renowned for being loyal and devoted family dogs. They are both extroverts and prefer an engaging social and athletic lifestyle, so be prepared to play hard—just keep your fur baby away from these backyard pet hazards. The coat can be a variety of colors and is low maintenance, but shedding could be a factor if the pup has the coat of a Lab, which does shed quite a bit.Â
Gerberian shepsky
German shepherd and Siberian husky
The names of some mixed-breed dogs sound like the babbling of a 3-year-old. Take, for instance, the Gerberian shepsky. The German shepherd is evident in the erect ears, keen eyes and coat color. The husky influence shows up in the thicker coat and trademark husky mask. Personality-wise, the German shepherd, a classic German dog breed, makes a great loyal companion. The Siberian husky is too, though it typically has an independent and mischievous side. Both breeds are workers and happiest when they have a job, whether taking daily walks or hikes or learning new tricks.
Aussiedoodle
Australian shepherd and standard poodle
This adorable and sweet-natured pooch carries the stellar traits of its standard poodle and Australian shepherd parents. “A notable trait of Aussiedoodles is their intelligence and trainability, which they inherit from both parent breeds,” says Dr. Apted. Speaking of inherited traits, some pups may have the ice-blue eyes or even one blue and one brown eye of their Australian shepherd parent. When it comes to the breed’s appearance, the poodle influence is striking and noticeable in the curly hair, but some Aussiedoodles have straight, wiry hair.
Chorkie
Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier
This Chorkie is a cute little muffin you’ll never want to leave home without. And you don’t have to. Both Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers are toy breeds, weighing between 6 and 10 pounds and coming in at a petite 9 inches in height. At first glance, you notice the Yorkie’s trademark tricolor coat and dreamy eyes. But look at that cute little head. The Chihuahua’s influence is visible in the perky ears atop a round, dome-like head. With the confidence and tenacity of the Chihuahua and the affection and enthusiastic nature of the Yorkie, you’ve got a pint-size pupster with a big heart.Â
Frenchton
French bulldog and Boston terrier
These irresistible flat-faced dog breeds are absolute sweethearts with the cutest short muzzles and adorable snorting noises to go with them. “While these flat-faced dogs are undeniably cute, Frenchtons may face breathing issues. It’s fairly common in dogs with those adorable flat faces, short noses and snug airways. So while they’re stealing your heart with cuteness, a bit of extra care and attention to their breathing is always a good idea,” says Dr. Meisler. Both breeds are vigilant little watchdogs and warn their humans of anything suspicious with a hearty bark and animated body language.Â
Shepweiler
German shepherd and Rottweiler
Well, hello, good lookin’. What breeds you got cookin’ under that gorgeous coat? It’s a German shepherd–Rottweiler mix. Both breeds possess a large and intimidating physique that suits their strong protective instinct for their family. They are two of the best guard dog breeds, devoted and loyal to their humans, and because of that nature, they might be a bit standoffish with strangers. Both breeds look like they spend a lot of time at the doggy gym, but as physiques go, the German shepherd has leaner muscles, while the Rottweiler has a more densely packed and muscular body with a broad chest.Â
Spreagle
English springer spaniel and beagle
Mixed-breed dogs that contain the best of the hunting world are abundant in the spreagle, an English springer spaniel and beagle mix. Both are medium-sized dogs, but the beagle brings super sniffing skills to the table, while the spaniel boasts an accomplished flush-and-retrieve skill set. Roll those up together, and you get an outdoorsy dog with rugged good looks and a fetching personality. “People love them because they’re like the best pals ever. These little guys are not just friendly but also super curious, full of energy and aim to please,” says Dr. Meisler.
Puggle
Pug and beagle
Love the wanderlust of a beagle and the playful antics of a pug? The puggle could be the dog for you. “These little guys are sweethearts—affectionate and gentle—and will melt your heart,” says Dr. Meisler. The mug on this pooch is undeniably a pug, from the furrowed face to the black-rimmed eyes and dark muzzle. But the length of the muzzle points to the beagle, as do the ears and longer body. Just how big this pug mix will grow depends on the size of the beagle parent. Smaller and shorter ones are under 15 inches and less than 20 pounds, while others range from 13 to 15 inches and 20 to 30 pounds.
