The 15 best mongrel dog breeds and what you need to know about them

Mongrel, designer breed, mongrel..... there are all sorts of names for mixed breed dogs. But these terms have different meanings. For example, a mixed breed or mongrel dog is a dog with known but diverse pedigrees, while a designer dog is a dog intentionally bred from two different breeds.
"Mongrel" generally refers to dogs of unknown or diverse ancestry, "mix" refers to dogs with known but diverse parent breeds, and "designer dog" refers to dogs intentionally bred from two specific purebred dogs.
Since none of these dogs belong to a specific breed group, it can be difficult to predict their character, appearance and size when they become adults. The time when mongrel dogs stop growing can also vary.
Thus, potential dog owners looking for mixed breeds need to be prepared for the unexpected. However, there are some mixed breeds of dogs that have already gained popularity that are worth looking into.

1. Maltipoo: the eternal puppy.

The Maltipoo, resulting from a cross between a Maltese Bolognese (mom) and a Toy Poodle (dad), is one of the most popular small designer breeds. They are loyal, highly intelligent dogs, and a great choice for novice dog owners or seniors. Maltipoos are very social in nature and love to play. They get along perfectly with children. Thanks to crossbreeding with the Poodle, the Maltipoo retains the intelligence of this breed and learns very quickly. Not only that, the Maltipoo is an ideal choice for people suffering from allergies, as it practically does not shed.

Adult size: 1.5 to 9 kg.

Character: very intelligent, affectionate and loyal.

Grooming needs: daily (brushing, washing once a week).

Activity needs: needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, more play time.

Ease of training: very easy.

Barking: high level.

The size of the maltipoo will depend on which breeder you get your puppy from. Many people are surprised that Maltipoos are expensive dogs. Why, because they are "pedigree"? Here is the important argument: the parents of a Maltipoo must be purebred. They must have pedigrees. To get the "perfect" specimen, a Maltese Bolognese and an orange miniature Toy Poodle are crossed, and the smaller the parents, the better. Don't hesitate to ask your breeder for the parents' papers.

2. Chug.

The Chug is an adorable combination of Chihuahua and Pug. Both breeds tend to be affectionate and closely attached to their owners, so you can expect a loyal pet. Chagas require relatively little exercise, but they need lots of play and attention at home to stay happy and healthy.

Adult size: 4.5 to 9 pounds.

Character: affectionate, loyal and confident.

Grooming needs: weekly.

Activity needs: requires up to an hour of exercise per day.

Ease of training: medium.

Barking: medium level.

Possible health issues: pugs are brachycephalic dogs, so the chug may inherit this trait, which causes breathing difficulties.

3. Cockapoo.

The Cockapoo, perhaps the most popular mix and a good medium-sized mixed breed, is an irresistible combination of cocker spaniel and poodle. They are very affectionate dogs that love attention and company, which can make them without proper training very prone to separation anxiety. They are considered an ideal breed for people with allergies because of their coat, which is almost non-shedding.

Adult size: 2 to 12 pounds

Personality: affectionate, cheerful and sociable.

Grooming needs: daily

Activity needs: requires at least an hour of exercise per day.

Ease of training: easy.

Barking: medium level.

Possible health issues: they may inherit eye disease and hip dysplasia from their parent breeds and are prone to ear infections.

4. Labradoodle.

The combination of the family traits of the Labrador Retriever and the intelligent and affectionate nature of the Poodle makes this dog a wonderful pooch in every way. The Labradoodle is one of the most famous and well-established breeds of littermates, bred in Australia in the 1970s at the request of a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. The Labrador Retriever is usually bred with the standard Poodle, but mixes with the smaller Miniature Poodle have been known to occur.

Adult size: 13 to 30 pounds (depending on the size of the poodle parent).

Character: active, friendly and affectionate.

Grooming needs: daily.

Activity needs: you need to exercise at least two hours a day.

Ease of training: easy.

Barking: medium level.

Possible health issues: they may be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy.

5. Puggle.

The Puggle, a Pug and Beagle mix, is a loving and active companion. With two such different breeds, both in personality and appearance, it can be difficult to predict which traits they will inherit: they may adopt the pug's playful-like demeanor or the beagle's restless sniffing instinct. Because Puggles easily become agitated, they require extra care and are better adapted to cooler climates.

Adult size: 6 to 8 kg.

Character: friendly, energetic and cheerful.

Grooming needs: weekly.

Activity needs: requires 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day.

Ease of training: medium.

Barking: high level.

Possible health issues: they may inherit Pug brachycephalic syndrome, which causes breathing difficulties, and may be prone to obesity.

6. Cavachon.

Two breeds known for their cheerful disposition are combined here: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. The Cavachon is a sweet and loyal little animal whose cheerful nature will provide you with tons of fun. As far as looks go, the bichon's cottony fur, paired with the cavalier's silky, wavy mane, is usually hypoallergenic.

Adult size: 7 to 15 kg.

Character: affectionate and cheerful.

Grooming needs: daily.

Activity needs: requires at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Easy to train: easy.

Barking: medium level.

Possible health problems: heart problems, such as mitral valve problems, may be a concern due to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's parentage. Eye problems may also appear.

7. Kawapu.

The Kawapu is another adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix, this time with a Poodle. They are one of the smallest designer litters and are considered relatively hypoallergenic. These generous dogs love to give and receive attention, so it is in their best interest to be in your company or, better yet, curl up in your lap. They can make great pets, plus they are even known as therapy dogs due to their calming and affectionate nature.

Adult size: 3.5 to 11 kg (depending on the size of the Poodle you cross with).

Character: affectionate, responsive and gentle.

Grooming needs: daily.

Activity needs: requires about an hour of exercise per day.

Easy to train: easy.

Barking: medium level.

