We all know and love the retrievers, terriers, and hounds of the dog world. These breeds have been around for years, and dog lovers are very familiar with the temperament, skills, and advantages of owning one of these pups. But believe it or not, the purebred dogs you see in movies aren’t the beginning and end of the options out there. The best mixed dog breeds open up a whole new world of pups, and these “mutts” are often highly intelligent, sociable, and healthy pets.
It’s no secret that most people tend to have a pretty intense love for their pets. Especially when it comes to man’s best friend, pet owners are more than willing to make major sacrifices to provide the best life for their furry family members. In fact, research reports that over half of Americans agree their soulmate is their pet. A poll of 2,000 U.S. pet owners revealed that 53 percent believe their pet knows them better than anyone else in their life, including their best friends, family members or even their significant others.
Yet another survey finds that if it came down to it, one-third of Americans would choose their pet over their house! A panel of 2,000 dog and cat owners reveals that 33 percent would choose their four-legged friend instead of their house, and another 33 percent would choose their pet over their significant other. Another 31 percent say that the possibility of their pet’s death keeps them up at night — even more so than the death of a family member (28%), being the victim of a crime (18%), or going through a divorce (14%).
With such a strong connection between humans and their hounds, there’s no need to limit the options to only purebred pooches. Mixing breeds widens the possibilities, and may just help you find the perfect blend of characteristics to fit your lifestyle and preferences. But of course, so many options can also make things more confusing. That’s why StudyFinds did the research for you to find five of the best mixed dog breeds out there. This list includes the most frequent expert recommendations, but be sure to let us know in the comments if you have a favorite we missed!
The List: Best Mixed Dog Breeds, According to Canine Experts
1. Cockapoo
This fluffy pup closely resembles a teddy bear come to life. Even better, they come with a lovable and friendly personality to match. As Good Housekeeping explains, “the Cockapoo (part cocker spaniel, part poodle) is one of the most popular mixed-breed dogs. They aren’t prone to shedding and can be easily trained, making them a great choice for families.”
“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,” notes Reader’s Digest. “We just know it’s an adorable combo of wavy poodle hair and dreamy cocker spaniel eyes. Usually, 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 who 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.”
As is the case with many mixed breeds, the best traits of the parents often come out in the offspring. Even the less desirable traits of a breed can be balanced out when mixed with the strengths of another, experts suggest. “Cocker spaniels tend to have ear and skin problems, but the poodle mix makes these less prevalent in a cockapoo,” notes Daily Paws. “The poodle also brings intelligence to the mix, making them easy to train. Plus, they’re easy to love.”
2. Chiweenie
Both parents of this pup pack a whole lot of cuteness into one petite package. A cross between the loyal and smart chihuahua and the outgoing and distinctive Dachshund, this mix is a great fit for those who want an extra small dog with a big personality. And as Good Housekeeping puts it, “the only thing cuter than the name is the actual dog itself. This pint-size hybrid has the intelligence of a chihuahua and the spirited nature of a Dachshund.”
“The best way to describe a Chiweenie? A firecracker, because their spunky confidence will definitely keep their owner on their toes,” claims Daily Paws. “These dogs do well in apartment living, but it’s essential to keep a pulse on the noise level since they tend to bark frequently. Chiweenies don’t need a ton of exercise but do have energy to burn, so daily walks, playtime, and positive reinforcement when learning new skills are important for your dog’s overall health and happiness.”
These pups are a particularly great match for city dwellers thanks to their lower exercise requirements and signature short stature. And unlike many long-haired pups, they require very little upkeep to maintain a healthy coat. As Parade Pets says, “compact is the perfect word to describe this Chihuahua and Dachshund mixed-breed dog. They make great apartment dogs due to their small size and the fact that they are especially easy to groom.”
