Small mixed dog breeds are stealing hearts—and for good reason. These pint-sized pups offer a delightful blend of charm, adaptability, and diverse personalities. Unlike purebred dogs, which often come with predictable traits, small mixed breeds bring the excitement of surprise: a unique combination of looks, temperament, and quirks from their parent breeds. Whether you’re drawn to playful bundles of energy or calm lap companions, there’s a small mixed dog that fits just right into your lifestyle.
Designer crossbreeds like Yorkipoos, Pomskies, or Chiweenies have become especially popular, thanks to their adorable names and sometimes hypoallergenic traits. These hybrids are often created to balance the best features of two breeds, like the intelligence of a Poodle with the affectionate nature of a Shih Tzu. However, it’s important to remember that with mixed breeds, characteristics can vary, even within the same litter.
Whether you’re adopting from a shelter or looking into a specific hybrid, small mixed dog breeds bring endless variety and joy. They’re compact, loving, and often full of personality, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
Small Mixed Dog Breeds
1. Pomchi
A charming blend of two tiny but bold breeds, the Pomchi is a hybrid of the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua. Often referred to by other names like Chi-Pom, Pomahuahua, or Chimeranian, the Pomchi is best known for packing a lot of personality into a very small frame.
Weighing between 3 to 7 pounds and standing just 6 to 9 inches tall, these petite pups are fun-loving and ideal for apartment living. PetMD states that Pomchis have thick double coats, a distinctive feathered tail, and a lively, energetic nature. Despite their size, Pomchis can be fiercely loyal, making them not only affectionate companions but also surprisingly alert watchdogs.
Temperament
Pomchis are known for their lively, affectionate, and occasionally sassy temperament. They form strong bonds with their humans and thrive on attention, often enjoying lap time and cuddles. These hybrids are intelligent and responsive to training, but keeping them engaged is key—they may lose interest if sessions aren’t fun.
While their small size makes them ideal for city life, they do best with early socialization and firm yet positive leadership. Their tendency to bark can be curbed with proper training, helping to shape them into well-rounded companions.
Fact: Despite their compact size, Pomchis often believe they’re much bigger than they are, making them confident and bold in any environment.
2. Morkie
A charming hybrid of the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier, the Morkie—also known as the Morkshire Terrier—is a petite companion dog weighing under 7 pounds and standing about 6 to 8 inches tall. Purina notes that the Morkie is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, thanks to its affectionate temperament and soft, fluffy appearance.
This crossbreed inherits the silky, often white or tan coat of its Maltese parent and the lively spirit of the Yorkie, making them eye-catching and full of personality. Morkies typically live between 11 to 15 years and require daily grooming to maintain their luscious locks.
Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living, though they do best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and care.
Temperament
Morkies are spirited yet loving, blending the boldness of a terrier with the affectionate nature of a lap dog. They form strong attachments to their pet parents and thrive on companionship. Despite their size, Morkies are alert and confident, sometimes displaying a watchdog instinct. They do well with consistent training and enjoy moderate daily activity.
Fun Fact: The Morkie isn’t an officially recognized breed but is adored for its designer-dog appeal and adaptable personality.
3. Poochon
The Poochon, also known as Bichpoo or Bichon Poodle, is an adorable hybrid of the Bichon Frise and either a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This small designer breed typically weighs between 6 to 17 pounds and stands about 9 to 15 inches tall.
Poochons have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years and are known for their soft, curly, low-shedding coats that come in a variety of colors. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, many are considered hypoallergenic. Though they’re categorized as designer dogs, Poochons are often available in shelters and rescue groups, especially those dedicated to either parent breed.
Temperament
These small dog breeds are intelligent, lively, and affectionate companions. They thrive on human interaction and adapt well to both families and singles. With a playful and sociable personality, they get along well with children and other pets.
Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make training relatively easy, but early socialization helps reduce potential barking tendencies. They do best in environments where they receive consistent mental stimulation and attention.
Fact: Despite their designer breed label, Poochons are frequently found in rescue shelters waiting to join loving homes.
4. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle, a delightful hybrid of the Schnauzer and the Poodle, is a popular mixed breed known for its charm and intelligence. Since both parent breeds come in a variety of sizes—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—Schnoodles can vary in stature too.
Typically, Miniature Schnoodles weigh between 10 to 20 pounds and stand 12 to 15 inches tall. This breed is recognized in three sizes by the American Canine Hybrid Club: Giant, Standard, and Miniature.
Initially developed to combine the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat with the Schnauzer’s loyalty and robustness, Schnoodles have become a favorite among families and singles alike. Their low-shedding coats and adaptable energy levels make them excellent for both apartments and houses.
