Mixed breed dogs account for about 53 percent of dogs kept as pets, and their popularity continues to rise. There's a good reason for this, too. Mutts are absolutely adorable and often healthier than purebreds. They're super cute and they have some of the best traits of their parent breeds. What's not to love? There are tons of mixes now, but these are 11 of the most popular ones out there!
11 Mixes That Will Steal Your Heart
Most top dog breed lists include only purebreds, but we think mixed breeds are so special they deserve their very own list. It's based on MARS Petcare's Mutt Census survey, and our own knowledge of these fantastic mixed breed dogs. Some of these crossbreeds or designer dogs have become just as popular as the purebreds they're made up of!
Pomsky
Have you ever dreamed of having a small, fluffy husky? Meet the pomsky. It's a cross between the pomeranian and husky breeds. They still have a lot of energy, like the husky, but in a smaller package.
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are the result of a Bernese mountain dog mixed with a poodle. A lot of people say these dogs are the best of both their parent breeds. They're intelligent, friendly, and super cuddly.
Cavachon
The cavachon is a cross between a cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon frise. The result is a fluffy, happy-go-lucky, small dog that desires close companionship with their human family.
Chiweenie
The chiweenie is a cross between a chihuahua and a dachshund. It has the long body and short legs of a dachshund but the face and size of a chihuahua. How adorable is that? Their ears can be floppy or pointy. This dog is smart, stubborn, and likes people.
Chorkie
Chorkies come from a cross between the chihuahua and the Yorkshire terrier. The result is an energetic little dog with a happy attitude and a tendency to bark. A lot. Chorkies are too small and delicate to be companions for very young children, but they do make nice pets for families with older children who understand the need to be gentle with these fragile dogs.
Goldendoodle
Also called goldie poo or a groodle, this crossbreed has the temperament and intelligence of a golden retriever and the hypoallergenic, non-shedding fur of a poodle. What's not to love?
Labradoodle
Celebrities such as Tiger Woods and Jennifer Aniston own this crossbreed, which is a mix between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Labradoodles are happy, outgoing, smart, and have fewer allergens than other breeds.
Puggle
As their silly name implies, puggles are made by breeding a pug and a beagle. The result is a dog with a beagle's body and a pug's coloring. They are good family dogs and are smart but a bit hard to train, which means they aren't the best choice for first-time dog owners.
Cockapoo
The cockapoo is a mix between cocker spaniel and poodle. Made up of two of the AKC's top breeds, this mix creates a dog that has the floppy ears and outgoing nature of the cocker spaniel but the non-shedding coat of the poodle.
Maltipoo
This popular mixed breed dog is a cross of a maltese and a poodle. They want to please their owners and tend to love children. Maltipoos come in three sizes, depending upon the size of the parents bred together, so you could end up with a toy, a tiny toy, or a teacup pup.
Schnoodle
A mix between the schnauzer and the poodle, schnoodles are so adorable that they look almost like a stuffed animal. These are outgoing and friendly dogs, and their size varies depending on the size of the parents, since both poodles and schnauzers come in three sizes.
Breeds Most Often Found in Mixed Dog DNA
Not sure what breeds your mutt is made up of? You can find out with a simple dog DNA test. Mars Petcare, who created the Wisdom Panel test, collected DNA from mixed breed dogs across the United States and found that the most common breed shared amongst mutts was the German shepherd. Here's a full list of the top breeds found in the DNA of mixed dogs in the United States:
Where to Find Mixed Breed Dogs
Designer breeds are available through rescues and breeders, though some people question whether it's worth spending hundreds of dollars on a these dogs, which are essentially mixed breeds. Only you can determine if this is the right choice for your family.