3. Goldendoodle
If you’ve walked past any dog park in recent years, you’ve surely seen plenty of these curly-coated beauties. This cross between the beloved golden retriever and the brilliant (and non-shedding!) poodle has captivated dog owners everywhere in recent years, making it one of the most popular mixes around. “Much like the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is a perfect family pet for those with allergies. This time, a Poodle is crossed with a Golden Retriever, resulting in a dog who is a playful, intelligent companion,” explains PitPat. “They inherit a golden curly coat that can have hypoallergenic properties and love their family to bits.”
“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 golden minidoodle, 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, round head, and of course, the friendly yet soulful ‘puppy eyes,'” explains Reader’s Digest. “Individually, poodles and golden retrievers are considered two of the best dogs for first-time pet parents because they’re easy to train and groom and are oh-so lovable. When you combine the two, you have the makings of the ultimate doggo.”
Whether you’re looking for your first dog or your fifth, the goldendoodle is worth considering. Depending on the size of the parents, these pups can be a wide range of weights, meaning you can find the size that suits your lifestyle. And thanks to the characteristics of both poodles and goldens, you’re in for a new best friend that’s equal parts smart and sweet. As PetHelpful says, “this Golden Retriever and Poodle hybrid is sweet and curious. They can be bred in a variety of sizes and are good family dogs. Their gentle disposition makes them lovable, and with consistency, they are easy to train.”
4. Pomsky
The Siberian Husky is a strikingly beautiful dog, but it’s also an undeniably large one. For dog owners who’d prefer a more moderately sized pup, there’s the Pomsky. As Good Housekeeping says, “while they can vary within the same litter, think of Pomskies as smaller, fluffier Siberian Huskies thanks to their Pomeranian DNA. These little guys usually weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.”
“You love the regal appearance of a husky—but you prefer a smaller pup. A Pomsky has the best of both worlds! Thanks to the Pomeranian, a Pomsky is not only more petite but also brings the character of a bonded companion dog who wants to stay with their owner,” explains Daily Paws. “This is unlike a husky, who tends to be a bit more independent. Also, be mindful of your neighbors since the Pomeranian and husky are both more ‘talkative’ breeds.”
If you want a dog that’s always happy to be hanging out with the family, the Pomsky is a great pick. Blending the energy of a husky with the relational nature of a Pomeranian makes for a personable and affectionate pup. “There’s a lot to love with the Pomeranian Husky mix. They’re adorable, playful and a little bit silly,” lists The Smart Canine. “But most importantly, they love to be around people. Pomskies are the happiest with family and in the center of attention.”
5. Puggle
If you love pugs but aren’t prepared to handle the health issues that often come along with the breed, the puggle may just be your new best friend. By crossing the pug with the hearty beagle, you get a pup that often enjoys the best of both worlds (and is just as adorable as either parent!). “The puggle is a healthy alternative to the pug,” notes AZ Animals. “Beagles are medium-sized dogs with few health issues, especially working-line beagles. On the other hand, pugs are known for being great family dogs, but they are unhealthy. Therefore, mixing these two breeds together gives you a people-oriented dog with fewer health issues – usually.”
“Love the wanderlust of a beagle and the playful antics of a pug? The puggle could be the dog for you,” says Reader’s Digest. “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. As for the fawn color and curvy tail high on the rear, that’s all pug. 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.”
As with any mixed breed, you roll the dice on the qualities of each parent your dog will inherit. For the puggle, this means a variety of breed-specific personality traits to look out for. Depending on the mix your specific pup displays, you may need to tailor your training strategy for the best results. Either way, you’ll quickly find yourself with a new best friend. “The two very different parent breeds mean that your Puggle’s personality could vary wildly,” explains PitPat. “Many inherit a stubborn streak from their independent Beagle parent, but the gentle Pug nature often tempers this trait.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Dog Breeds For First-Time Owners
- Best Dog Breeds For Apartments
- Best Dog Breeds For Families
- Best Dog Training Apps
- Best Dog Harnesses
- Best Dog Food
Sources:
- Good Housekeeping
- Daily Paws
- Parade Pets
- AZ Animals
- Reader’s Digest
- PitPat
- Top Dog Tips
- The Smart Canine
- Slice
- PetHelpful
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.
