Have you and your family have finally made the decision to add a furry friend to your gang? The kids are old enough, or perhaps you and your significant other want a little more love in your life.
A dog is a great addition to the household. In fact, most four-legged friends become a much-loved part of the family. Then the question becomes: What type of dog should you get?
Most mixed breeds offer up fewer health problems and temperament issues than purebreds.
So, let’s take a look at the 10 most popular mixed dog breeds that you and your family may want to consider.
What type of dog is the best fit for your household?
1. Cockapoo
A Cockapoo makes for a beloved, cuddly, and friendly dog.
A mix between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, the appearance and size of a Cockapoo can vary depending on the parents. For example, a toy Poodle mom or dad versus a standard Poodle mom or dad will greatly differ in size.
Typically, these are small to medium-sized dogs with curly or wavy hair, requiring about one hour of exercise each day. A Cockapoo doesn’t shed, which means it’s a go-to for many families and individuals for cleanliness and allergies.
They usually live to 13 years old or more. They are very intelligent (easy to train!), outgoing, and affectionate dogs.
2. Maltipoo
Like the Cockapoo, the Maltipoo is an affectionate, caring, friendly, and happy dog breed. They are also easy to train and hypoallergenic.
A mix between a Poodle and a Maltese, a Maltipoo often is a smaller-sized dog, weighing up to 25 pounds. Again, similar to the Cockapoo, the Maltipoo typically lives between 10-15 years.
3. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are energetic and friendly dogs. This breed is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
Hypoallergenic and also very intelligent, the Goldendoodle is one of the best mixed breed dogs for families.
With a Goldendoodle (and most other mixed breeds), socialization early on is important to avoid them becoming a fearful and anxious dog.
Goldendoodles further range from 15 pounds up to 90 pounds, depending on the parents. They are considered one of the best Poodle mixed breeds.
4. Puggle
If you think Pugs and Beagles are cute, a Puggle might be right up your alley! Puggles are friendly, loyal, affectionate, and sweet-tempered dogs.
While they are typically easy to train, a Puggle can be stubborn, which means training should be filled with fun and entertainment to keep them interested.
One of the best Beagle mix breeds, a Puggle can grow up to 30 pounds in size, and like most small to medium-sized dogs, they live about 10-15 years.
5. Labradoodle
The face of an angel? The sweet Labradoodle SourceA Labradoodle is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Considered a sociable and smart dog, the Labradoodle is an affectionate, intelligent, playful, and friendly dog.
Thanks to their Poodle mix, they are also a hypoallergenic dog breed, living to around 12-14 years of age. One of the best crossbreed dogs, these water-loving dogs grow up to 65 pounds.
6. Maltese Shih Tzu
A Maltese Shih Tzu is undeniably one of the cutest breeds around. A quick look at that furry little face and you’ll likely agree!
This type of dog is considered very intelligent, loyal, active, and outgoing. However, you can also get quieter personalities, depending on the dog’s parents and training.
Similar to other dogs on this list, a Maltese Shih Tzu is expected to live to 12 to 14 years of age. At about 10 inches tall and 6 to 12 pounds, this is one snuggly and tiny dog that is great for smaller homes.
7. Schnoodle
A Schnoodle is a mix between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. They are known for their cleverness, strong will, devotion, and obedience, making them another easy-to-train dog.
Depending on the type of Schnoodle, this dog breed can grow up to 75 pounds. However, miniature Schnoodles can weigh only 15 pounds.
A Schnoodle has a lifespan of 10-18 years, again, depending on the type, with miniature Schnoodles often living longer.
8. Peekapoo
A Peekapoo is a cross between the Pekingese and Poodle breeds, weighing between 4 to 20 pounds. Peekapoos make another loving, gentle, and loyal dog.
Considered highly intelligent, training a Peekapoo should also be fairly straightforward.
This little furball makes a great lap dog for families that love to lounge! Although, it will still need at least one walk and play session each day. Peekapoos are one of the more popular Poodle mixes.
9. Goldador
A Goldador is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever.
Since this is a larger dog, reaching up to 80 pounds, it will need plenty of exercise and playtime.
Overall, Goldadors are very easily trained, loyal, affectionate, and friendly. Most Goldadors further live to about 10-12 years of age.
10. Yorkipoo
A Yorkipoo is a cross between a poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier.
Considered a friendly, intelligent, outgoing, playful, and happy dog, this small dog won’t require as much exercise as other dog breeds.
This is largely due to its small size, with most Yorkipoo’s reaching about 14 pounds. Most Yorkipoos will also live up until 10 to 15 years of age.
Which Breed is the Right Match for Your Family?
We encourage you to continue to do as much research as possible on the breeds that interest you so you know any health issues or difficulties ahead of time.
It’s also an excellent idea to research breeders, ensuring your furry friend comes from a good background and that you’re supporting breeders that truly care.
A dog truly becomes like any other family member. They will be there for you through the good times and the bad!
Just get ready… Having a dog is always a bit of work. You should be prepared to walk it, feed it, play with it, pick up after it, bathe it, and more. At the same time, this work is well worth their love and companionship!
Read this next: The Ultimate Guide: How to Finally Stop Your Dog Barking All the Time
Header image: Photo by Susan Schmitz on Shutterstock
