Introduction
The general notion about mixed breeds is that they are not as healthy or genetically better than their counterparts, purebreds. But did you know that mixed dog breeds are much less likely to be born with inherited diseases like hip dysplasia, cataracts, and hypothyroidism?
You’ll be shocked by many more facts about mixed breeds, which we will list below. Before that, let’s take a step back and understand the origins of mixed breeds.
Dog mix breeds are combinations of lineages of the domestic dog. It basically means a dog with parents of two or more (yes, it could be more) different breeds. The concept is not a new one and has been there for centuries. It was basically done to aggregate the qualities of two different types in the same dog or to perfect an already fixed type of dog for working purposes. For example, Foxhounds and Old Spanish Pointers were crossed to create the English Pointer. (1)
20th century, then came up with the concept of ‘designer dogs.’ The cross-breeding was now no longer fixed for working purposes but for aesthetic purposes as well. One of the most popular crosses here is the Poodle, being mixed with several other breeds. Other examples include Puggle, Beaglier, Bernedoodle, Cavachon, etc. Apart from the looks, the mixed breed would also get the desirable traits of the parent breeds, like the hypoallergenic coat in the case of a Poodle cross.
Why Mixed-Breed Dogs are Unique?
Genetic Diversity: Mixed dog breeds are usually seen to be healthier than purebred as the defective genes are naturally left out during the mating process. (2)
One-of-a-Kind Personality: With a mixed breed, you’ll always be in for a surprise when it comes to their personality. It could be smarter, taller, larger, quieter, more energetic, mischievous or obedient than the parents. They may even have a unique look with some quirky patches that none of the parents have.
Adoption and Rescue Benefits: If you find the prices too high because of the demand (especially after COVID), you could just go to a rescue shelter and easily find one mixed breed to take home.
List of 10 Adorable Mixed-Breed Dogs
Take the mesmerizing look of a Siberian Husky and all the cuteness of a Pomeranian and you’ll get a small, fluffy, intelligent, energetic and good-looking Pomsky.
Yorkiepoo
If you’re looking to double the cuteness of a Yorkshire Terrier, Yorkeipoo is the one for you. Along with the cuteness, you get the hypoallergenic coat from both parents and high intelligence from Poodle.
Cockapoo
One of the most popular mixed breeds out there, the Cockapoo is part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and part Poodle. These small energetic goofballs are great for families with children.
Shih-Poo
The personality bomb, Shih-Poo, as the name suggests, is a combination of the very popular Shih Tzu and Poodle (told you, Poodle is one of the most crossed breeds out there). This one mostly comes with a bit of stubbornness but when you’ve got the looks and the charm, it’s justified.
Schnoodle
These are a smart and playful mix of Schnauzer and Poodle. They can either turn out to be tiny lapdogs or huge 70-pounders like Poodles.
Another very popular breed, the Goldendoodle, is a genetic lottery winner from Golden Retriever and Poodle. They’ve got the looks, charm, innocence, eyes and even intelligence. (It’s like a canine equivalent of the offspring of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie)
Labradoodle
Take the intelligence, working spirit and size of a Labrador and mix it with the non-shedding hypoallergenic coat of a standard Poodle and you’ll get a Labradoodle. Some breeders also go for Miniature or Toy Poodles to get a smaller dog.
Puggle
Mix a Pug and a Beagle, and you get a small-medium-sized pup who loves to play with people. The most interesting thing here is that the pup could either be like the independent Beagle, meaning full of personality but a little stubborn, or like the gentle and loving Pug. Either way, you would end up with an adorable little dog.
Jackapoo
The lively and athletic Jack Russel Terrier mixed with, you know who now, and you get a Jackapoo. Smartness and a hypoallergenic coat are assured here, but there is a chance of a little stubbornness coming from the JRT parent.
Springador
This one is also called as a Spanadoor or a Labradinger (we know Sprinador is better). Being a mix between a Labrador and a Springer Spaniel, these dogs make great working dogs owing to the retrieving origins of the parents. They also tend to take the size of Labrador.
While these are our top 10 mixed dog breeds, there are many more adorable and highly intelligent ones out there. The best one for you will depend on your needs, whether you want a working dog or a lap one. There is a high chance that you’ll end up with the one with a Poodle in it (simply because of its popularity), but given the high intelligence and hypoallergic coat, there shouldn’t be a complaint.
Conclusion
Mixed breeds are the best of two (or more) worlds. Whatever you’ve heard about them being less healthy or genetically inferior is wrong because it’s quite the opposite. However, this does not mean that they are immune from diseases and injuries. They can suffer from several medical conditions throughout their lifetime. Some of them can even be quite severe.
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