Cockapoo, Chug, Morkie… Behind these cute names are an interesting mix of canine genes. But what’s really special about these designer dog breeds, anyway?
Take the Puggle for example. A cross between the Pug and a Beagle, this pooch is a fascinating combo of both breeds in one canine. Then, we have the fluffy and spunky Schnoodle (Mini Schnauzer + Poodle). And don’t forget the classic designer dog breed, the Cockapoo, that’s a perfect mix of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle DNA.
Discover the many faces and adorable names of these designer dog breeds today – and get the best of both worlds in one pooch!
19. Puggle: Beagle + Pug
Puggles are sweethearts – they are affectionate and loving hybrid dogs that combine the genes of a Pug and a Beagle. For the most part, these dogs have the same squished faces as Pugs while others may look more like a Beagle with a longer snout.
Overall, Puggles are easy to train. They are obedient and loyal pooches that love to please their owners. So, if you’ve never owned a dog before and want a hybrid one, then the Puggle is definitely a keeper!
18. Schnoodle: Miniature Schnauzer + Poodle
Interestingly, Schnoodles can be a tiny lap dog or a large pup of over 70 lbs. They have dense and curly coats as both parents are known for their abundance of hair. Their floppy ears hang low on either side of their heads, which perfectly match their weepy eyes.
Playful and clever, these hybrid dogs are a joy to have around. They love adventure, games, and challenges. Provide them with ample mental and physical stimulation, and they’ll always be the adorable pooch you’d want to have.
17. Docker: Dachshund + Cocker Spaniel
The adorable Docker is a medium-sized dog that inherits the stubby legs of a Dachshund and the abundant coat of a Cocker Spaniel. Their coat color varies depending on which parent’s gene is stronger.
As for their personality, Dockers are athletic pups. They love adventure and performing tasks. With their inherent smarts, these canines are suitable for first-time dog owners because of how easy it is to train them.
16. Cavapom: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Pomeranian
Cute and cuddly, the Cavapom is a charmer in every single way. They tend to vary in sizes as some may take after the taller Cavalier or the pudgy Pomeranian. Thus, you may find yourself with a lap dog-like Cavapom or a much bigger, 20-pounder pooch.
This is an independent pup that loves to play and move about. It would be best to keep them in a fenced yard. These canines thrive on adventure, so they are a perfect companion dog during your trips.
15. Chug: Chihuahua + Pug
Part Chihuahua, part Pug, the Chug is an interesting mix of both popular dog breeds. This designer pooch is a comic little guy. After all, both parents have clownish personalities!
Chugs are tiny – often ranging between 10 to 20 lbs. They have the signature smashed-in face of a Pug and a Chihuahua’s large ears. While they are easy to be with, these canines can be a bit stubborn. More patience and time are required to train these dogs.
14. Yorkipoo: Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle
Another popular designer dog breed, the teeny tiny Yorkipoo is a darling. These little dogs can weigh from 8 to 15 lbs, and they may either be a Miniature or Toy version. Yorkipoos are not so much of a shedder as a purebred Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier, which makes cleanups easier for owners.
Thanks to the Poodle’s intelligence and the Yorkie’s obedient nature, Yorkipoos are highly trainable pups. They are a bit stubborn at times, though, which is a Yorkie’s unique character.
13. Lhasa Poo: Lhasa Apso + Poodle
Next up, we have the fluffy Lhasa Poo. A cross between the Lhasa Apso and a Poodle, this hybrid pup is a looker. They may either have a Poodle’s curls or a Lhasa Apso’s straight and long coat. Either way, the texture is always soft and smooth.
Lhasa Poos are affectionate and loyal fellows. They are always ready to defend their owners no matter what. With that being said, these canines can be a little on the yappy side. Thus, they may not be the best choice for apartment living.
12. Siberian Retriever: Siberian Husky + Labrador Retriever
Two of the world’s beloved dog breeds, the Siberian Retriever is a combination of the Siberian Husky and Labrador Retriever’s genes. They are fluffy with white and gray coats like the Siberian Husky, but they have the warm dark eyes of a Lab.
Moreover, this designer dog breed is a bit on a small side. Well, in comparison to the purebred, that is. But they still require a large space to run around as these dogs are pretty active creatures.
11. Malti-Poo: Maltese + Poodle
Malti-Poos are one of the most popular designer dog breeds because of their looks and charms. They are tiny – barely over 15 lbs. They have the thick, medium-length coat of a Maltese but with some curls like a Poodle.
Clever and playful, Malti-Poos love fun and games. They maintain their puppy-like appearance even as seniors, so they are a joy to be with. And best of all, these dogs are relatively a breeze to train.
10. Shih-Poo: Shih Tzu + Poodle
The Shih Poo can either be a Miniature or a Toy with an average weight of 7 to 20 lbs. They have a sturdy body similar to that of a Poodle and long, smooth coats like a Shih Tzu. Some Shih-Poos may have curls instead of sleek and silky Shih Tzu hair, though.
