24 Cutest Mixed-Breed Dogs You’ll Want to Bring Home
Updated: Dec. 23, 2022When 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
No matter what you call them—mixed breeds, mutts, crossbreeds, or mongrels—dogs with two or more breeds in their genetic makeup are undeniably adorable. Sometimes the dominant genes are easy to spot, like the distinguished beard of a schnauzer or the long body of a dachshund. Other times, you need a dog DNA kit to learn the breeds in your dog’s family tree. The mystery and unpredictability are part of the joy of owning mixed-breed dogs.
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. 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 purebreds to develop recessive disorders that can lead to common health problems, though they still could pass on the genes to their offspring. The smartest move for prospective pet parents: Research breeders, read reviews, and ask for references before purchasing mixed-breed dogs. (Or adopt a cute mutt from the local shelter if its temperament seems to suit your lifestyle.)
To help you in your puppy-picking quest, we’ve rounded up dozens of the best mixed-breed dogs worthy of your love. You’ll have a relatively easy time guessing their parent breeds because these sweet pup tarts are created from two purebred parents—they’re what’s known as “designer breeds.” Whether you’re searching for the smartest dog breeds, the most affectionate dog breeds, or the cutest dog breeds, these mixed-breed dogs will surely steal your heart.
Poochon
Also known as the Bichpoo, this cute and fluffy designer breed is part miniature or toy poodle, part bichon frise. The breeds share some commonalities: Both are French dog breeds with roots in water hunting, are extremely playful and affectionate, and are all-around happy-go-lucky pups. 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. But you might notice differences between Poochons of different litters, particularly when it comes to their weight. If a bichon is mixed with a toy poodle, which weighs about six pounds, the Poochon will likely be on the smaller size. Miniature poodles weigh twice as much, so when they’re bred with bichons, the resulting Poochon will be larger.
Porkie
This toy dog breed‘s nickname is a big of misnomer—there’s nothing porky about these spunky pups. In fact, the Porkie is pint sized, weighing in at just seven 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 the fluffy beard. The Pomeranian genes are seen in the fuller, stockier, rounded body. Both breeds are extroverts and have lively and spirited personalities. This mutt fits perfectly in a doggy tote and relishes a day on the town, getting showered with attention and giving it back in mini-sized kisses.
Pomsky
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.
When did the lapdog and athletic pooch come together? The breed’s history is murky, but 2012 is often accepted as the year the Pomsky showed up on the scene. 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. And they both have gorgeous coats. The husky is known for having very little doggy odor, so fingers crossed that your Pomsky gets those good genes.
Cockapoo
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. 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.
Boxador
There’s no mistaking the boxer influence in the fawn-colored coat and masked face of this pup, but the width of the face, drop ears, and longing eyes suggest Labrador retriever. Of course, the coat can be a variety of colors, depending on the parent, but its size is pretty standard, up to 80 pounds full grown. Pet parents won’t have to worry about grooming too much, as both have low-maintenance coats. On the other hand, shedding could be a factor if the pup has the coat of a Labrador, which does shed quite a bit. On the plus side, boxers and Labradors are renowned for being loyal and devoted family members. They are both extroverts and prefer an engaging social and athletic and lifestyle, so be prepared to play hard—just keep your fur baby away from these backyard pet hazards.
Gerberian Shepsky
The names of some mixed-breed dogs sound like the babbling of a 3-year-old. Take, for instance, the Gerberian Shepsky. No, that’s not a mistake. It’s a German shepherd–Siberian husky mix. The clues are in its face. The German shepherd is evident in the erect ears, keen eyes, and color of the coat. The husky influence shows up in the thicker coat and slightly broader face with the hallmark husky mask. Personality wise, the German shepherd is a classic German dog breed that makes a great 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 to do, whether that’s taking daily walks or hikes, playing games, or learning new tricks.
Aussiedoodle
Standing proud, this dreamboat mix is an energetic combination of an Australian shepherd and the standard-size poodle. You might think you have an international mix with one parent breed being the national dog of France and the other an Australian dog breed. Well, you would be half right. The Australian shepherd is actually an American-bred dog.
When it comes to the breed’s appearance, the poodle influence is striking and noticeable in the curly hair, especially when comparing the coat to a standard poodle with a modern cut. But some Aussiedoodles have straight, wiry hair. Underneath the curls lies the Australian shepherd’s mottled pattern of contrasting shades of blues and silver. Both parent breeds are known for being wickedly smart and good-natured. Notice that this Aussiedoodle doesn’t have the ice-blue eyes of his parent, but some do—and some have one blue eye and one brown eye.
Chorkie
This Chorkie is a cute little muffin with the “ingredients” of a Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier. Both breeds are similar in size, weighing between six and 10 pounds and coming in at a petite nine inches in height. At first glance, you notice the Yorkie’s trademark tricolor coat and dreamy eyes. But check out the head, and 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 pal with a big heart.
Frenchton
When two mighty companion breeds—the independent French bulldog and the accommodating Boston terrier—get together, a Frenchton is born. These irresistible flat-faced dog breeds have the cutest short muzzles and adorable snorting noises to go with them. Both breeds are vigilant little watchdogs and warn their humans of anything suspicious with a hearty bark and animated body language. This robust pup with a happy smile is sporting the tuxedo-style markings of a Boston terrier on the body and face, but it doesn’t have the buggy eyes of the Boston. The Frenchie side is unmistakable in the muscular and stocky build and bat-like ears. When it comes to longevity and size, both parent breeds are similar. They can weigh up to 25 pounds and live between 10 and 13 years.
Shepweiler
Well hello, good lookin’. What breeds you got cookin’ under that gorgeous coat? If this working/herding variety of mixed-breed dogs could talk, it would tell you 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.
