A few years ago, if someone told you their family dog ​​was a Labradoodle, your response was probably “Labra what?” But more recently, these “designer dogs” have become increasingly popular with people looking for a pet a little different from every other Chihuahua and Labrador Retriever at the dog park. “Designer dogs” are actually hybrid mongrel dogs that ideally (but not always) inherit the best traits of their two purebred parents. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but fans of these new hot dogs have created countless organizations and clubs dedicated to their favorite designer dogs. And vets say that mixing two breeds can make the offspring healthier than their parents, since the puppies are likely to have a lower risk of developing the many health problems that develop after generations of purebred offspring. Interested in adopting a new puppy and considering a hybrid dog? Read on for the ten most popular combinations (and their fun, cheesy names).

labradoodle

What is it: Labrador Retriever X Poodle

Qualities and characteristics: Labradoodles have a coat that sheds less than Labradors, which makes them less likely to affect people with allergies, although no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Its medium-length coat can be wavy, smooth, or woolly. Generally friendly, energetic, and great for families. Water background. Very smart and trainable. The size varies depending on the size of the poodle cross. Miniatures can weigh between 15 and 25 pounds, medium between 30 and 45 pounds and standard between 50 and 65 pounds. It can live from 12 to 14 years.

Maltipoo

What is it: Toy X Maltese/Teacup/Miniature Poodle

Qualities and Characteristics: True to small dog personalities, Maltipoos are friendly, playful, affectionate, active and charming. They can do well with all types of families, ages, and households, although they are meant for company. It measures between 5 and 20 pounds and can live from 10 to 13 years. You can have coats that don’t shed, making them a possibility for those with allergies. They are very alert and can be barkers. He needs early socialization to ensure he is not shy or skittish.

cockatoo

What is it: Cocker Spaniel X Toy/Teacup/Miniature Poodle

Qualities and Characteristics: Known as the original “designer dog,” Cockapoos made their debut in the 1960s. Friendly and people-oriented, intelligent and trainable. Another low shedding and extremely affectionate. Perfect for company and as a lap dog. It can live 12 to 15 years and can weigh anywhere from 6 pounds to at least 19, depending on the poodle cross. It combines the sweet and stable temperament of the cocker spaniel with the poodle’s orientation towards people.

puggle

What is it: pug x beagle

Qualities and Characteristics: Described by many as looking like a miniature mastiff, the puggle combines the wrinkles and solid coloration of the pug with the muzzle, ears, and tail of the beagle. You can tell who barks or how often. Intelligent and loving, but can be a challenge to train. Very active, not content to laze around. Great with children of all ages and makes a good companion dog. They can weigh between 18 and 30 pounds and shed, so they require weekly brushing.

golden doodle

What is it: golden retriever X poodle

Qualities and Characteristics: Similar to the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is a great family dog. They have also proven successful in a variety of work situations, serving as guide dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, and tracking dogs. Loving and gentle, they are relative newcomers to the hybrid scene. They are highly trainable and great for novice dog owners. Like other poodle mixes, they are lightweight, so they may be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Depending on the poodle cross, they can range in size from 15 to 90 pounds.

chiweenies

What is: chihuahua X dachshund

Qualities and Characteristics: In appearance, Chiweenies resemble long-bodied Chihuahuas, sometimes with long doxen hair. One of the smallest designer dogs available, they make excellent lap and companion dogs. It will likely tunnel, so expect to find them buried in warm clothing or blankets. They make excellent family dogs, but can be hurt by small children due to their small size. They are low-shedding, so grooming is minimal. Some are known to be incessant barkers.

plover

What is it: Chihuahua X Yorkshire Terrier

Qualities and Characteristics: This diminutive teddy bear-like breed is a fairly recent addition to the world of hybrid dogs. Highly intelligent and alert, they can perform a variety of tricks and tasks. He can be a barker, but he is a very alert dog. The temperament can be shy or bold, but don’t be surprised to find that a dog has inherited the Napoleon complex from its Chihuahua parent. Some dogs have short coats and require minimal grooming; others inherit the Yorkie’s long hair, which requires frequent grooming. Excellent companion dogs, but can be injured by small children.

Schnoodle

What is it: Miniature Schnauzer X Toy Poodle

Qualities and characteristics: Intelligent, active and entertaining, the schnoodle offers the versatility of a lapdog, a family dog, a therapy dog ​​and a performance dog. Most are small, but a standard poodle and giant schnauzer can produce a schnoodle of up to 75 pounds (and smaller versions can weigh up to 6 pounds). Many dogs inherit the poodle’s eagerness to please and the schnauzer’s high energy and robustness. The larger varieties can make great running companions, and the smaller ones can snuggle up all day. They are protective of their family and are very intelligent. Some may be frequent barkers and/or diggers.

shihpoo

What is: shi tzu X poodle

Qualities and Characteristics: This long-haired crossbreed is low-shedding, thanks to the poodle crossbreed. The ideal shihpoo temperament includes the intelligence of the poodle with the playfulness of the shih tzu. Typically cheerful, playful, friendly and welcoming of human attention. They generally do well with children, but can become irritable if teased. Do well in obedience training. It can live a long life of up to 14 years if it is well cared for. They are moderately active, but make excellent lapdogs. Grooming and trimming is necessary to prevent the coat from matting.

yorkiepo

What is it: Yorkshire Terrier X Toy Poodle

Qualities and characteristics: These affectionate and playful dogs love to please and entertain and are excellent at learning tricks. He is a great companion and does very well in apartment life. Many may be excessive barkers. Very energetic and loves to run fast and jump high when not cuddled. He can weigh anywhere from 3 to 14 pounds and often has a soft, silky coat, thanks to the Yorkie parent. However, thanks to the poodle, shedding is low, making the yorkiepoo a candidate for allergy sufferers. Very confident, not agile or aggressive. Meekness makes them great as companions to the elderly. Beware of the Napoleon complex when he is with large dogs.

And one extra – a little different from other “designer dogs”

Wolf dog

What is: wolf X domestic dog

Qualities and Characteristics: Not exactly the same as other domestic hybrid dogs, wolfhounds are gaining in popularity with people who want something a little exotic. Wolfdogs can also vary significantly, as the “dog” half of their ancestry could be any domestic canine and is not limited to any particular breed, although wolf-like breeds are the most common (shepherds, huskies, malamutes , etc.). Because all breeds of domestic dogs vary in temperament and behavior, and because wolves are wild and can pass on some of their wild tendencies to offspring, wolfdog characteristics are always unpredictable and can vary from animal to animal. to another. Many agencies and organizations consider wolfdogs to be feral and therefore unsuitable as pets and support an international ban on the possession, breeding and sale of these animals. Currently, 40 states in the US have such a ban, while others impose some sort of regulation on ownership. Eleven years ago, there were an estimated 300,000 wolfdogs in the US They rank sixth in the number of deaths from dog attacks in the US, and all of them were young children. This suggests that the wild predatory nature of many wolfdogs is still present. They are also more destructive than domestic dogs, digging, howling, chewing on furniture and displaying difficulties in training and housekeeping.