What happens when you blend the friendliness of a Golden Retriever with the intelligence of a Poodle? Or the spunk of a Yorkshire Terrier with the charm of a Maltese? You get a designer dog—a hybrid breed created with care to combine the best of both parents.
Over the years, designer breeds have exploded in popularity, becoming household names and highly requested companions. And it’s easy to see why.
With lovable temperaments, often low-shedding coats, and ideal sizes for family life or apartment living, these hybrids bring together looks and livability. They’ve become more than a trend. They’re a new chapter in pet ownership.
Curious which mixes stand above the rest? Below, you’ll find the most popular designer dog breeds capturing attention for all the right reasons.
Most Popular “Designer” Dog Breeds
1. Cavachon
Cavachons are a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise, bred for their affectionate nature and soft, wavy coat. They usually weigh between 15 to 20 pounds, making them ideal for apartment living and easy travel. Their adaptable nature keeps them cheerful in both active and quiet homes.
Coat and Compatibility
Their low-shedding coat is a major reason allergy-conscious owners seek them out. Cavachons tend to get along well with children, seniors, and even other pets when socialized early. This friendliness is one of their most desirable traits and adds to their reputation as family dogs.
Gentle Temperament
They are easygoing dogs who rarely show signs of aggression or stubbornness. Cavachons thrive on companionship and often stay close to their owners without being overly needy. Their balanced personality makes them suitable for first-time dog owners as well.
Rising Popularity as Designer Puppies
Cavachons have become one of the most sought-after designer puppies for their manageable size, sweet demeanor, and appealing appearance. Their big, round eyes and soft features often draw immediate attention. These consistent qualities have made them a favorite in modern hybrid breeding.
2. Puggle
The Puggle is a mix between a Pug and a Beagle, combining compact size with lively energy. They typically weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and often inherit the Beagle’s longer snout, which can reduce breathing issues seen in Pugs. Their appearance varies slightly depending on which parent traits are more dominant.
Friendly Temperament with Energy to Spare
These dogs are social, alert, and enjoy being part of any activity, from family walks to indoor playtime. Their curiosity and love for sniffing come from the Beagle side, while their affectionate streak often reflects their Pug roots. Puggles can be vocal, but early training helps manage that trait.
Cross of Two Dogs with Contrast
Breeding two dogs with such different temperaments brings a mix of independence and affection. They’re playful without being overly demanding and generally adapt well to busy households. Their sociable personality makes them popular with children and other pets.
Blending Qualities of Different Breeds
Puggles gained popularity as designer dogs for offering the best of two worlds in one compact companion. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they typically don’t inherit extreme health risks. Owners often appreciate their expressive faces and lively behavior.
3. Pomsky
Pomskies are a cross between two breeds — the Siberian Husky and Pomeranian — selectively bred for their small size and bold appearance. Their thick double coat and vivid eye color give them a foxlike charm that stands out in designer breed circles. Adult Pomskies typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.
High Energy in a Smaller Frame
This breed has inherited the energetic drive of a Husky, often needing regular playtime and stimulation. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but also a bit mischievous when bored. Early training is advised by breeders who note their occasional stubborn streak.
Strong Attachment and Communication
Pomskies often form a deep bond with their human family members and enjoy being involved in daily routines. They may vocalize frequently using howls, yips, or chirps to communicate. Some breeders consider them expressive and emotionally in tune with household moods.
Popularity Among Designer Dog Breeders
Due to their photogenic look and bold personality, Pomskies have quickly gained traction with modern breeders. They’re considered one of the most marketable crossbreeds due to their mix of cuteness and confidence. Demand remains high, especially for smaller-sized litters.
4. Pomapoo
The Pomapoo is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Toy Poodle, known for its compact build and animated expressions. They typically weigh between 5 to 15 pounds, making them well-suited for indoor living and small homes. Their energy level stays manageable with short bursts of play.
Coat Variety and Appeal
Their coat can range from curly like a Poodle’s to straighter like a Pomeranian’s, often soft and low-shedding. Pomapoos come in a range of colors, which adds to their visual appeal. They may require regular brushing to avoid tangling and matting.
Bright Minds with Playful Instincts
This breed tends to be intelligent and quick to respond to training, especially when positive reinforcement is used. They often pick up small tricks and love attention from their humans. The Pomapoo’s playful side adds to its popularity among families and singles alike.
One of the Most Adaptable Mixed Breeds
Among today’s mixed breeds, Pomapoos stand out for their combination of intelligence, size, and affection. Their ability to adjust to a variety of household settings makes them easy to live with. Many owners value their loyal, people-focused temperament.
5. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, created to combine friendliness with intelligence. They are known for their affectionate, social nature and love being part of family activities. Most enjoy interactive play and respond well to human emotions and tone.
Coat and Care Considerations
Their coat can vary from wavy to curly, and regular grooming is necessary to keep it healthy. Goldendoodles are often bred to be low-shedding, though results can differ between generations. Many are chosen for families with mild allergies due to this trait.
Trainability and Behavior
They are generally eager to learn and perform well in obedience training with positive reinforcement. Their Poodle heritage contributes to their high learning ability, while the Golden side adds a cooperative, easygoing nature. This combination suits first-time and experienced owners alike.
Size and Lifestyle Fit
Goldendoodles range from miniature to standard sizes, depending on the type of Poodle used in breeding. They usually require moderate daily activity to stay mentally and physically balanced. Their adaptable personality fits well in both urban and suburban homes.