As far as looks go, the Shepweiler’s coat of black, tan, and white is a nod to the German shepherd (the rottweiler has a black coat). Both breeds are muscle dogs, but the German shepherd has leaner muscles, while the rottweiler has a more densely packed and muscular body with a broad chest. The wide head and mask around the eyes are clearly rottweiler, but the triangular muzzle points to the German shepherd.
Spreagle
Mixed-breed dogs that contain the best of both hunting worlds are evident in the Spreagle, a springer spaniel and beagle mix. Both are medium-sized dogs, but the beagle brings its super sniffing skills to the table, while the springer spaniel boasts an accomplished flush and retrieve skill set. Roll those up together, and you get an outdoorsy type with rugged good looks. The eyes, dark mask, and ticking belong to the spaniel, but those larger spots also point to the beagle, along with the broad head and darling drop ears.
Puggle
Love the wanderlust of a beagle and the playful antics of a pug? The puggle could be the dog for you. 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.
Schnoodle
This little sweetie, a mix of poodle and schnauzer, is a champion snuggler. The poodle influence is clear from the ears and the curly, solid-color base coat. But the peppering of black and silver framing the arched eyebrows and bristly whiskers suggest a schnauzer, one of the most adorable dog breeds with beards. You might see the fearless, high-spirited traits of the schnauzer 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 six and 70 pounds—because poodles and schnauzers come in three sizes. If your pup’s parents are a giant schnauzer and a standard poodle, you’re looking at a big (but loving) beast.
Maltipom
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. Still, that doesn’t mean you can slack off; all dogs need regular exercise.
Labradinger
If this mix had a dating profile, it might read: “Hey there, I’m kind of a big deal, what with my good looks and easygoing personality. I love to swim and fetch balls on the beach. But I’m not just good-looking and sporty, I’m also brainy and learn new tricks quickly.” The Labradinger is a delightful blend of the Labrador retriever and English springer spaniel. The Lab in this photo is fairly dominant. Just look at the broad face, well-balanced muzzle, and drop ears (the springer side has much longer ears). But the feathering on the coat and wavy feathering in the tail are all springer. Both parent breeds are active, so you’ll always have a walking buddy. Clip on your Labradinger’s dog harness and hit the great outdoors with your four-legged friend.
Goldendoodle
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.” 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.
Morkie
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
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. That’s not a shock; the parents are a rottweiler and Doberman pinscher. The strong and broad chest of the rottweiler balances out the leaner legs of the Doberman. A Rotterman could take on the broad mask face of a rottweiler or the muzzle could be longer and leaner, like the Doberman’s. 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. Either way, you’ll have a loyal dog breed that will never leave your side.
Chilier
It’s easy to fall hard and fast for this little sweetie. The toy breeds responsible for this bombshell of cuteness are the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the Chihuahua. Talk about contrasting temperaments! The spaniel has a reputation for being gentle, easygoing, super affectionate and—let’s face is—a lazy little napper. The Chihuahua, on the other hand, is alert, spirited, and self-confident. Both parent breeds have large, round eyes, but the Chilier leans a little toward the spaniel side with the expressive eyes (versus the saucier peepers of the Chihuahua). The mask and tan highlight around the eyes are traits of both parents. Ears on the Chihuahua are erect, but they may also sport fringes depending on the coat. This Chilier has the spaniel side of the drop-shaped ears and the Chihuahua with the fringe. Head’s up—one of the health issues of a Cavalier is degenerative heart disease, and this type of dog food could be to blame.
Dorgi
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, the Dorgi gets its tapered face and fluffy, rounded ears from the dachshund. Its paws, which are bent at the wrists, also come from its dachshund side. 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.) When you look beyond the cuteness, you’ll realize that the breed characteristics are similar too. 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 doggo who is also affectionate. Life with a Dorgi will always be interesting.
Poovanese
You probably don’t even care what mixed-breed dog this. You just want to take this curly little muffin home—no questions asked. Still, if you were to take a guess, would you wager this is one of the fluffy dog breeds or one of the dog breeds with curly hair? It’s both, of course! This pup is part Havanese, part poodle. 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 walks during which more than one passerby stops to pet your pupper.
Chug
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. 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 wrinkly face.
Swissneese
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 grow to be upwards of 120 pounds and 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 Pyrenees bestows a gentle and affectionate nature with a strong protective instinct for its human family. As physical attributes go, the Swissneese has the eyes and ears of its parents (they’re similar for both breeds) and a coat that reflects its mixed genealogy: The Pyrenees is white; and the Swiss mountain dog is black, tan, and white; and the Swissneese is a combo of the two. Its fluffy coat points to the Pyrenees, but the leaner body resembles the solid, muscular mountain dog.
Bernedoodle
What do you get when you cross a lovey-dovey, calm, and dedicated Bernese mountain dog with a highly intelligent yet goofy and fun-loving poodle? A Bernedoodle! These crossbreed dogs are the ultimate companion dogs. Bernedoodles flaunt an irresistibly curly or wavy coat (depending on the dominant parent side) in a limitless variety of coat colors (often a tricolor combo of black, brown, and white or a black-and-white or black-and-brown color duo). Yet with all that hair, they rarely shed. Mixed-breed puppies of this nature vary widely in 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.
Sources:
- VCA: “Designer Dog Breeds”
- American Veterinary Medical Association: “Study reveals genetic diseases of mixed-breed, purebred dogs”
- American Kennel Club: “Breed Temperament Guide,” “Poodle,” “Australian Shepherd History“
- American Pomsky Kennel Club: “What is a Pomsky?”