Schnoodle
Schnauzer and poodle
Looking for the ultimate snuggler? Let us introduce you to the schnoodle. You’ll want to canoodle all day with this adorable poodle and schnauzer mix. You might see the fearless, high-spirited traits of the schnauzer (including their hallmark beards) or the proud and dignified air of the poodle. Like any other crossbreed, schnoodles’ personalities depend on which genes are dominant. The sizes vary widely—a grown schnoodle could weigh anywhere between 6 and 70 pounds—because poodles and schnauzers come in three sizes.Â
Maltipom
Maltese and Pomeranian
With waves of fluff and a foxy face, the Maltipom is exactly what you’d expect when crossing a Maltese with a Pomeranian. This breed exhibits the Pomeranian’s hallmark fox-like face, almond eyes and soft ears mounted high on the head. The longer, mostly white coat and plume tail are courtesy of the Maltese parent. Here’s something else to consider if you’re thinking of adding a Maltipom to your family: longevity. The Maltese and Pomeranian are two dogs with the longest life spans. They also hail from the toy group, meaning they were made for snuggling, companionship and not a lot of exercise.Â
Labradinger
Labrador retriever and English springer spaniel
When you combine a Labrador retriever with an English springer spaniel, you get a good-looking, sporty and brainy dog breed that loves to swim and fetch balls on the beach. Like all mixed-breed dogs, Labradinger pups could lean heavily toward one breed, or they might have a mishmash of the Lab’s broad face, drop ears and short coat and the spaniel’s longer ears and a wavy, feathered coat. Both parent breeds have double coats and shed, but since they love the great outdoors, you can brush them outside and take a long walk with lots of time for sniffing when you’re done as a reward.
Goldendoodle
Golden retriever and standard poodle
Ladies and gentlemen, we present the CEO of cuteness: the goldendoodle. The proud parents are the golden retriever and standard poodle. You might have also seen the ultra-cute mini goldendoodle, a mix of golden retriever and miniature poodle. In both types of “doodle,” the poodle’s curly hair is dominant. The retriever genes are evident in the broader face, rounder head and, of course, the friendly yet soulful “puppy eyes.” Ask around at the dog park, and you’ll discover poodles and golden retrievers are considered two of the best dogs for first-time pet parents because they’re easy to train and oh, so lovable. When you combine the two, you have the makings of the ultimate pet.
Morkie
Maltese and Yorkshire terrier
First of all, how cute is the name? It perfectly suits this darling little nugget. The Maltese and Yorkshire terrier have no issues owning up to their contributions of adorableness. The Maltese is generally all white, but Yorkies can be a combo of colors (generally tan, black and white), so your Morkie may be multicolored. The sparkly and friendly peepers with a hint of feistiness are all Yorkie, but that sweet gumdrop nose belongs to the Maltese. Go ahead and pamper this pooch—the long, flowing locks make for a glam dog show cut, though with this low-maintenance dog breed, you can easily keep the cut short and the brushing and grooming to a minimum.
Rotterman
Rottweiler and Doberman pinscher
This brawny, play-it-cool breed is available for guard duty and companionship. Mixed-breed dogs such as this are powerhouses, weighing between 65 and 120 pounds and standing about 26 inches high. Both breeds are affectionate and loyal, but they also like to ham it up and be the center of attention. And with all that strength and power, they need dedicated pet parents. “They require a strong, experienced owner for proper handling, training and care,” says Dr. Apted. Which traits will be more evident: the calm and self-assured aloofness of the Rottweiler or the energetic and vigilant watchdog side of the Doberman? You won’t know till you meet your pup.
Chilier
Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Chihuahua
Talk about a bombshell of cuteness—and contrasting temperaments! The Cavalier King Charles has a reputation for being gentle, easygoing, super affectionate and—let’s face—a lazy little napper. The Chihuahua, on the other hand, is alert, spirited and self-confident. Both parent breeds have large, round eyes, but this Chilier leans a little toward the spaniel side with the expressive eyes (versus the saucier peepers of the Chihuahua). The cute mask and tan highlight around the eyes are traits of both parents. Heads up: One of the health issues of a Cavalier is degenerative heart disease, so a proactive approach with regular vet checkups is vital to managing your dog’s health.
