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Mixed dogs are crossbreeds that make up the hybrid dogs, the ‘designer’ dogs, and the mutt!
Mixed dogs consist of many different types of dogs. As most of these are not recognized purebreds, they are not considered ‘breeds’, However some of the hybrid dogs and the designer dogs, are breeds in the making.
Though a large majority of the hybrid dogs and designer dogs may not yet qualify for dog registries, many are favored as family pets. Those that are recognized by registries have a strongly demonstrated interest, and breeding activity going on. When a registry sees that there is a serious and expanding breeding effort, these dogs may be admitted as new ‘breeds’ into a miscellaneous group.
Many varieties of mixed dogs are found in shelters and rescues. Some of the most common varieties found in shelters throughout the United States are hunting dog mixes, especially Labrador and Golden Retriever mixes. Many also have Dachshunds, German Shepherds, and Poodles mixed in.
Mixed Dog Backgrounds
For hundreds of years dogs have been cross bred. Through direct human intervention, dogs breeds were developed as service animals to be used for a variety of purposes. Hunting, herding, guarding, drafting, and companionship were some of the primary services dogs were developed for. Without the aid of dogs, people throughout the world would have been hard put to work or even survive. Cross breeding dogs results in Hybrids, those mixex that are now coined as Designer Dogs, and of course the Mutt.
Mixed Dog Breeds
1. Purebreds
Dog breeds that are recognized by a registry are known as purebreds. A purebred dog is an established breed that was developed for particular traits. Then that dog itself was bred, over many generations, to breed true to its type. This means that the puppies will look like and have the same temperament and characteristics as each other, or any other puppies resulting from this breeding.
Registries have been established that provide written standards for each purebred and breeders are expected to follow these standards. To keep these bloodlines pure, breeders use genetic testing. This is to insure the lines stay strong, and do not become too thin. When you obtain a purebred dog, you know what your are getting.
2. Designer Dogs
A ‘designer’ dog is the term applied to a dog that is the result of cross breeding two purebred dogs. The purebred ancestry is then documented by the breeder to identify for sure what it is. When a registries recognizes an interest and activity in producing a new type of ‘breed’, it may be admitted into a miscellaneous class. These dogs may also be allowed to compete in obedience trials and conformation shows.
3. Hybrids
A ‘hybrid’ is a mix of more than one purebred. But being a hybrid does not constitute being a breed. When two different purebred dogs are bred together, the puppies of mixed breeds can have any combination of the characteristics found in either parent breed.
4. Mutt
A ‘mutt’ is mixed dog of uncertain ancestry.
Popular Mixed Dogs
Mixed dogs can often make very good pets. It is always hard to say what breeds are in a mix, and which traits will dominate. For those traits that are apparent, they are often not as dominant as they are in their parentage. Consequently mixed dogs, including the mutt, can often be a more rounded companion than many of the purebred dogs.
There are many mixed dogs, but a large number of them are Labrador mixed breeds. Labradors are loyal, affectionate, well rounded and active dogs. One of the most popular of these mixes is a Golden Labrador, a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix.
Other popular mixes that people are fascinated with are the Poodle mixed breeds. Poodles are very intelligent and have minimal shedding. Not surprising is a highly favored Designer dog, the Labradoodle, which is a cross between the Labrador and the Poodle.
A lot of favorite dog breeds that are becoming favorites in mixed dogs. Just of few there of these are the Schnauzer, Chihuahua, Pug, Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Papillon, and the Bichon Frise.
Some of the favorite Designer Dogs from these include:
- Schnoodle (Poodle/ Schnauzer)
- Chug or Pugwawa (Chihuahua/Pug)
- Chion (Chihuahua/Papillon)
- Chorky (Chihuahua/Yorkie)
- Shih-Poo (ShihTzu/Poodle)
- Shih-Shon (ShihTzu/BichonFrise)
Dog Care Tips for Mixed Dogs
Mixed dogs are available in so many varieties, that it is best to know something about their parents if possible. Then learning about the traits of the parents will give you the guidance you need for knowing what characteristics and behaviors you dog my demonstrate. It will also give you a good idea of what you dog will need for proper care, housing, and exercise. Mixed dogs will benefit from good socialization and training.
Featured Image Credit: Josh Borup, Pixabay
