Ten Pet Hybrids Take Center Stage

A few years ago, if someone told you their family dog was a labradoodle, your response was probably "A labra what?" But more recently, these "designer dogs" have become more and more popular among people seeking a pet just a little bit different from every other Chihuahua and Labrador retriever in the dog park. "Designer dogs" are, in reality, mixed-breed hybrid dogs that, ideally (but not always) inherit the best traits of their two purebred parents. They're not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but fans of these trendy new dogs have created myriad organizations and clubs devoted to their favorite designer pooches. And vets say that mixing two breeds can make the offspring healthier than its parents, since the pups probably have a lower risk of developing the many health problems that develop after generations of breeding purebreds. Interested in possibly adopting a new puppy and considering a hybrid dog? Read on for the ten most popular combinations (and their fun, cutesy names).

Labradoodle

What it is: Labrador retriever X poodle

Qualities and characteristics: Labradoodles have a lower-shedding coat than labs, making them less likely to affect people with allergies, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Their medium-length coat can be wavy, straight or wooly. Generally friendly, energetic and great for families. Fond of the water. Very intelligent and trainable. Size varies depending on size of poodle cross. Miniatures can weigh 15-25 pounds, medium 30-45 pounds and standard 50-65 pounds. Can live 12-14 years.

Maltipoo

What it is: maltese X toy/teacup/miniature poodle

Qualities and characteristics: True to small-dog personalities, maltipoos are gentle, fun-loving, affectionate, active and charming. They can do well with all kinds of families, ages and dwellings, though they are meant for companionship. Range from 5-20 pounds and can live 10-13 years. Can possibly have non-shedding coats, making them a possibility for those with allergies. Are very alert and can be barkers. Need early socialization to ensure they're not timid and skittish.

Cockapoo

What it is: cocker spaniel X toy/teacup/miniature poodle

Qualities and characteristics: Known as the original "designer dog," cockapoos made their debut in the 1960s. Friendly and people-oriented, intelligent and trainable. Another low shedder and extremely affectionate. Perfect for companionship and as a lap dog. Can live 12-15 years and can weigh under 6 pounds to at least 19, depending on the poodle cross. Combines the sweet and stable temperament of the cocker spaniel with the poodle's orientation to people.

Puggle

What it is: pug X beagle

Qualities and characteristics: Described by many as having the appearance of a miniature mastiff, the puggle combines the wrinkles and solid coloring the pug with the muzzle, ears and tail of the beagle. Can be known to bark or howl frequently. Intelligent and loving, but can be challenging to train. Very active, not content to lay around. Great with kids of all ages and make good companion dogs. Can weigh 18-30 pounds and do shed, so they require weekly brushing.

Goldendoodle

What it is: golden retriever X poodle

Qualities and characteristics: Similar to the labradoodle, the goldendoodle is a great family dog. They've also proven successful in a variety of working situations, serving as guide dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs and scent dogs. Affectionate and gentle, they're relatively new on the hybrid scene. They're very trainable and great for novice dog owners. Like other poodle crosses, they're light shedders, so they may be a good option for allergy sufferers. Depending on the poodle cross, they can range in size from 15 to 90 pounds.

Chiweenie

What it is: chihuahua X dachshund

Qualities and characteristics: In appearance, chiweenies look like long-bodied Chihuahuas, sometimes with the long hair of the doxen. One of the tiniest designer dogs available, they make great lap and companion dogs. Likely to tunnel, so expect to find them burrowed in warm laundry or blankets. Make great family dogs, but small children could hurt them because of their small size. Are low-shedding, so grooming is minimal. Some are known to be incessant barkers.

Chorkie

What it is: Chihuahua X Yorkshire terrier

Qualities and characteristics: This tiny, Teddy bear-like breed is a fairly recent addition to the world of hybrid dogs. Highly intelligent and alert, they can perform a variety of tricks and tasks. Can be barky, but make great alert dogs. Temperament can be shy or bold, but don't be surprised to see that a dog has inherited the Napoleon complex of its Chihuahua parent. Some dogs are short-coated and require minimal grooming; others inherit the long hair of the yorkie, requiring frequent grooming. Great companion dogs, but could suffer injury from small children.

Schnoodle

What it is: miniature schnauzer X toy poodle

Qualities and characteristics: Smart, active and entertaining, the schnoodle offers the versatility of lap dog, family dog, therapy dog and performance dog. Most are small, but a standard poodle and giant schnauzer can produce a schnoodle up to 75 pounds (and the smaller versions can be as tiny as 6 pounds). Many dogs inherit the poodle's eagerness to please and the schnauzer's high energy and sturdiness. Larger varieties can make great jogging companions, and tinier ones can snuggle all day. Are protective of their family and are very intelligent. Some can be frequent barkers and/or diggers.

Shihpoo

What it is: shi tzu X poodle

Qualities and characteristics: This long-coated cross is low-shedding, thanks to the poodle cross. The shihpoo's ideal temperament includes the poodle's intelligence with the playfulness of the shih tzu. Typically happy, playful, gentle and welcoming of human attention. Usually do well with children, but can become snappy if teased. Do well in obedience training. Can live a long life of up to 14 years if well cared for. Are moderately active, but make great lap dogs. Grooming and trimming is needed to keep coat from matting.

Yorkiepo

What it is: Yorkshire terrier X toy poodle

Qualities and characteristics: These affectionate, playful dogs love to please and entertain and are great at learning tricks. Makes a great companion and does great in apartment life. Many can be excessive barkers. Very energetic and loves to run fast and jump high when not cuddling. Can weigh 3-14 pounds and often has a soft and silky coat, thanks to the yorkie parent. Thanks to the poodle, though, shedding is low, making the yorkiepoo a candidate for allergy sufferers. Very confident, not snappy or aggressive. Gentleness makes them great as a companion for the elderly. Watch out for a Napoleon complex when with large dogs. (hypoallergenic pets guide)

And one extra - a bit different from other "designer dogs"

Wolfdog

What it is: wolf X domestic dog

Qualities and characteristics: Not exactly the same as other domestic hybrid dogs, wolfdogs are nonetheless gaining popularity among people desiring something a bit exotic. Wolfdogs also can vary significantly, as the "dog" half of their ancestry could be any domestic canine and is not limited to any particular breed, though wolf-like breeds are most common (shepherds, huskies, malamutes, etc.). Because all domestic dog breeds vary in temperament and behavior, and because wolves are wild and can pass on some of their wild tendencies to progeny, wolfdog characteristics are always unpredictable and can vary from animal to animal. Many agencies and organizations consider wolfdogs to be wild and therefore unsuitable as pets and support an international ban on the possession, breeding and sales of these animals. Currently, 40 U.S. states have such a ban, while others impose some form of regulation upon ownership. Eleven years ago, there were an estimated 300,000 wolfdogs in the U.S. They rank sixth in the number of dog attack fatalities in the U.S., with all of them being small children. This suggests the wild predatory nature of many wolfdogs is still present. They are also more destructive than domestic dogs, including digging, howling, chewing furniture and displaying difficulty in training and housebreaking.