Dorgi
Dachshund and Pembroke Welsh corgi
The parents of some mixed-breed dogs are easier to spot than others. Case in point: the dorgi. The long body and stumpy legs scream dachshund and corgi. Indeed, this dorgi gets its tapered face and fluffy, rounded ears from the dachshund. But the fluffy tail and fawn-colored coat come from the Pembroke Welsh corgi (not to be confused with the Cardigan Welsh corgi, a dog breed that looks similar). Coming from the hound category, the dachshund is friendly, clever and curious. With the herding instincts of the corgi, you get a bold, alert and clever dog that is also affectionate. Life with a dorgi will always be interesting.
Poovanese
Miniature poodle and Havanese
You probably don’t even care what mixed-breed dog this is. You just want to take this curly little muffin home—no questions asked. As with other dog mixes, this breed has a few monikers. Take your pick: the poovanese or Havapoo. Whatever you call it, you’re in for a sweet and devoted sidekick. Expect extended cuddling sessions, boisterous playtime and doggy dental visits. With smaller faces, teeth often become overcrowded, so pet parents should clean their dog’s teeth regularly. “Small-breed dogs often face dental issues, including rapid buildup of dental tartar and periodontal disease,” says Dr. Apted.
Chug
Chihuahua and pug
This cute and spunky charm bomb has one goal: to be the center of your world. The odds are in its favor with its huggable good looks. Both breeds are entertainers at heart. Expect your dog to bring comic relief to your day; the breed’s silly antics will have you either scratching your head or laughing uncontrollably. Of course, those innocent puppy eyes aren’t so angelic when you’re faced with torn-up sofa pillows, so you’ll want to arm yourself with the right strategies to keep your dog busy while you’re away. Even if your Chug chews up your slippers, you’ll have a hard time staying mad at that silly little face.
Swissneese
Swiss mountain dog and Great Pyrenees
When it comes to mixed-breed dogs, this one wins the Humongous Hugger award. Its parents, the Greater Swiss mountain dog and the Great Pyrenees are big dog breeds that weigh about 120 pounds and reach 30 inches tall. That’s a lot of love and loyalty in a single furry body. The Swiss mountain dog gives the Swissneese a faithful, bold and brave personality, while the Great Pyrenees bestows a gentle and affectionate nature with a strong protective instinct for its human family.
The coat is a toss-up: Your pup may lean toward the Great Pyrenees, which is white and fluffy, or favor the Swiss mountain dog with a shorter black, tan and white coat. Either way, the Swissnesse is a doggy dreamboat.
Bernedoodle
Bernese mountain dog and poodle
What do you get when you cross a lovey-dovey, calm and dedicated Bernese mountain dog with a brainy yet goofy and fun-loving poodle? “The result is an absolutely adorable pup that is not just cute but also a fast learner. They are practically geniuses, making training a breeze,” says Dr. Meisler. With glowing attributes like that, they might just be the best mixed-breed dog companion. Plus, you can choose your size, depending on the size of the parent poodle. Typically a medium-sized dog breed, the Bernedoodle can be anywhere from 10 to 90 pounds.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on mixed-breed dogs, Lisa Marie Conklin tapped her experience as a reporter who has covered dogs and pets for seven years to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We relied on reputable primary sources and experts, including veterinarians, professional organizations and academic institutions. We verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Jessica Apted, DVM, veterinarian and regional medical director at Sploot Veterinary Care in Denver; email interview Feb. 1, 2024
- Sam Meisler, DVM, veterinarian and founder and CEO of PetWellClinic in Knoxville, Tennessee; email interview Feb. 1, 2024
- American Veterinary Medical Association: “Study Reveals Genetic Diseases of Mixed-Breed, Purebred Dogs”Â
Originally Published: March 22, 2024
