10 Mixed-Breed Dogs for Those Who Can't Decide on Just One Breed

From doodles to dog-wolf hybrids

By
Austin Cannon
Austin Cannon, Editor, The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws
Austin Cannon
Austin Cannon is an editor for The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws. Before joining Daily Paws in 2020, Austin worked as an award-winning journalist for several newspapers, most recently theDes Moines Register.He's won three certificates of excellence and one MUSE Medallion award from the Cat Writers' Association.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Published on 08/03/23
a female texas heeler dog stands in grass near some trees

Profimaximus / Getty Images

Mixed-breed dogs are canines whose appearance, traits, and personality derive from two or more parent breeds. They aren't hard to find. You can head to your local animal shelter to find a myriad of mutts ready to join a loving home.

But some people want specific mixed-breed dogs, hybrids or "designer" dogs. The "doodle" dog breeds can—but not always—make lives easier for allergy sufferers because of theirpoodleancestry. If you're looking for other mixed-breed dogs, you can find combinations of working or herding breeds with enough energy to match your active lifestyle.

Learn more about these 10 mixed-breed dogs.

Breed Characteristics

This is where things can get iffy. Mixed-breed dogs are usually bred to get the best of both parent breeds, but it doesn't always work out that way. Goldendoodles can still have straight fur. Bernedoodles can still shed. Each dog is an individual, so while breeders might try to breed for certain personalities and attributes, they only have limited control.

Tip

If you are looking to buy a designer dog breed, be smart about it. Know how to spot apuppy mill。Avoidbackyard breeders。Consider asking your local animal shelter or rescue if they have any of the breeds you're looking for.

  • 01 of 10

    Bernedoodle

    Bernadoodle
    The Bernedoodle is a hybrid of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles.

    Getty Images/mariakbell

    Bernedoodles are hybrid dogs with poodle andBernese mountain dogparents. The Berners are usually bred with standard poodles, resulting in a large, friendly dog who, ideally, doesn't shed much. Breeders can introduce more poodle into the bloodline to create Bernedoodles who shed even less. They can be trainable, but that depends how much of the stubborn Berner is in your Bernedoodle.

    Breed Overview

    Height:23–29 inches

    Weight:50–90 pounds

    Temperament:Smart, active, affectionate

    Energy Level:Medium

    Coat and Color:Shaggy, wavy coat; black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-color

    Life Span:12–17 years

  • 02 of 10

    Cavapoo

    cavapoo dog

    Parisa Shademan / Getty Images

    Another doodle hybrid, this one crossing a poodle with aCavalier King Charles spanielto create a small, friendly dog who's easy on their owner's allergies. You don't want the sniffles because cavapoos want to spend all the time they can with their owners, whether that's rambunctious playtime or evening snuggles.

    Breed Overview

    Height:9–14 inches

    Weight:9–20 pounds

    Temperament:Playful, calm, affectionate, gentle

    Energy Level:Medium

    Coat and Color:Curly or wavy; cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, tri-color

    Life Span:12–15 years

  • 03 of 10

    Chiweenie

    chiweenie

    The Chiweenie is a mix of theChihuahuaanddachshund, bred to eliminate the back problems dachshunds sometimes experience. They're fun, alert dogs, but they might need anobedienceclass or two. They're also prone to bonding strongly to one person—so much so they'll even become a little jealous or protective.

    Breed Overview

    Height:6–10 inches

    Weight:5–12 pounds

    Temperament:Active, alert, loud

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Short, long, or wiry; fawn, chocolate, black, white, blue, or dapple

    Life Span:12–16 years

  • 04 of 10

    Chug

    Chug outside in the grass
    Chugs are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pug.

    Getty Images/Hillary Kladke

    This cross between apugand a Chihuahua is a popular choice for anyone looking for a small best friend. With the Chihuahua ancestry, they sport longer snouts than purebred pugs, making it easier for them to breathe. Because they're so small, they don't need much exercise.

    Breed Overview

    Height:10–14 inches

    Weight:10–20 pounds

    Temperament:Alert, active, playful, friendly

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Short; brown, black, fawn, cream, and white

    Life Span:10–13 years

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Czechoslovakian Vlca

    Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
    The ideal Czechoslovakian Wolfdog should resemble a wolf in looks and movement.

