14 mixed dog breeds (you're sure to adore)

Peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, cookies and cream... it's true: some of the best things in life are a combo of two already pretty amazing things - and our canine companions are no different! No shade to purebred pooches (we love you, too), but there’s certainly something to 'woof' about when it comes to mixed dog breeds.

Oftentimes, combining the best bits of its two (or more!) parent breeds, mixed breeds (or 'mutt dogs', as they’re also affectionately known) truly do offer the best of both worlds. 

So, without further ado, join us as we explore some of the cutest mixed dog breeds (and naturally, some of the most weird and wonderful mixed breed portmanteaus…) 

1. Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix)

Kicking us off, it’s the ultimate mixed breed canine crowd-pleaser: the Cockapoo. Inheriting the sweet and easy-going disposition of the Cocker Spaniel and the high intelligence of the ever-popular Poodle, this sweet little canine really took the best bits of its two parent breeds. Like most other dog breeds mixed with Poodles, the Cockapoo has also inherited those adorable thick, lush wavy Poodle locks (the lucky things!).

Cockapoos are popular pooches, not just for their adorable teddy-bear exteriors, but also because they are one of the dog breeds that don't shed much. Their high trainability and happy-go-lucky nature also mean they make great family companions. Top marks, Cockapoos!

2. Morkie (Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier mix)

It's pretty easy to see why the Morkie dog is one of the most popular dog mix breeds around (I mean, just *look* at that face). The sprightly Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix) has one big personality: friendly, happy, and great around other pets and children, they make perfect companion animals and their high intelligence also means they are easy to train.. 

As with many of the pooches on our mixed dog breeds list, pet parents will soon discover that no two Morkies are alike - their coloring and personality can totally depend on which of its two parent breeds it takes after the most. A Morkie surprise, if you will! In all cases, though, Morkies tend to be incredibly loyal pooches with a down-to-Earth disposition and bundles of energy. Just watch out for that stubborn Terrier streak!

3. Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mix)

When it comes to small mixed dog breeds, they don’t get much cuter (or much floofier) than the Cavachon. Fun-loving, free-spirited - and seriously cute - the Cavachon is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. 

These social canine butterflies first popped up during the designer breed movement, in 1996 in North America (although it's highly likely they existed naturally before then). Lapdogs to the core - both in size, and in nature! - Cavachons adore attention, and will happily soak up affection and fuss from all the family (and anyone else, for that matter!).

4. Pomsky (Pomeranian and Siberian Husky mix)

STOP what you're doing immediately and behold: the tiny, floofy little wolf-like creature that is the Pomsky. These little heartbreakers are a mix of a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. The result? A seriously cute, seriously fluffy little dog with adorably wild, wolfish features. 

Fluffy, bold, and with cuteness in abundance, like many other mixed breeds it can be difficult to predict exactly what features or personality traits the Pomsky will inherit, however, most tend to be sociable, friendly and active pooches.

As both breeds tend to be on the noisy side, Pomsky's are known to be vocal pooches. That, mixed with a fiercely loyal streak can make them quite protective of their families and wary of strangers. On the plus side, they tend to make great watchdogs!

5. Chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund mix)

Part Chihuahua, part Dachshund: enter the Chiweenie. (Anybody else loving these adorable doggy portmanteaus?) Short, sweet, and with energy by the bucketload, the Chiweenie is one sweet little pooch that truly stole the best bits from its two parent breeds. 

From its Chihuahua parent, the Chiweenie inherits intelligence and a spunky, sassy attitude; while its Dachshund parent has passed on a loyal nature and strong desire to please. They can be yappy (we'll put that down to 'small dog syndrome!'), although this tends to make these tiny terrors great watchdogs. They tend to form strong attachments to one person in the family, as such, they're often well suited to small or single-person households.

6. Goldador (Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever mix)

Many pet lovers already struggle to tell the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador - and we’re not certain the adorable Goldador is going to do them any favors! 

Bringing together two favorite breeds, the Goldador really is the best of both worlds: from its Golden Retriever parent, it inherits a gentle and affectionate nature and a deep-rooted sensitivity, while we have the Labrador Retriever to thank for its friendly, high-spirited demeanor and intelligence. Both breeds are known to have an easy-going and deeply loyal nature, and rest assured those traits have certainly made their way into the Goldador! 

Eager to please and easy to train, they make great guide, service, search and rescue, and therapy dogs. Much like their Lab parent, Goldadors are big foodies that are prone to obesity - so keep those snacks to a min! Like most other Golden and Labrador Retrievers we know, the Goldador is happiest surrounded by people and those they love best.

7. Schnoodle (Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle mix)

Playful, loving, and active, the ever-popular Snoodle loves to be the center of attention and is known for its easy-going, happy-go-lucky nature. The perfect day for a Schnoodle would almost certainly involve a day playing and running around before scooching up their human's lap for cuddles and snooze time. 

Much like his Schnauzer parent, the Snoodle is deeply loyal with a strong protective streak, meaning they make great watchdogs. Smart and affectionate (thank you, Poodle genes), the Schnoodle's personality is truly next to none. A terrier at heart, they are often independent in nature and can have a bit of a stubborn streak, but nothing that early socialization and puppy training classes won't help. 

8. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle mix)

With the wisdom and social skills of a Golden Retriever and the irresistible coat and intelligence of a Poodle, the Goldendoodle is one affectionate, intelligent, and seriously cute mixed breed pooch! 

These loyal and lovable fluffballs make great family pets and are happiest when surrounded by those they love most. Thanks to their high intelligence and trainability, they also make great sniffer, therapy, and service dogs.

As well as their socialite personality, these fluffs are known for their luscious locks - and while the name implies otherwise, you can also find copper, cream, red, grey and black Goldendoodles. The by-product of two highly active breeds, Goldendoodles LOVE getting their daily steps in - so are perfectly matched to active households that can give them lots of exercise (and cuddles, naturally).

9. Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix)

From one ‘oodle’ to another - meet the Aussiedoodle, aka, the Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix. Intelligent, playful, and incredibly loyal, Aussiedoodles are often referred to as the "Einsteins" of the doggy world thanks to their high intelligence. These active pooches do well in families and love nothing more than long walks, hikes and playtime with their humans. 

While some Aussiedoodles will rock the curly locks of their Poodle parent, some will have straight, wiry hair - depending on which parent breed they've taken after the most. Australian Shepherds and Poodles are both known for their intelligence and good nature, and the Aussiedoodle definitely got the memo!

10. Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle mix)

Equal parts intelligent, affectionate, spunky and sassy, meet the Yorkiepoo (a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a toy or miniature Poodle).

Yorkiepoos are charming canines, that love nothing more than being fussed over by their favorite humans. They can be quite unique and varied in appearance (depending on whether they've taken more after their Yorkie or Poodle parent), but most tend to be short, sweet, and with eyes full of charm. 

They are playful, fun-loving and affectionate little dogs, but they do come with a bit of a sassy (and some may say, stubborn) streak! They thrive off human company and love being around their pet parents - as such, they can be prone to separation anxiety and are best suited to families who can give them all the time, care, and attention they need (and deserve).

11. Chug (Chihuahua and Pug mix)

No, your ears don’t deceive you - it’s not a nearby train chugging on by, it’s the adorable Chihuahua and Pug mix! Ok, so it might not be the most inventive name - but it sure beats ‘Pughuahua’. 

Lapdogs to the core, the adorable Chug is a dreamboat mix of the playful and goofy Pug and the feisty-yet-loyal Chihuahua. Small - but mighty! - these cute little canines have a big personality, and the energy levels to match. 

A few things to be aware of: they can be yappy (they are half Chihuahua, after all!), and their appetite is often bigger than their small stature would suggest, meaning the breed is prone to weight gain. Having been bred from the Pug, a brachycephalic (short-snouted) breed, Chugs can inherit some health issues and are prone to heat stroke in the summer months. Check out our tips on how to keep dogs cool in summer here.

12. Chorkie (Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier mix)

You’ve met the Chug - now meet the Chorkie, a truly charming little mutt dog and the canine love child of the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier. 

Like most other mix dog breeds, this pooch goes by many other names - Yorkiechi, Chiyorkie, and York Chi - to name a few! This tiny, adorable little dog adores being around their humans (and taking into consideration the Chorkie's charming, loving, loyal and playful personality, we're sure the feeling is mutual!)

Half Chihuahua, half Yorkie, this mixed breed definitely has a spunky, sassy streak - and training is a must to keep these pooches in tow! Much like its parent breeds, Chorkies are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. So, pet parents of these adorable dogs would do well to scout out local dog sitters to keep their Chorkie chums company while on vacation or if planning an extended trip away.

13. Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix) 

Gentle, loyal, and the ideal companion dog, it's true: the Bernedoodle is the whole (canine) package! Bernedoodles love quality time with their families and are known to get on famously with children. Daily playtime and cuddles are a must with this mixed breed pooch, and in return, your Bernedoodle will doubtlessly shower you with endless love and affection.

While some Bernedoodle puppies can have a bit of a stubborn streak (that'll be the Bernes Mountain Dog in them!), this often eases with age and can often be corrected in puppy training. They are best suited to active families who can give them lots of playtime, and in homes where they are not left home alone for long periods of time. 

14. Labmaraner (Labrador and Weimaraner mix)

Labmaraner - now how’s that for a tongue-twister! The Labmaraner is one of those rare mixed dog breeds that actually tends to be pretty consistent in appearance. They weigh on average around 60-100 pounds, with a height of between 21 - 24 inches, and have a short, glossy cat that typically is either brown, yellow, black or grey.

Big in size - and in heart! - and with two particularly active and athletic parent breeds, it’s no surprise that the Labmaraner loves nothing more than a good play and run around. That, paired with their lively, intelligent and friendly nature means these energetic buddies make great family pets - but naturally, they’re best suited to active households that can give them all the exercise (and love!) they need to thrive. As true people-loving pooches, Labmaraners don't relish their alone time - consider getting a pet sitter to keep them company if you're away.

Mad about mixed breeds? 

In case we haven’t quite scratched that ‘mixed dog breed’ itch, check out these breed guides on the adorable Cowboy Corgi, Newfypoo and Australian Labradoodle.