Picking the right dog for your family is a big deal. You want a furry friend who’s going to fit right in with your daily life. That’s why loads of people looking to add a pet to their pack think about getting a mixed-breed dog.
Mixed-breed dogs are exactly what they sound like. They’re pups with parents from different breeds, as Stephanie Lantry, DVM, from Sarasota, Fla., and Airvet’s go-to vet, tells us. The cool thing is, these dogs often have the best traits of both their mom and dad.
So, some mixed dogs are great for people who love long walks or biking, while others are just perfect for chilling on your lap. Plus, if you’ve got allergies or are fussy about size, these dogs can tick those boxes too.
A mixed-breed pup can bring heaps of love, fun, and smiles to your home. Let’s dive into what makes some of the most popular mixed breeds so special.
1.Pomsky – A Cute Combo of Pomeranian and Siberian Husky!
Meet the Pomsky, a perfect mix! It’s got the Pomeranian’s charm, making it not just smaller but super clingy and loving towards its owner. That’s a bit different from the more independent husky. And just a tip from Lantry: these pups can be quite chatty, like both their Pomeranian and husky parents, so they might keep your neighbors entertained!
2.Puggle: The Cute Combo of Pug and Beagle!
If you’re looking for a dog that’s super friendly and loves greeting visitors, a puggle is a great choice. They’re not just nice to people; they get along well with other dogs too. They’re playful and love cuddles, says Jesus Aramendi, DVM, from Chewy.
Thanks to their beagle side, puggles have an amazing nose. They’re a nice small-to-medium size, perfect for families with kids or as buddies for older people. Aramendi points out that they’re easy to care for because they have short hair. But watch out, as pugs and beagles can put on weight easily, so they need regular walks or playtime to stay fit. “Puggles can also be prone to ear infections and excessive eye tearing,” he adds.
3.Cockapoo: A Sweet Mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle!
Known as the “teddy bear” dog, the cockapoo is as adorable as they come. With their fluffy fur and sweet nature, Lantry describes them as one of the most well-known mixed breeds around. Some people have known about them for so long, they don’t even realize they’re a mix! The cockapoo came about because people wanted a dog that doesn’t shed much.
Cocker spaniels often have issues with their ears and skin, but mixing with a poodle helps reduce these problems in cockapoos. The poodle side also adds smarts, making them a breeze to train. And they’re just so lovable! Lantry says, “In the cockapoo, you’ll find a loving and loyal companion that is well-suited for city living.”
4.Cavachon: A Charming Blend of Cavalier King Charles and Bichon Frisé!
If you’re on the lookout for a friendly dog that’s great with kids and loves snuggling up on the couch in the evenings, a Cavachon might be just what you need. This mixed breed is naturally affectionate and lovable, says Christina Fernandez, DVM, from Chewy.
Cavachons don’t need a huge yard to stay fit since they’re not super high-energy. They’re also pretty easy when it comes to grooming, with their medium-length fur shedding only a little. Health-wise, this adorable small-to-medium dog might have some joint issues and, due to their Cavalier King Charles heritage, could be more at risk for heart problems, Fernandez points out.
5.Chiweenie: An Adorable Chihuahua and Dachshund Combo!
Think of a Chiweenie as a little firecracker! They’re full of bold energy that’ll keep you on your toes, as Annette Louviere, DVM at Wisdom Health, puts it. This small dog usually picks one special person to bond with, just like Chihuahuas and dachshunds do. But don’t worry, they can still be buddies with the whole family, especially if they hang out with people a lot as puppies – super important if you’ve got kids.
Louviere mentions that Chiweenies are great for apartment life. Just remember, they can be a bit chatty, so you might need to watch the barking. They don’t need loads of exercise but do have some pep in their step, so regular walks and playtimes are key. And when it comes to learning new things, gentle and steady training works best. “Calm and consistent training is the best approach for these pups,” Louviere advises.