Designer Mixed Breeds

A group of dogs that is quickly gaining popularity is called designer mixed breeds.

A designer mixed breed dog comes from two purebred dogs that are purposely bred to create a mixed breed with some traits of each of the parent dogs. Some have been around for ages and others have a relatively new found popularity, such as the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever/Standard Poodle).

Breed mixes are becoming more and more popular and even getting designer names such as "Blends" as opposed to "Mixed Breeds". Most of the blends are smaller breed dogs and are mixed with a poodle. Most of these are relatively low shedding pets and may be good choices for families with allergies.

But which ones are the most popular? It is very difficult to find the numbers since they are not all part of a national registry but here is a list of the most common ones...

Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix). The cockapoo originated in the United States in the 1960's. The Cockapoo is a cross between an American Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Cockapoos are active, can be good watchdogs and good with kids. Depending on the parents, the features and size can resemble each aspects of each breed. Their size can vary with the mix but generally range from 6 to 20 pounds and their life expectancy is 13 to 15 years.

Schnoodle (Schnauzer-Poodle mix). Schnoodles are mixes between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. They are generally intelligent dogs, active, playful and get on well with children. They are relatively low shedders. There are three sizes of poodle (toy, miniature and standard) and three sizes of schnauzer (miniature, standard and giant) and their traits are directly reflected by the combination that is bred. Their size can vary from 6 pounds and up and their life expectancy is 13 to 15 years.

Yorkipoos (Yorkshire terrier-Poodle mix). Yorkipoos are a cross between Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles. They are generally affectionate, loyal and active little dogs. Yorkipoos are relatively low shedders. Depending on the parents, their weight can vary from 4.5 to 16 pounds and their life expectancy is 13 to 16 years.


Yorkipoo

Pomapoo (Pomeranian-Poodle mix). Pom-a-poos are a mix between a Pomeranian and a Poodle. They are generally intelligent dogs get on well with children. They are relatively low shedders. There size varies with the size of the parents but can vary from 4 to 15 pounds and their life expectancy is 13 to 16 years.

Labradoodle (Labrador retriever-Standard poodle mix). Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle mix. They are generally sociable, intelligent and readily trainable. The hair coats can be either fleece-like or curly and comes in a variety of colors including: Black, Silver, Cream, Apricot Cream, Chalk, Gold, Red, Apricot, Chocolate, and Café. Labradoodles weight will vary from 40to 80 pounds and their life expectancy is about 11 to 13 years.

Peekapoos (Pekinese-Poodle mix). Peek-a-poos (also referred to as Peke-a-poos, Peekapoos, and Pekepoos) are crosses between a Pekingese and a Poodle. Peekapoos are generally friendly dogs that are playful and can be good with children. This cross generally weighs between 8 to 16 pounds, depending on the size of the parents. Their life expectancy is approximately 13 to 15 years.

Maltapoo (Maltese-Poodle mix). Malt-a-poo, also known as the Malti-poo, is a cross between a Maltese and a poodle. They are generally sociable and intelligent. They are relatively low shedders. Malt-a-poos will weigh between 4 and 15 pounds and their life expectancy is about 13 to 15 years.

Chipoo (Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix). A Chi-poo is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian. Their hair coat can be straight or wavy. They are relatively low shedders. Chi-poos are generally smart, personable and can be good with kids. Their weight will vary from 2 to 15 pounds and their life expectancy is about 13 to 17 years.

Shihpoo (Shih-Tzu-Poodle). A Shih-poo is a cross between a Shih-tzu and a poodle. They are generally gentle, affectionate and loyal. Their hair coats can be curly or straight and they are relatively low shedders. They generally weigh between 6 to 19 pounds and their life expectancy is about 13 to 17 years.

Goldendoodles (Golden retriever-Poodle mix). Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retrievers and a Standard Poodle. Their weight will range from 45 to 80 pounds. They are generally low shedding pets. They are generally active, intelligent, highly trainable, loyal and good with kids. Their life expectancy is about 11 to 13 years.