    Getty Images

    Here's an ultra-rare breed; the Czechoslovakian Vlca originated as a mix betweenGerman shepherdsand actual wolves. (These days, wolves are no longer included in the breeding.) This primitive breed is not for most dog owners because they need so much exercise andsocialization。That requires an experienced dog owner—if you can even find one of these scarce, expensive dogs.

    Breed Overview

    Height:Up to 25.5 inches

    Weight:Around 57 pounds

    Temperament:Fearless, active, smart, friendly

    Energy Level:Medium

    Coat and Color:Short double coat; yellowish-gray, silver-gray

    Life Span:10–15 years

  • 06 of 10

    Goldendoodle

    Goldendoodle adult and puppy
    The cost of a Goldendoodle puppy can vary wildly.

    Getty Images/Deanna Kelly

    This hybrid is a favorite among allergy sufferers, combining the smarts and low-shedding of the poodle with the lovable antics of thegolden retriever。Goldendoodles are typically sweet, happy family dogs who vary in size depending on their parents. The lack of shedding might keep you from sneezing, but you'll need to invest ina good pair of clippers或find a local groomer.

    Breed Overview

    Height:13–26 inches

    Weight:35–100 pounds

    Temperament:Trainable, smart, playful

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Curly or shaggy coat; gold, cream, red, brown, or white coloring

    Life Span:10–15 years

  • 07 of 10

    King Shepherd

    A King Shepherd laying on the grass

    Pixabay

    A German shepherd crossed with a Shiloh shepherd, a king shepherd is a gigantic dog weighing up to 150 pounds. They're as trainable as they are big, but they'll still need plenty of room to roam. They even get along well with kids, but you'll want your kids to grow up a little bit just so your king shepherd won't knock them over.

    Breed Overview

    Height:25–31 inches

    Weight:75–150 pounds

    Temperament:Protective, smart, loyal, friendly

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Long, wavy; black, white, tan, brown, or gray

    Life Span:10–11 years

  • 08 of 10

    Poochon

    poochon dog

    Laurentiu Dima / 500px / Getty Images

    The poochon is a mix of thebichon friseand poodle, another breed designed to shed minimally. The bichons are bred withtoyand miniature poodles, so they're usually pretty small and lively. That's why they can make excellentapartment dogswho will love spending time with you.

    Breed Overview

    Height:9–15 inches

    Weight:6–20 pounds

    Temperament:可训练的,聪明,外向,深情

    Energy Level:Medium

    Coat and Color:Curly, dense; white, black, cream, apricot, red, brown, or silver

    Life Span:10–18 years

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Shih Tzu-Poodle

    shih-poo dog

    Wirestock / Getty Images

    Theshih tzu-poodle, more commonly called the shih-poo, is another dog designed for people who suffer from allergies and live in apartments because they're small dogs who don't shed much. They can be frequent barkers, however, so you want to put in the work to keep your pup busy (and your neighbors happy). When looking for a shih-poo puppy, make sure you visit a reputable breeder rather than a puppy mill.

    Breed Overview

    Height:8–15 inches

    Weight:7–20 pounds

    Temperament:Sweet, playful, friendly

    Energy Level:Medium

    Coat and Color:Curly or straight; white, black, cream, apricot, red, blue, or gold

    Life Span:10–17 years

  • 10 of 10

    Texas Heeler

    Texas Heeler dog standing outside

    Pimmimemom / Adobe Stock

    The Texas heeler is actually a mix of two Australian dog breeds: theAustralian cattle dogand theAustralian shepherd。有两个uber-active父品种,这只狗a ton of energy and needs a daily job, whether that's herding on a Texas ranch or competing incanine sports。Just make sure you can keep up.

    Breed Overview

    Height:17–22 inches

    Weight:25–50 pounds

    Temperament:Energetic, athletic, brave, affectionate

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Short coat; black, blue merle, or blue ticked coloring

    Life Span:12–15 years

Each of these breeds—OK, maybe not the Czech wolfdog—can make great pets. But remember, so can the mutts at your local shelter. Many of them might possesspit bull terrier或Labrador retrieverDNA, but they'll love you just as much as any other dog.