The 15 Cutest Mixed Dog Breeds

Let’s face it: Dogs are running the show, and we’re all just going along for the ride. Whether they’re small enough to fit in your purse or big enough to steal your entire bed, having a cute mixed-breed dog is like living with a furry little superstar: They turn heads, get all the compliments at the park, and somehow manage to convince you to give them just one more treat with a single look. We’ve rounded up 15 of the cutest dog mixes who will surely have you fall in love.

Why mixed breeds are so special

More than 2.2 million dogs found loving homes in shelters last year, with mixed breeds leading the way, solidifying their status as beloved members of countless American families. Mixed-breed dogs combine unique traits of different breeds, usually resulting in an exciting combo of looks and quirks you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, with all that diversity, a mixed dog tends to be healthier and full of endless personality, making them even more lovable. With better overall health and longevity due to their diverse genetics, they are less prone to certain breed-specific conditions.

Mixed-breed dogs also come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments, so you’re more likely to find a dog who perfectly fits your lifestyle. Aside from their health and looks, mixed-breed dogs are remarkable for their unique adaptability, adjusting well to different home environments, whether an apartment or a house with a yard. Plus, when you adopt a mixed breed, you’re giving a home to a pet who might otherwise be overlooked, making the experience even more rewarding.

Top 15 cutest mixed-breed dogs

Oakland Animal Services/

1. Chihuahua mixes

Chihuahua mixes, such as Chiweenies and Chorkies, bring a delightful blend of personalities to the table, along with a portable size. Chihuahua mixes can vary in size, coat type, and temperament, making them adaptable to all kinds of homes. Being the sixth most common breed in shelters, Chihuahua mixes are in high demand. (Adopt a Pet has more than 6,000 Chihuahua mixes available for adoption.) With their small size and big personalities, Chihuahua crossbreeds are perfect for those looking for their next BFF.

Oakland Animal Service/

2. Yorkie mixes

Yorkie crossbreeds are popular for blending the Yorkshire Terrier’s energetic and bold personality with the distinctive traits of other breeds. Depending on their parentage, these mixes come in various sizes, coat types, and temperaments. Whether mixed with a Chihuahua, Poodle, or Shih Tzu, Yorkie crosses have a lively spirit and affectionate nature, making them adaptable to different family environments.

Country Side Animal Rescue/

3. Pomeranian mixes

Pomeranian mixes can vary in size from small to medium, with diverse coat colors and temperaments depending on the specific breeds involved. Many inherit the Pomeranian’s playful and affectionate personality, making them great for families and individuals alike. Some popular Pomeranian mixes include the Pomsky (with a Husky), Pomchi (with a Chihuahua), and Shiranian (with a Shih Tzu). These hybrids are known for being lively, loyal, and charming.

Oakland Animal Service/

4. Labrador Retriever mixes

Labrador Retriever mixed breeds combine the Labs’ friendly nature with the traits of other breeds, resulting in dogs with varying coat types and appearance. These medium-to-large hybrids can have curly or dense coats, depending on the specific mix. Popular mixes include The Labradoodle (with a Poodle), Lab-Pit (with a Pit Bull), and the Goldador (with a Golden Retriever). These dogs are known for being adaptable, and make excellent family pets or working dogs.

Louie’s Legacy/

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixes

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixes are known for combining the sweet, affectionate nature of the Cavalier with a range of coat types and sizes depending on their other parent breed. These pups might keep the Cavalier’s gentle temperament, making them great family companions. Some popular mixes include the Cavapoo (with a Poodle), Cavachon (with a Bichon Frise), and Cavador (with a Labrador).

Oakland Animal Service/

6. Husky mixes

Husky mixes combine the Siberian Husky’s striking appearance and high-energy personality with traits from various other breeds. These mixed breed pups might have the Husky’s thick coat and piercing eyes, but their size and temperament can vary depending on the crossbreed. Popular mixes include the Pomsky (with a Pomeranian), Huskador (with a Labrador), and Gerberian Shepsky (with a German Shepherd). These dogs are known for their intelligence and need for exercise, making them great for active families ready to put in the work.

Oakland Animal Service/

7. American Pit Bull Terrier mixes

American Pit Bull Terrier mixes are loyal energetic pups. These dogs are common in shelters and often overlooked, but they make incredible companions with their friendly, loyal nature. Pit Bull mixes tend to form strong bonds with their families and are known for their playful, affectionate personalities. Popular mixes include the Pitador (with a Labrador) and the Pitsky (with a Husky), each adding its personality to the mix. You can find lovable Pit Bull mixes at local shelters, rescues, or through sites like Adopt a Pet.

Country Side Animal Rescue/

8. Golden Retriever mixes

Some of the most popular Golden Retriever mixes include the Goldendoodle (with a Poodle), which combines the Golden’s gentle demeanor with the Poodle’s mostly hypoallergenic coat, and the Golden Shepherd (with a German Shepherd), which inherits both breeds’ strong work ethic and loyalty. Another favorite is the Golden Husky (with a Siberian Husky), a playful, energetic mix that retains the Golden Retriever’s affectionate side.

CAMO Rescue/

9. Maltese mixes

Maltese mixes are charming and affectionate pups. These mixes often retain the Maltese’s small size and mostly hypoallergenic coat, making them great for people with allergies. Popular Maltese mixes include the Morkie (with a Yorkshire Terrier) and the Maltipoo (with a Poodle), known for their playful, loving nature. These mixes can be low-shedding, are typically family-friendly, and are adaptable to different living situations.