6. Lhasapoo
The Lhasapoo is a mix between the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle, often bred to combine the low-shedding coat and alert temperament of both parents. Most Lhasapoos weigh under 20 pounds and comfortably fit into small homes or apartments. Their calm indoor behavior makes them a suitable match for quieter lifestyles.
Coat Texture and Grooming Needs
This breed typically has a wavy or curly coat that benefits from regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks. Their coat is known to shed less, which many owners find manageable with a set routine. Some Lhasapoos also inherit the Poodle’s coat density, which helps with allergy concerns.
Loyal but Not Demanding
They form close bonds with their primary caretakers but are usually fine spending short periods alone. Lhasapoos tend to be more reserved with strangers while remaining affectionate and playful with family. Their quiet alertness also makes them sensitive to changes in their environment.
Adaptable Personality Mix
This crossbreed often balances the Poodle’s intelligence with the Lhasa Apso’s independent streak. With consistent routines, they respond well to training and gentle guidance. Their personality can vary slightly based on which parent breed they take after more strongly.
7. Saint Berdoodle
The Saint Berdoodle is a cross between the Saint Bernard and the Poodle, often reaching 70 to 160 pounds in adulthood. Despite their size, they are famously gentle and often described as “lap dogs” at heart. Their calm, affectionate nature makes them popular among families with space.
Hypoallergenic Potential with Fluff
Depending on the Poodle parent’s influence, some Saint Berdoodles inherit a low-shedding coat that’s more manageable for allergy-sensitive homes. Their fur is typically thick and wavy, requiring regular grooming. Their appearance is often what draws initial attention during adoption searches.
Patience in a Playful Frame
They are known for their patience, especially with children, and respond well to calm, positive training methods. Saint Berdoodles enjoy being involved in family routines and often follow their humans from room to room. Their loyalty stands out among large companion breeds.
Energy Balanced by Mellow Temperament
They benefit from daily walks and moderate activity but tend to be relaxed indoors. Their energy levels are balanced, making them fit well in homes that aren’t highly active. Because of their size, early socialization and leash training are strongly recommended.
8. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle, known for its lively and alert personality. These dogs often enjoy agility activities and brisk daily walks. Their playful energy level makes them a popular choice for active families and individuals.
Low Shedding, High Maintenance
Most Schnoodles inherit a soft, wavy to curly coat that sheds minimally but requires regular grooming. Depending on the mix, they may need trims every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent matting. Their coat texture and grooming needs can vary based on which parent they take after more.
Strong Bond with Owners
Schnoodles form deep attachments and often like to follow their humans from room to room. They are known to be intuitive and responsive to mood changes at home. This breed thrives on attention and may show separation-related behavior if left alone for too long.
Trainability and Intelligence
This mix tends to pick up commands quickly due to its intelligent lineage. Many owners note that Schnoodles respond well to positive reinforcement and structured routines. Their learning speed makes them suitable for trick training and mentally stimulating games.
9. Aussiedoodle
Did You Know: Aussiedoodles are often referred to as “Einstein dogs” because of their parent breeds’ intelligence — both ranked among the smartest dogs in the world.
Aussiedoodles are a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Poodle, known for their high intelligence and quick grasp of commands. They enjoy activities that challenge them mentally, including puzzles, training sessions, and canine sports. Their eagerness to learn often makes them stand out in obedience classes.
Energetic and Social
These dogs thrive in environments where they have space to run and interact. Aussiedoodles are typically friendly with both people and other pets when properly socialized. Their playful nature makes them especially appealing to active families and those with an outdoor lifestyle.
Low-Shedding Coats with Variety
Thanks to their Poodle lineage, Aussiedoodles usually have low-shedding coats that may be wavy or curly. Their grooming needs depend on coat type, but regular brushing is usually enough to manage tangles. Color variations often include merle, black and white, and chocolate tones.
Emotional Sensitivity
This breed is known for being sensitive to tone and emotion, often reacting to their owner’s mood. Aussiedoodles form strong bonds and can become deeply attached, showing loyalty and attentiveness. They do best with consistent interaction and mental stimulation throughout the day.
10. Goldador
The Goldador is a cross between the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, both known for their intelligence and trainability. They were originally bred for service work, combining strength with a calm, eager-to-please personality. Their reliability has made them a favorite among guide dog programs worldwide.
Balanced Temperament
Goldadors are known for their steady, patient behavior, which makes them excellent around children and in multi-pet homes. They respond well to consistent routines and positive reinforcement during training. Their gentle disposition allows them to stay calm even in busy or unfamiliar environments.
Active and Engaged
They have high energy levels and benefit from regular outdoor activities like walking, playing fetch, or swimming. Goldadors are happiest when they have both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. Without enough activity, they can become bored and start developing unwanted habits.
Low Aggression, High Dependability
This breed is rarely territorial and tends to greet strangers with curiosity rather than suspicion. Their even-tempered nature and predictable behavior make them trusted companions in therapy work and search-and-rescue. They adjust well to different households when properly socialized early.
Conclusion
Designer dogs are more than just a passing trend—they’re all the rage for a reason. From playful pups like the Pomsky to loyal companions like the Goldador, each of these breeds brings together traits that suit today’s families.
Whether adopted from pet stores, breeders, or even shelters, these pups have grown in popularity thanks to their appearance, temperament, and adaptability. Many are ideal for allergy sufferers, too, which adds to their appeal.
The American Kennel Club may not officially recognize every mix, but their demand continues to rise. With smart crossbreeding and thoughtful care, these pups are changing what people look for in a lifelong companion.