Temperament
Schnoodles are affectionate, bright, and energetic companions. Their intelligence often means they’re easy to train, though they can also show a mischievous streak. These dogs thrive on companionship and are known to form strong bonds with their owners.
Though usually friendly, they may bark frequently, especially when alerted to unfamiliar sounds. With a lively spirit and adaptable temperament, Schnoodles make excellent pets for both first-time and experienced dog owners.
Fun Fact: Despite their playful side, Schnoodles inherit a strong sense of loyalty from both parents and can serve as surprisingly effective watchdogs.
5. Bugg
The Bugg, also known as the Pugin, is a charming cross between the Boston Terrier and the Pug. Compact yet full of personality, this hybrid breed typically weighs under 25 pounds, making it a perfect choice for apartment living or smaller households.
Its unique appearance—a mix of the Pug’s rounded features and the Boston Terrier’s expressive face—adds to its appeal. Buggs are known for their adaptability, moderate energy levels, and love for cuddles, which make them well-suited for families, seniors, and first-time dog owners alike.
Though they are not officially part of a breed group due to their mixed heritage, they inherit the companionable nature of both parent breeds. With an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, they offer long-term companionship filled with love and loyalty.
Temperament
Buggs are affectionate and spunky companions with a strong bond to their families. They thrive on attention and are known for their playful and sometimes mischievous antics.
While they are generally gentle, early socialization helps curb any territorial tendencies inherited from the Boston Terrier. With the right training, Buggs blossom into adaptable, loyal pets with moderate exercise needs and an endearing personality.
Fact: Buggs are loved for their clownish appearance and are known to be great lap dogs with a tendency to snore adorably.
6. Jack Chi
A cross between the energetic Jack Russell Terrier and the charming Chihuahua, the Jack Chi is a petite hybrid with a big personality. Developed in the 1980s and 1990s, this mix embodies the best of both parent breeds: boldness, affection, and high spirits.
Typically standing 10 to 15 inches tall and weighing between 8 and 18 pounds, the Jack Chi has a compact frame, alert eyes, and a confident stance. Their appearance varies, with some inheriting the rounder face of the Chihuahua, while others exhibit the leaner look of the Jack Russell.
With a lifespan of around 13 to 18 years, they are a long-term companion for any household. Although not recognized by major kennel clubs, Jack Chis are admired for their blend of charm and spunk.
Temperament
Jack Chis are playful and full of zest. These affectionate dogs bond closely with their families, including children and other pets. Adaptable and alert, they thrive on daily walks and interactive play.
While they can be snuggly lap dogs, their moderate energy levels mean they need regular stimulation to avoid boredom. Early socialization and positive reinforcement help manage their occasional stubbornness.
Fun Fact: Despite their size, Jack Chis have the confidence and enthusiasm of much larger breeds.
7. Dorkie
The Dorkie is an adorable hybrid created from the Yorkshire Terrier and the Dachshund. Dorkies are relaxed and easygoing dogs, rarely anxious or easily distressed.
Originating in the 1990s, this mix combines the elegance of the Yorkie with the elongated body of the Dachshund. Typically standing around 7 inches tall and weighing close to 8 pounds, these calm dogs feature long, silky fur that often comes in shades of black and tan or brown.
Their distinctive appearance includes floppy ears, a compact head, short legs, and a medium-to-long furry tail. With a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years, they are prone to some skin and eye issues and benefit from routine vet visits.
Temperament
These mixed-breed dogs are calm, affectionate, and undeniably cuddly. As lap dogs, they prefer lounging over high-energy play, though they do enjoy occasional spurts of activity.
Their gentle disposition makes them well-suited for families, and they generally get along with other pets and children, though supervision is advised due to their small size. Loyal and eager to bond, they crave attention and human interaction.
Fact: The Yorkie, one of the Dorkie’s parent breeds, played a heroic role in WWII—Smoky, a Yorkie, earned eight battle stars for his service and bravery.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right companion, small mixed dog breeds shine with charm, adaptability, and personality-packed appeal. These little guys often combine the best of both parent breeds, offering unique temperaments, manageable sizes, and diverse coat types—from the silky coat of a Maltipoo to the scruffy charisma of a Cairn Terrier mix. Whether you want a lap-loving toy breed or a lively explorer, there’s a perfect mix out there. Even other breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel contribute wonderfully, bringing friendliness and affection in their packages.
Mixed breeds can also offer practical advantages, like minimal grooming, better health diversity, and more personalized traits. If you’re considering adopting, check your local reputable shelter for a one-of-a-kind furry friend. You may find an Italian Greyhound mix with elegance or a Standard Poodle cross with intelligence. And remember, other dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Siberian Husky, or even German Shepherd can surprise you with their presence, which are just as loyal and lovable.