Dallas Pets Alive/

10. German Shepherd mixes

German Shepherd crossbreeds are versatile and adaptable dogs. Popular mixes include the Shepsky (with a Siberian Husky) and the Shollie (with a Border Collie), both known for their high energy and need for mental stimulation. These mixed breeds are great for active families or individuals who have the time to provide plenty of exercise and training.

Country Road Rescue/

11. Old English Sheepdog mixes

Old English Sheepdog mixes might keep the Sheepdog’s playful and protective nature, so they can be great for families. Popular mixes include the Sheepadoodle (with a Poodle) and the Shepadoodle (with a German Shepherd), who are known for their intelligence and affectionate demeanor. These mixed breeds typically require regular grooming and thrive in active households where they can get plenty of exercise.

CAMO Rescue/

12. Shih Tzu mixes

Shih Tzu mixes bring the Shih Tzu’s affectionate, friendly personality with traits from various other breeds. These mixes usually maintain the Shih Tzu’s small size and distinctive appearance, such as their long coat and expressive eyes. Popular mixes include the Shorkie (with a Yorkshire Terrier) and the Mal-Shi (with a Maltese), known for their playful and loving nature. Shih Tzu mixes are typically great companions, well-suited for families or individuals looking for a loyal, low-shedding pet.

CAMO Rescue/

13. Schnauzer mixes

Schnauzer mixes blend the Schnauzer’s alert, loyal, and energetic traits with qualities from other breeds. These mixed-breed dogs can vary in size and appearance depending on the crossbreed but might retain the Schnauzer’s characteristic beard and wiry coat. Popular mixes include the Schnoodle (with a Poodle) and the Schnug (with a Pug), known for their friendly, intelligent, and playful personalities. Schnauzer mixes tend to be great companions for active households prepared to keep them busy.

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA/

14. Mastiff mixes

Mastiff mixes unite the breed’s robust build, loyalty, and calm demeanor with traits from other dogs, resulting in large, affectionate companions. These mixes typically exhibit a strong protective instinct, making them excellent family guardians. Popular mixes such as the Mastador (with a Labrador) and Bullmastiff mixes are known for their balance of strength and gentleness. While they require proper training and plenty of space due to their size, Mastiff crosses can thrive in homes that provide love and attention.

CAMO Rescue/

15. Cocker Spaniel mixes

Cocker Spaniel mixed breeds blend the Cocker’s affectionate, playful nature with characteristics from other breeds, resulting in friendly and adaptable pets. These hybrids may retain the Cocker’s iconic long ears and gentle personality, making them well-suited for families. Popular crossbreeds include the Cockapoo (mixed with a Poodle) and the Spanador (mixed with a Labrador), both known for their intelligence and warm demeanor.

Finding the best mixed-breed dog for you

When looking for a mixed-breed dog, consider a few key factors for an ideal match. First, evaluate your lifestyle and activity level, as different breeds and mixes have varying energy needs. Try meeting the dog in person to observe their behavior and temperament. Finally, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue, where many loving mixed-breed dogs await their forever homes.

• Assess lifestyle: Consider your activity level, living space, and schedule to find a dog who suits your lifestyle. Active breeds need space and exercise, while calmer dogs are suited for smaller homes.

• Temperament matching: Look for a dog who matches your expectations for temperament — whether that’s active, playful, or laid-back.

• Allergies: Some mixed breeds, such as Poodle mixes, are considered more hypoallergenic, making them potentially less allergy-inducing.

• Size consideration: Choose based on the size of your living area, since some mixes vary significantly in size.

• Energy level: Match the dog’s energy with your own — high-energy breeds need more exercise and stimulation.

• Grooming needs: Consider the grooming requirements of the mix, especially if it has a long or curly coat.

• Family and children: If you have kids, pick a breed known for being gentle and patient, such as a Golden Retriever mix.

• Training requirements: Some mixed breeds inherit traits that may make them easier or harder to train. Ensure you’re prepared for their needs.

Commonly asked questions

What are the most popular mixed dog breeds?

Some of the most popular mixed dog breeds include the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle), Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever and Poodle), Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle), Pomsky (Pomeranian and Siberian Husky) and Puggle (Pug and Beagle). These mixes are adored for their unique blend of temperament, looks, and size, making them great fits for various households and lifestyles.

Which mixed dog breeds are recommended for households with children?

Mixed dog breeds such as Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Cockapoos are fantastic choices for families with children. Known for their friendly, gentle temperaments, these pups are playful, affectionate, and highly adaptable.

Do crossbred dogs require more care than purebreds?

Due to a broader gene pool, mixed-breed dogs tend to have fewer genetic health problems than purebreds. However, their care requirements depend on inherited traits from both parent breeds. Health risks still exist, but crossbreeds may have better overall health.

What are the benefits of adopting a mixed-breed dog?

Adopting a mixed-breed dog has numerous benefits. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier, with fewer genetic disorders. Adopting also reduces overpopulation in shelters (some even offer an opportunity to foster before fully committing) because shelters across the country are home to countless mixed-breed dogs of various shapes, sizes, and personalities — all waiting for a second chance. Nearly four million dogs enter shelters annually, with many being mixed breeds.

Where can I adopt a cute mixed-breed dog?

Adopt a Pet connects potential pet parents with rescues and shelters across the country that can help you adopt a cute mixed-breed dog. Filter your search by size, age, and personality to fit your needs.

References

5 Reasons to Adopt a Mixed-Breed Dog | Why You Should Adopt a Mutt

Five Reasons to Adopt Not Shop!

Mutts and Purebreds: Is One Healthier Than the Other?

Pet Adoption Statistics – Animal Surrender And Shelter Intake