What mutts sometimes lack in the defining attributes of pedigree dog breeds, they make up for in robust health and unique, charming personalities. The mutt, mongrel, or common cur can be any dog that does not fit into recognized breed lineages, even intentionally bred mixed breed dogs like the ever-popular labradoodle. Mutts have a way of finding a home in the hearts of many American families. Our list of the top five best mutts includes some of America’s favorite mixed-breed doggies.
The core principle of breeding is raising animals with desirable traits and promoting those traits over time by selecting animals with similar traits to sire offspring. Over successive generations, the effect of selective breeding becomes more pronounced and distinctive until a true subspecies or breed is developed. Mutts and mixed-breed dogs represent a developmental point in breed adaptation where breeders continue to reinforce desirable traits in successive generations of litters.
The determination of a genuinely recognized breed typically takes decades and requires 300 to 400 individual dogs with consistent build and attributes to be considered for an official breed pedigree. Despite this general guideline, there are several cute hounds that seem to stay just outside the achievement of gaining pedigree breed status. Familiar names like chiweenie, cockapoo, and puggle are portmanteaus of their parent breeds and these cutie pie pups seem to exhibit the best traits of both parents. Additionally, larger body sizes and superior health can be typical advantages of mixed-breed dogs, who don’t usually suffer the problems with inbreeding like poor eyesight or heart disease that some very pure breed dogs can experience.
Ready to discover the perfect blended pup to bring into your family? Our trusted sources helped us to discover some of the best mutts to call your own. These amazing animals are proof-positive of the remarkable adaptability of humanity’s most faithful companion. Let us know your favorite mutts in the comments below!
The List: Best Mutts, According to Canine Experts
1. Pomsky
Let’s be real for a moment, half of the fun with trendy modern mixed breed dogs is trying to guess their parent breeds based on the name. The adorable and intelligent Pomsky is a combination of Siberian Husky and Pomeranian breeds. Wag! raves about these delightful doggos: “This dog will be a go-getter, full of energy and spunk. They weigh in at about 25 pounds and will be a great family pet or single-person companion. A thick coat is to be expected, and their endearing charm is not to be overlooked.”
Reader’s Digest praises the Pomsky as well. “No doubt you’ve seen mixed-breed dogs that come from drastically different size parents and wondered how breeding the two is even possible. The answer is artificial insemination—at least in the case of this Siberian Husky and Pomeranian mix. The result is a Pomsky, a little hunk of burning love with the fox-like face of a Pomeranian and the mask of a Husky.”
Daily Paws exclaims, “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. This is unlike a Husky, who tends to be a bit more independent.”
2. Chiweenie
What could be better than a wiener dog? Our sources answer this question with these tiny chorizos: the Chiweenie. Pet blogger Alexandra Animalso says, “I love watching purebred pups strut their stuff at dog shows, but when it comes to picking a pet, I don’t care about pedigrees. I know from experience that mutts make some of the best family pets… Depending on its parents, a Chiweenie can be long- or short-haired. If you love to run or walk, a Chiweenie makes a great partner because they’re so active.”
Good Housekeeping describes, “Whether it’s a mixed-breed mutt or a purposely bred ‘designer dog,’ these unique pups can vary in size, look, and temperament. They also possess what’s called ‘hybrid vigor,’ often making them healthier than their purebred counterparts… 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 Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. In addition, the Dachshund isn’t much bigger. As a result, this awesome mixed breed weighs just 5 to 10 pounds and stands 12 inches tall at most. If size is what you’re looking for in your mutt dog, the Chiweenie is not the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a lap dog with a bright personality, consider the Chiweenie,” elaborates The Smart Canine.
3. Labradoodle
Labradoodles are perhaps the mixed breed designer dog that enjoys the most name recognition. These healthy hounds tend to exhibit all the best traits of their parent breeds. Parade Pets comments, “One of the fluffier mixed-breed dogs, the Labradoodle, is mixed between a Labrador and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Playful and spunky come to mind when thinking about these 50- to 60-pound teddy bears. If you’re looking for a lazy, unadventurous couch dweller, steer clear. While Labradoodles can sit quietly at your feet, they’re ready to jump up for a game of fetch at a moment’s notice.”
Love Your Dog adds, “The Labradoodle is about the most popular mixed-breed dog worldwide. The Labradoodle is a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever. Labradoodles vary in size, but they are usually large dogs, standing up to two feet tall and weighing anything up to 65 pounds. Labradoodles have short, curly coats that don’t shed much, making this breed an excellent choice for a household that has allergy sufferers.”
AZ Animals details, “Often, these dogs are extremely smart… they require a lot of mental stimulation. They can easily become bored and destructive. Therefore, they don’t necessarily work well in families with day jobs, as they can become bored by themselves… Labradoodles were originally bred as service dogs. They’re still utilized for this purpose today and routinely bred by official organizations.”
4. Gerberian Shepsky
These dogs have an easy-to-guess lineage based on their mouthful of a moniker. German Shepherd plus Siberian Husky results in one mighty cute doggie. The Smart Canine explains, “Gerberians are highly intelligent dogs that can thrive with a variety of roles. They have a sturdy frame with lightning-quick agility, making them excellent police dogs or companions for those with active lifestyles. Despite their fierce looks, they’re quite affectionate, loyal, and sociable. A Gerberian is an outstanding family dog and can even do well in an environment with children.”
Parade Pets offers, “They need large homes with yards and can become destructive when under-stimulated. This large pup usually has a long, dense coat, making them super shedders that can tolerate frigid weather.”
“It takes no time for Shepskys, a German Shepherd and Siberian Husky mixed breed, to form bonds with their loved ones. While this is true, they do require early socialization. Since they grow attached to their owners and family, they may act scared around strangers. This is easy to resolve with training, treats, love, and patience,” states Top Dog Tips.
5. Chug
Sometimes mixed-breed dogs lose the unhealthier aspects of their parent breeds. This can be observed in the Chug, which typically enjoy good health and fewer chronic problems with age. Good Housekeeping claims, “It might not be the most elegant name, but the Chug (a Chihuahua-Pug mix) is certainly interesting! They are the perfect size for cuddling in your lap, which has made this mixed breed more and more popular.”
Wag! relates, “You’ve gotta love the name! The Chug is part Chihuahua and part Pug which makes for a cute-as-a-button pup to fill your life with fun. Take this pup anywhere. They are friendly, happy-go-lucky pups that want to be cuddled. They can really mix it up in the small dog park and will be the star of the group.”
Reader’s Digest reviews this breed, “This cute and spunky charm bomb is a mix of a Pug and Chihuahua. Both breeds like to be the center of your world, and the Chug will too. With huggable good looks—including the Chihuahua’s big, round eyes and long body—the Chug is easy to shower with attention. 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.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Mixed Dog Breeds
- Best Dogs for City Living
- Best Small Dog Breeds
- Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
- Most Athletic Dog Breeds
Sources:
- Wag!
- Reader’s Digest
- Daily Paws
- Animalso
- Good Housekeeping
- The Smart Canine
- Parade Pets
- AZ Animals
- Top Dog Tips
- Love Your Dog
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.
I own a half chihuahua and half minpin. She is gorgeous and is my companion. She is 12 inches tall and her brother is 6 inches tall. She has a lot of the chihuahua traits, like barking. She loves peppermint mentor, and peppermint is good for dogs. She sleeps with me under the covers most of the time. If she thinks I have been on my phone long enough, she will paw at my phone.
My little dog died 2 years ago I’ve been lonely for a small dog female
Please help me out with finding a small mix breed female dog
If you can find a golden dox you will not be disappointed.
I love my brindle pit-weenie.