List of Small Crossbreed Dogs

Designer or hybrid dog breeds are popping up everywhere. A crossbreed often begins as an accidental mating between purebred dogs, but may produce such positive characteristics that aficionados begin breeding programs to reproduce a new breed of dog. Many breeders believe that crossbreeding results in a healthier dog because of the dilution of breed-specific genetic traits. While most of these crossbreeds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, there are still fans and clubs dedicated to these breeds.

  1. The Puggle

    • Puggles are created from breeding a pug to a beagle, and have become a very popular crossbreed due to their personality and looks. These sturdy little dogs often resemble small boxers with their thick body, short and smooth fawn coat, black mask, wrinkled forehead and droopy ears. The puggle weighs between 15 and 30 pounds, and is approximately 10 to 15 inches tall. The puggle first came on the scene in the 1980s. As of 2010, the puggle is the most popular crossbreed of dog in the designer dog classification.

    Cockapoo

    • A mating between the cocker spaniel and the poodle has produced the cockapoo, a popular, small crossbred dog that weighs between 20 and 24 pounds and has been around since the 1950s. This crossbreed has been around so long that many Cockapoos now are bred from male and female Cockapoos instead of the crossbreeding of the parent breeds. Cockapoo breeders believe this crossbreed produces a better family pet than either their parent breeds. Cockapoos are considered intelligent and loyal and have a hypoallergenic coat with little dander or shedding.

    The Dorkie

    • While the name might sound like a dog who looks like a geek, a dorkie is a small crossbreed of dachshund and a Yorkshire terrier. Dorkie lovers like this dog for its playful temperament and affectionate nature. Their very small size makes them easy to carry around. Dorkies have a short, dense and smooth coat. There is also a long-haired version as well as a wire-haired crossbreed. Dorkies are a recognized dog in the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dog Kennel Club, and are known as dorkie terriers in the International Designer Canine Registry.

    The Cavachon

    • Cavachons are a hybrid mix between a bichon-frise and a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. This breeding produces a dog in toy size, which weighs between 7 and 10 pounds, and standard size, which weighs from 15 to 25 pounds. A cavachon's coat can be fluffy, curly, white and caramel colored and should be brushed weekly. This breed has minimal shedding and is an ideal choice for those who suffer from allergies.