Possible health problems: hereditary conditions may include syringomyelia (a serious neurological condition) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mitral valvulopathy.

8. Lurcher.

Lurchers, often mistaken for a true breed, are actually a combination of a Greyhound (Greyhound, Irish Greyhound) with another working breed from the terrier or sheepdog group. Common greyhound breeds include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Collie. They are often a mixture of several breeds. Because they can come from a wide variety of parents, it is difficult to say exactly what their temperament, appearance, and size will be. But one thing is almost certain: more than likely they have a strong hunting instinct because of their Greyhound and possibly Terrier roots. Thus, solid recall type training is a must for this breed.

Adult size: 11 to 30 lbs.

Character: intelligent, laid-back and tactful.

Grooming needs: weekly.

Activity needs: it needs one to two hours of exercise per day (depending on the breed it comes from).

Ease of training: medium.

Barking: low.

Possible health problems: generally healthy but prone to certain health problems such as stomach twisting, toenail tears, muscle or paw injuries, sunstroke or heat stroke. They may also be at risk of developing osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

9. Pomsky.

This mix of Siberian Husky and Pomeranian Spitz is very attractive, but not without ethical considerations. Because of the large size difference between the two parent dogs, artificial insemination is usually necessary to produce a litter of puppies. And it goes without saying that the mother should be a Husky, as a litter of abnormally large puppies can have devastating health consequences. Often a caesarean section must be resorted to. It will also be difficult to predict the character and appearance of the puppies here. They are usually loyal dogs, more affectionate and less demanding than huskies.

Adult size: 9 to 14 kilograms

Character: active, sociable and alert.

Grooming needs: several times a week.

Activity needs: requires one to two hours of exercise per day.

Ease of training: medium to difficult.

Barking: high level.

Possible health problems: prone to conditions common to different parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, and dental problems.

10. Schnaudl.

Combining the intelligence of a Poodle with the loyalty and playfulness of a Schnauzer makes the Schnaudl an energetic and lovable companion. There is nothing he enjoys more than attention and warm cuddles in between outdoor walks. Both the Poodle and the Schnauzer are largely hypoallergenic, making them popular with people who suffer from dog allergies. The coat can vary in consistency: loose and wavy, thick and curly, or dense.

Adult size: from 11 to 35 kg (giant), from 5 to 7 kg (standard), from 3 to 5 kg (miniature).

Character: affectionate, cheerful and active.

Grooming needs: daily.

Activity needs: requires one to two hours of exercise per day.

Ease of training: easy.

Barking: high level.

Possible health problems: depending on the size of the parent schnauzer, they may be prone to hip dysplasia. Eye problems and skin conditions can also be a concern.

11. chiweenie.

Nicknamed the "German taco" or "Mexican hot dog," the Chiweenie is a delightful mix of Chihuahua and Dachshund. It's believed that these tiny dogs were originally bred to alleviate the back problems that dachshunds commonly suffer from. The result? A dog with a big heart and personality. Coat length may vary depending on the parent Dachshund's coat type - smooth or long-haired.

Adult size: 2 to 5 kg

Character: loyal, energetic and sociable.

Grooming needs: weekly.

Exercise needs: at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Ease of training: medium.

Barking: high propensity

Possible health problems: dental problems due to small mouth size, and back problems inherited from the parent Dachshund may be common.

12. morkie.

The little Morkie, one of the most popular Yorkshire mixed breeds, amazes everyone with its little teddy bear face and long silky hair. This mix of Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese Bologna is very affectionate, with a great temperament and "lively vein". They do not like to be left alone and are happy to follow their owner or sit on their lap.

Adult size: from 2 to 3.5 kg.

Character: playful, energetic and malleable.

Grooming needs: daily.

Activity needs: about 30 minutes a day.

Ease of training: medium.

Barking: high level.

Possible health problems: he may be prone to dental problems, as well as patella dislocation and tracheal collapse, which are common in small breeds.

13. Bernedoodle.

The Bernedoodle is an irresistible mix of Bernese Boyer and Poodle, known for its gentle and affectionate character. Intelligent dogs with a reputation for being the most stubborn members of the poodle breed, so good training and early socialization are very important. The coat is usually tri-colored, wavy and with little shedding, but there are other color variations.

Adult size: from 4.5 kg (small version) to 40 kg (standard version)

Character: enthusiastic, adventurous and loving.

Grooming needs: from daily to weekly (depending on coat type).

Activity needs: one to two hours of exercise per day.

Ease of training: medium.

Barking: low level.

Possible health problems: he may be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as certain cancers inherited from the Bernese Boyer.

14. Aussiedoodle.

The Aussiedoodle is a combination of the loyal and playful Australian Shepherd and the intelligence of the Poodle. They are caring companions, therapy dogs. Easily establish a bond with people. Aussiedoodles are energetic dogs that enjoy long walks and lots of mental stimulation.

Adult size: 22-32 kg (standard), 7-14 kg (miniature).

Character: affectionate, athletic and loyal.

Grooming needs: daily or every other day.

Activity needs: about two hours of exercise per day.

Ease of training: easy.

Barking: medium level.

Possible health problems: he may be prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and some eye conditions inherited from the Australian Shepherd Dog..

15. Labmaraner.

This is a mix of Labrador and Weimaraner. A large, energetic dog filled with hunting instincts, this dog will need lots of exercise to be a happy member of your family. This is a dog that needs work, such as hunting, hiking, jogging, agility or flyball. They have a short coat, usually brown, yellow, black or gray in color.

Adult size: 27 to 45 pounds.

Character: active, affectionate and sociable.

Grooming needs: daily.

Activity needs: one to two hours of exercise per day.

Ease of training: easy.

Barking: medium level.

Possible health problems: hip dysplasia.