But as with small dogs, Shih Poos are better off with older children or adults. They cannot handle roughhousing, especially because of their delicate bodies.
9. Pomsky: Pomeranian + Husky
One of the most well-loved designer dog breeds, the Pomsky is a tiny ball of fluff. They are much fluffier than Siberian Huskies and tend to be on the short side because of their Pom DNA. Their eyes are usually light-colored, while their ears are small and erect.
Pomskies are active and agile creatures. It is best to give them ample exercise each day, which could involve a romp around the yard and brisk walks.
8. Shorkie: Shih Tzu + Yorkshire Terrier
Shorkies are hybrid dogs that are a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu. These tiny pups have a minuscule body and roughly tip the scale at under 15 lbs. They have medium-length fluffy coats that vary in colors.
If what you look for is a pooch that does not say no to a cuddle, then the Shorkie is your guy. These cuddle bugs are affectionate and loving – a mark of a great companion dog!
7. Morkie: Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier
Another designer dog with a Yorkie’s DNA, the Morkie is an absolute cutie. They are pretty small, as what you can expect from the Maltese and a Yorkie, the combo behind this crossbreed. Morkies have a wavy, medium-length coat often in cream, off-white, and brown.
While Morkies may be small, they are definitely not shy. They love interacting with humans and other dogs. Give it plenty of attention, and you’ve got a happy, loyal dog who will love you for years and years.
6. Chiweenie: Chihuahua + Dachshund
These round-eyed, cheery fellows never fail to draw a smile to your face. Chiweenies have the body shape of a Chihuahua and the floppy ears of a Dachshund. Their coats are short but soft, and they tend to vary in colors, such as solid brown, tan, or some patches of black.
As you can expect from the parents’ DNA, Chiweenies are tiny. But these are spirited and agile dogs who love to play and entertain their families.
5. Border Collie – Sheltie: Border Collie + Shetland Sheepdog
Border Collie Shelties are more of a Sheltie when it comes to looks. They have long, wavy hair, often in shades of fawn, sable, and white. Their eyes are round and small, while their ears are tall and upright.
Thanks to their Border Collie genes, these hybrid dogs are intelligent pups. Training them should be easy-peasy. Plus, they love a good adventure, making them ideal as companion dogs.
4. Cavachon: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Bichon Frise
Another irresistible fluffball, the Cavachon is what you get when you mix a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Frise. This adorable pooch is small with long, wavy hair that can cover its eyes when left ungroomed.
Just like many small dogs, Cavachons are active creatures. They need at least an hour of exercise a day. But thanks to their compact size, a small yard should do for these agile and nimble canines.
3. Cockapoo: Cocker Spaniel + Poodle
Cockapoos are part Cocker Spaniel and part Poodle. They have the elaborately thick, curly coat of the Poodle but with a soft and smooth texture as a Cocker Spaniel. Thus, these pooches are better off with owners who don’t mind grooming their pets regularly.
As for their appearance, they can differ from one another – even if they are from the same litter! But overall, they are usually about 10 to 30 lbs heavy and with the same fluffy coat.
2. Golden Doodle: Golden Retriever + Poodle
A popular designer dog breed, the Golden Doodle takes after its parents when it comes to looks and personality. This crossbreed has the wavy hair of a Poodle and a Golden Retriever’s rich, golden coat color.
Interestingly, this dog breed comes in different sizes. There’s the standard (goes up to 100 lbs), medium (between 40 to 65 lbs), and the miniature (roughly under 30 lbs). Overall, these dogs are smart and social – they love being with humans and dogs alike.
1. Corgidor: Corgi + Labrador Retriever
Combine a long and low-bodied Corgi with the sweet and picture-perfect face of a Labrador Retriever, and you’ve got a Corgidor! This affectionate pooch is small, yet a little bigger than a purebred Corgi.
Corgidors are agile creatures, which can be expected from their Corgi parent. But they are intelligent and obedient canines, so you should not have any problem training this active little fellow.
Related Questions
Are Designer Dogs Ethical? Proponents of designer dogs would argue that these hybrid canines tend to inherit the favorable traits of their parents. However, this does not make them exempt from genetic disorders. When both parents are susceptible to the same ailment, the offspring’s risk of inheriting it is even higher. While designer dogs may be fine when done correctly, it is unethical when harm is brought upon the dogs being bred. Choosing an ethical and responsible breeder is essential.
Why Are Designer Dogs So Expensive? Designer dog breeds are often expensive because small toy breeds are usually procured for the breeding process. These canines tend to give birth to a few puppies at a time because of their delicate and tiny bodies. Hence, this hikes up the price and may go from $500 to over $2,000, depending on the breed.
What Was The First Designer Dog? The Cockapoo is the very first designer dog in the world, which was bred as early as the 1950s. Today, this hybrid pooch is still popular among breeders and dog lovers alike.
