Crossbreed dogs are selectively bred between two or more recognized dog breeds. The trend started in the late 20th century when breeders began crossing purebred poodles with other purebred dogs to obtain the poodles’ hypoallergenic coat and traits from the other dog’s breed. While the puppies resulting from a mix of purebred dogs will have characteristics of both breeds, there is no uniform standard appearance for the puppies of a particular mix of purebreds. This has resulted in a wide range of different appearances in puppies, ranging from the cute to the comical. Crossbreeds are called by a portmanteau word, which is composed of parts of the parents’ purebred breed names, leading to an endless range and complexity of names.
- Pitsky – Pit Bull and Husky
The Pitsky brings together the resilience and gaminess of the powerful American pit bull with the pulling-power of the (Siberian or Alaskan) Husky. This cross combines the chiseled muscle of the former, with the intelligence and wolf-like appearance of the latter. It gives the Pit Bull a softer and more feathered appearance due to the longer haired Husky genes. It does, in all honesty, make for a rather odd combination in terms of appearance. However, this is a hardy dog, which is reputed not to bark much, and which makes for a good family pet, being both playful and gentle mannered. With such an athletic and strong build, it should come as no surprise that this dog needs at least two hours’ exercise in order to stay fit and healthy, and more importantly to make good and constructive use of its great reserve of energy.
- Schörgi: Corgi and Sheltie
A difficult portmanteau name to pronounce for a stout shepherd dog, which lies low to the ground. This crossbreed combines the Corgi and the Shetland Sheepdog, making for a loyal, intelligent, alert, and active dog. This cross-breed has a pleasing temperament and while it can be a great companion pet, it needs to be kept busy. Intelligent and obedient, this cross-breed seeks to please its human. With such headstrong herding genes from both parents, this dog certainly needs a gentle but confident and consistent pack leader to direct them towards appropriate behavior. It is recommended that the Schörgi is well trained and socialized before putting him into contact with young children, due to the tendency to herd. We’re still not sure how sensible it is to selectively breed a sheep dog that will be challenged when running due to being so close to the ground – but still, the Schörgi’s lovely temperament and gentle nature will help it overcome this hurdle!
- Golden Husky – Golden Retriever and Husky
The Golden Husky brings together the genetic pool of the all-time family favorite Golden Retriever and the independent, smart Siberian Husky. This cross-breed looks like a fluffy Husky in an exaggerated soft-toy version, with the soft, feathered fur of the Golden Retriever clothing the Husky physique. This is a friendly and intelligent dog, who loves to be engaged in play with its humans, and goof around (we’re thinking that this trait comes more from the Retriever gene.
- Bullpug – English Bulldog and Pug
Did breeders need to bring these two together? The bulldog is reputedly not the smartest tool in the doggie shed, however, owners generally wax lyrical about the gentle goofiness of these stout dogs. The pug, on the other hand, is a smart mini mastiff, whose ego is unaware of and unaltered by its downsized appearance. Both breeds come from hardy, stout stock and combine the traits of the gentle giant bull dog with the more demanding and affectionate pug. Most of the dogs from this cross breeds turn out with the cute innocent-looking pug face with a brachycephalic muzzle and a stout build which is better formed and leaner than that of the bull dog.
- Chusky – Chow Chow and Husky
You see this cross-breed and immediately think: massive furry soft toy. But no… it’s actually a live dog, which has come about through the combined genetic pool of the Chow Chow and the Husky. This dog’s hefty bear-like appearance betrays the fact that it is both active and playful. This cross-breed is both intelligent and active, and therefore requires plenty of exercise (in lieu of work). With both parent breeds being pretty independent and headstrong, the Chusky needs a firm hand to set the rules and a clear alpha pack leader. Additionally, some extra grooming time may be required in order to maintain the long coat.
- Horgi – Husky and Corgi
This cross between the Corgi and Husky is known as Horgi or Siborgi (if the Corgi is crossed with the Siberian Husky). The Horgi brings together the best traits of both breeds, including a docile temperament. This is another intelligent dog which requires consistent and firm training. The more intelligent the dog, the more you will need to set boundaries. Being both active and alert, the Horgi needs an outlet for its exuberance. Appropriate socialization under a watchful eye, especially around children, is strongly recommended as this crossbreed can have herding tendencies. Fun and loyal, this dog looks like a fun-sized version of a chunkily-built husky, which is low on the ground.
- Yorkipoo – Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle
This mix of Yorkshire terrier and Miniature Poodle is known by a variety of names, including the Yorkipoo, the Yo-Yopoo and the Yorkiedoodle. This crossbreed was originally produced to generate a toy dog with a hypoallergenic coat and free from genetic disorders. The fun-loving and people pleasing nature of this crossbreed can be credited for its fast rise in popularity. Yorkipoos are small but confident dogs, possessing great energy and a capacity for great attachment to their owners. Depending on which parent gene is stronger in the particular dog, different colored coats and a variety of markings, with straight or curly fur, can result. These small dogs make for excellent companion pets and family dogs (once they are suitably trained).
- Sheporgi – Corgi and German Shepherd
This is another curious Corgi cross-breed, which brings together the Queen’s favorite breed, with the German Shepherd. This crossbreed is known as Sheporgi or Corman Shepherd and pretty much looks like a small-sized German Shepherd which is low on the ground. This particular genetic mix makes for a dog which is intelligent, bold, clever and active, with strong herding tendencies. The German Shepherd genes mean that this crossbreed needs plenty of exercise. It is reputed to be a good watch and guard dog, and also a good playmate for children.
- Chug – Pug and Chihuahua
The crossbreed resulting from the mix of the Pug and the Chihuahua is known as the Chug and also (even) more comically as the Pughuahua. The dog is cuter looking than the Pug and has a stouter build than the Chihuahua, without the barrel-like body of the Pug. This is a smart and alert dog, which is keen to please his humans and engage in play. Due to the Chihuahua genes for a lithe build, this crossbreed is able to run and be active and explore in ways that are not usually possible for Pugs
If the Chihuahua genes are stronger, in a particular dog, the muzzle is usually not as pushed in as that of the pug, which also helps this hybrid breathe easier. Since both breeds have a very well-established ego (and we’re being very diplomatic here) this dog can be overconfident and boisterous.
If the Pug genes are stronger, the dog can suffer from breathing issues, be lethargic and may over-eat (leading to weight issues).
- Dalcorgi – Corgi and Dalmatian
Picture a corgi with shorter feathered fur, now only covered in black patches on a white background. This is what you get when you cross a Dalmatian with a Corgi. This is a sweet dog, which retains a small and manageable size, with the shape of the Corgi and the stand-out looks of the Dalmatian.
This crossbreed is friendly and enthusiastic, making for a great family pet. Playful and good with children, this dog is charming and playful, wanting to use up his high energy levels by being part of all family activities. The Dalcorgi needs attention, companionship and training – also because it is highly intelligent and needs to be socialized and taught appropriate behavior.
