Best Mixed Breed Dogs for Families

Looking to expand the family? Whether you’re buying your first pup or your tenth, it’s never too late to give mixed breed dogs a try.

If you are searching for the perfect canine companion, dogs with mixed ancestry may offer the perfect blend of charm and cuteness that you need. After all, just like the purebreds, they deserve love, too.

Often called crossbreeds or designer dogs, these wonderful mixes represent the majority of the world’s dog population. As a matter of fact, they make up 53% of all dogs in the United States.

If you are still wondering if you should get one, know that mixed breed dogs are now welcome to the AKC family and have taken the spotlight in dog history.

Best Mixed Breed Dogs for Families: Why They Make Great Pals

Mixed breeds are often assumed to have some advantages over purebred dogs.

In terms of fitness, studies show that they have improved health and lower susceptibility to diseases because of much higher genetic variation.

Since they are less likely to suffer from inherited ailments, adult mixed-breed dogs get to live longer than purebreds.

Another reason why crossbreeds are better is that they are sold at lower prices compared to purebred dogs. Still, they don’t come cheap since the process of mixing breeds ends up being expensive.

Furthermore, these dogs are considered to be more intelligent than their purebred counterparts.

And on top of being wonderful companions, these designer breeds are undeniably adorable.

RELATED: Most Expensive Mixed Breed Dogs

Our Top Picks of Best Mixed Breed Dogs for Families

We understand that you are searching for the perfect fur baby for your home. To help you choose which breed it will be, we’ve compiled our top picks for mixed-breed dogs you’ll fall in love with.

Corgidor (Corgi + Labrador Retriever)

Some would say that breeders developed the Corgidor dog breed in the early 1990s to combine the best features of the Corgi and the ever-popular Labrador Retriever.

Although purposely bred to help out on cattle farms, it proved to be an ideal addition to the family as it is gentle for just about all ages and personalities.

This designer breed showers children with attention and affection.

Easygoing and lively, Corgidors thrive on family outings and will certainly be up for hiking. They may be sociable and not inclined to bark but are loyal to the household and make excellent watchdogs.

Labsky (Labrador Retriever + Siberian Husky)

Another offspring of the Labrador Retriever is the Labsky dog breed that came to be after crossbreeding with a Siberian Husky.

It is a darling fur baby that makes a devoted family pet. This mixed breed is usually very easy to train and quick to learn new commands.

Labskies are exceptionally active and love play sessions. With high energy levels, they thrive on long walks and will always be up to exploring the great outdoors.

Goberian (Golden Retriever + Siberian Husky)

Aside from the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is another most beloved breed in America. When combined with the Husky, the Goberian dog breed was created.

It is renowned for its good temperament and devotion to the family. This crossbreed likes to be around people but will let you know when strangers approach.

Highly active, Goberians love to go hiking, jogging, and playing for extended sessions. Such lively dogs are not fit for apartment dwellers.

Chiweenie (Chihuahua + Dachshund)

Breeders designed the Chiweenie dog breed by mixing Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. They wanted to minimize the back problems that affect Dachshunds with their long bodies.

It makes a great watchdog that will surely alert you to any potential dangers. Since it tends to be yappy, this designer breed will do best with early training to curb unwanted barking.

Chiweenies can get along with other family members but may latch on to one specific owner to demand attention. They may be suited to one-person homes or smaller families.

Chug (Chihuahua + Pug)

The Chug dog breed also comes from the purebred Chihuahua but is combined with a Pug.

Contrary to its small size, this mixed breed thinks of itself as a large dog and will act as such. It may prefer to be with older kids who know how to play gently as it gets injured easily.

Chugs can be goofy, like the Pug parent who wants to run around and be extra cuddly. They can also be feisty and territorial, which is known about the Chihuahua, making them a great candidate as guard dogs.

Shorkie (Shih Tzu + Yorkshire Terrier)

In the 2000s, breeders purposely mixed the Shih Tzu with Yorkshire Terrier in the US to develop the Shorkie dog breed.

It goes by the names Shorkie Tzu, Yorkie Tzu, and sometimes Shih Tzu-Yorkie mix.

This crossbreed was bred to function as the ultimate canine companion for being cuddly yet fiercely loyal to the whole family.

Shorkies cherish nothing more than the love of their human. They are spunky and energetic furry friends who ideally grow up to be a happy balance of both purebred parents.

Morkie (Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier)

Another offspring of the Yorkshire Terrier is the Morkie dog breed that came to be in the late 1990s likely in North America after crossbreeding with a Maltese.

Breeders wanted to create a friendly and affectionate lapdog with a low amount of shedding, which gives them more reason to be on the list of best mixed breed dogs for families.

Although it doesn’t shed much, this designer breed is not considered to be hypoallergenic.

With their small size, Morkies make excellent apartment pets and thrive in small or single-person households.

They are yappy tiny pups who enjoy play sessions as much as curling up on your lap.

Beabull (Beagle + English Bulldog)

In North America, the Beagle was purposely mixed with the English Bulldog likely twenty years or so ago to develop the Beabull dog breed.

Breeders wanted to elongate the muzzle of the English Bulldog to eliminate its breathing problems.

It is vocal like the Beagle parents' tendency to howl. With that being said, this mixed breed will alertly guard their homes for intruders.

Beabulls tend to get bursts of energy to burn off. They can adapt to both apartment living or homes with backyards to run in.

Valley Bulldog (English Bulldog + Boxer)

The Valley Bulldog dog breed also comes from the purebred English Bulldog but is combined with a Boxer.

Originating in Nova Scotia, Canada, breeders designed the breed to create an active, friendly crossbreed.

Known to be an ideal mixed breed dog for families, it is medium in size making it a great apartment dog and does well with large families.

Valley Bulldogs love kids and tolerate active children very well. You can trust them to behave properly in the presence of infants and toddlers, but may accidentally knock them down in play.

Cockalier (Cocker Spaniel + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

Not much is known about the Cockalier dog breed since it is a fairly new breed.

As a combination of the English Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it is friendly and loyal.

This designer breed is an affectionate pooch who quickly forms lifelong bonds with any human.

Cockaliers do great with novice owners as they are gentle and easy to train. They can adapt to living in smaller spaces as long as enough exercise is provided.

Chilier (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Chihuahua)

Another offspring of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the Chilier dog breed that came to be after crossbreeding with a Chihuahua.

Also known as Cavachi, it is a people-focused dog that loves to bond with family members. This mixed breed has proved itself to be loving towards the humans in its life.

Due to the Chihuahua heritage, Chiliers often have a strong independent streak that may result in the dogs being harder to train.

Pomsky (Pomeranian + Siberian Husky)

The Pomsky dog breed is the offspring of the Siberian Husky and Pomeranian parents. It was just recently created through artificial insemination.

This crossbreed wants to be the center of attention using its adorable and amusing looks.

Pomskies are fairly suited to apartment living. They don't require large space making them highly adaptable.

Aussiepom (Australian Shepherd + Pomeranian)

The Aussiepom dog breed also comes from the purebred Pomeranian but is combined with the Australian Shepherd.

You can expect it to be high in energy since both parents are active. This designer breed makes a great companion for individuals or families with older children.

Although not likely to be territorial, Aussiepoms are loyal to guard and protect their humans.

You may have heard of Poodle crossbreeds since they are the most popular today.

So, to complete the list of the best mixed breed dogs for families, we’ve included Poodle mixes as they are considered to be highly intelligent and hypoallergenic.

The Poodle is the second smartest dog breed, so it is one of the most popular purebred parents to use in creating new breeds.

Thanks to the low-shedding coat, you wouldn’t have to worry about allergic reactions when cuddling and smooching with Doodles.

Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle)

The Schnoodle dog breed is still quite relatively new and was created by mixing with the Schnauzer.

It is friendly and quite active to keep owners entertained with any activity. This crossbreed has proven itself to do well in agility and as a therapy dog.

Schnoodles can adapt to any living situation and lifestyle. This means they can live in houses with or without backyards and apartments.

Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier + Poodle)

Like many Poodle crossbreeds, the Whoodle dog breed was likely developed around the 1980s by mixing with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.

It has lots of energy to spend for a dedicated owner to keep up. This mixed breed is one frisky pup who is up for fun-filled play sessions.

Whoodles make great buddies to children and have no problem keeping up with hyper kids.

They will nearly join any family activity, making it an amazing pet for active families and an easygoing companion for almost any situation.

Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)

Fun-loving and affectionate, the Maltipoo dog breed is a popular cross with the Maltese.

It is a charming pooch that would make a great choice for novice and timid fur parents. This designer breed is easy to train and learns quickly.

Maltipoos enjoy play sessions as much as they cherish cuddles. They crave human interaction and may develop separation anxiety when left alone.

Shih-poo (Shih Tzu + Poodle)

The snuggly Shih-poo dog breed was initially developed in North America by mixing with the Shih Tzu.

It can thrive in almost any kind of home. Although it is an adorable companion for everyone, this crossbreed would be an ideal match for the elderly.

Shih-poos enjoy getting attention and interacting with their family members. They are happy to engage in plays or take a snooze and hang out on their owners’ laps.

Poochon (Bichon Frise + Poodle)

Also called Bichpoo or Bichon Poo, the Poochon dog breed was designed in the late 1990s in Australia by mixing with a Bichon Frise.

It loves to make great companions for large, active families. This mixed breed has a strong social nature, and so it takes pleasure in being around people and other pets.

Cuddly and playful, Poochons are on the go for play sessions, games, and outdoor walks. They may be lively, but these pups also enjoy napping on the couch.

RELATED: Poodle Doodle Doo! The 10 Best Poodle Mixes

FAQs about Best Mixed Breed Dogs for Families

What is the best mixed breed dog for kids?

The Goldendoodle dog breed is a combination of the Poodle and a Golden Retriever.  It is highly patient with kids and naturally careful with infants and toddlers.

Which mixed breed dog is the best?

The Cavachon dog breed has a happy personality and takes pleasure in cuddling. Compact and full of fun, it makes friends with everyone.

Which mixed breed dog is best for first-time owners?

The Cockapoo dog breed is delightful and easy to care for novice and timid owners. It has a sweet disposition and happy personality that makes it a great therapy dog.

Best Mixed Breed Dogs for Families: Final Thoughts

All dogs deserve a loving family. So, how about giving mixed breed dogs a chance?

The desire for crossbreeds encourages breeders to meet demand, leaving dogs without homes.

Although they’ve gained popularity, you may find designer breeds in shelters and rescue groups in need of fostering.

So, consider adopting instead of shopping if you want to bring a dog home. If you really prefer buying, you may visit reputable breeders rather than supporting puppy mills.

Decide whether you can commit to the lifetime of these animals. Know what you are getting into because you may find yourself unprepared for the responsibility of owning a dog.

READ NEXT: Best Crossbreed Dogs for Kids