The Weirdest Mixed-Breed Dogs Ever
Mixed-breed dogs, otherwise known (affectionately) as "mutts", are becoming more popular as people seek certain traits of one dog, but the looks of another, or vice-versa. By choosing a mixed-breed dog, it is widely believed that you will have a generally healthier and longer-living pup—a theory known as "hybrid vigor". Some mixed-breed dogs are created by natural breeding, while others are created via artificial insemination.
Let's take a look at some of the strangest mixed-breed pups ever.
Chihuahua & Pug: Chug
Also known as a "Chug", the Chihuahua/Pug mix is certainly a strange breed. Combining the stubborn independence of the Chihuahua and the playful nature of the Pug will get you a stout and social pup full of energy. Weighing up to 20 pounds and only standing between si and 12 inches tall, they're the perfect little playmate.
It's the short and stout nature of the Chihuahua and Pug that makes them a strange mix. Sometimes they'll have pointy ears and a long tail with a medium-length dense coat. Sometimes, their Pug parent can pass on their frying-pan face genes to the Chug, making for a strange-looking mutt.
Pomeranian & Husky: Pomsky
The Pomeranian-Husky is one of those dogs that has been bred through artificial insemination in most cases. Pomsky dogs are generally tiny little things that get their lack of size from their Pomeranian parent, but the upright ears and tail of the Husky. You can pretty much guarantee that the Pomsky will be energetic and need lots of outdoor activity.
The Pomsky is a weird mix because of its sizing, as well as its bright blue eyes that it often inherits from the Husky parent.
Paulconwall, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Afghan Hound & Briard: Afaird
Combining the watchdog nature of the Afghan Hound, bred in the mountains of Afghanistan, with the hyper-intelligent, endlessly loyal French Briard will produce an excellent guard dog that also has the ability to be sensitive and affectionate. This long-haired mix will likely inherit the silky hair of its Afghan Hound parent and as such will need near-daily brushing and maintenance, despite their low-shedding nature.
The strangest part of the Afaird is the often tufty and overgrown fur over its eyes, coming from the French Briard parent.
Akita & German Shepherd: Akita-Shepherd
Mixing a stout guardian like the Japanese Akita with another guardian like the German Shepherd produces a very large guard dog that's a match for anyone who dares enter your home. Despite being from a GSD and Akita background, they are stoic watchdogs through and through, with moderate energy and exercise requirements.
The sheer size of this eclectic mix of two guard dogs is what makes it different: expect a 75 to 100-pound pup that will grow to stand over two feet tall. If you've wanted a large guard dog, the Akita Shepherd ticks all the boxes.
Pomeranian & Australian Shepherd: Aussie-Pom
Mixing a Pomeranian with an Australian Shepherd is sure to produce a pretty pup: it can sometimes look like an Oreo, if it inherits the color pattern of the Australian Shepherd parent, along with the floof, of course. Standing just under 20 inches tall and weighing between six and 20 pounds, this companion pet can unfortunately come with a host of health issues including heart conditions, deafness, blindness, and dental issues.
If you're looking for a lively companion, or simply want to be reminded of Oreos every time you look at your dog, the Aussie-Pom will fit the bill.
Corgi & Beagle: Corgle
The short and stubby-legged Pembroke Welsh Corgi often winds up being chosen as one of the dogs used for mixed-breeding because of their generally happy-go-lucky temperament. In this instance, the Corgi-Beagle mix, or Corgle, will likely be short and stubby, weighing between 10 and 20 pounds and standing just over a foot tall.
Corgis have a tendency to nip, thanks to their history as Welsh herding dogs, so watch out for that around small children. They'll likely adopt the large, floppy ears of the Beagle—and those big eyes—making them adorably cute, if a little strange.
Affenpinscher & Poodle: Affenpoo
Otherwise known as the Affenpoo, an Affenpinscher-Poodle mix is created by combining the pint-sized feisty Affenpinscher breed (favored among 'toy' dog lovers) with the French Poodle to create a hypoallergenic pup that brings exuberance and energy to everything it does.
Likely adopting the dense (but not curly) fur of the Affenpinscher and the lovable nature of the Poodle, the Affenpoo might look a little strange with its bug-like eyes, but this 10-18-inch tall mutt will more than make up for its lack of height by living between 12 and 16 years.
Alaskan Malamute & Labrador: Alaskan Malador
Crossing the winter-loving Alaskan Malamute and the Newfoundland Labrador Retriever (originally bred as a hunting companion) will certainly raise some eyebrows as you're walking down the street. Standing over two feet tall and weighing between 50 and 80 pounds, this active and lovable loaf will provide nearly endless affection.
Kseniia Grigoreva, Shutterstock
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French Bulldog & Pug: Frug
This strange little fellow is what you get when you mix a French Bulldog (or Frenchie) with an equally small Pug. Frugs are often the ultimate small companion pets for the elderly or those who want a low-maintenance, moderate-energy dog without much fuss. French Bulldog-Pug mixes stand between 10 and 12 inches tall and only weigh about 15 pounds.
Unfortunately, Frugs tend to be susceptible to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a respiratory condition that causes breathing difficulties, thanks to their Pug parent's flat faces.
Richard Oses Photography, Shutterstock
Beagle & Basset Hound: Bagle Hound
The Bagle Hound is a mixed-breed pup created by mixing two hounds: the hunter-partner Beagle and the ever-loving Basset Hound. Your Bagle Hound will likely be born with short, stumpy legs and long ears, like the Basset Hound—it also may occasionally howl!
Weighing between 50 and 80 pounds, but standing a mere 12 to 15 inches tall, it can either be born with brown, black, or a white coat—and sometimes a mixture of two or three, which is what gives it its weird-lookin' charm.
Pitbull & Husky: Pitsky
The Pitbull Husky mix, otherwise known as the Pitsky, is one of the strangest mixed-breed pups you're likely to find. Often born with crystal blue eyes and shorter fur than you'd expect from a Husky mix, these mixes certainly inherit their energy and excitability from their Husky parents, if nothing else.
They'll likely be on the shorter side than the Husky, at between 16 and 21 inches, but offer a hefty weight of between 45 and 60 pounds, without any of the sleek body shape of the Husky. Pitskys are often bred as a way to temper the personality of the Pitbull Terrier, by mixing in some Husky playfulness.
Shar-Pei & Basset Hound: Ba-Shar
Its rather strange name comes from, well, it being a rather strange dog. It definitely looks like the two dogs should never have been crossbred. Adopting the small form of the Basset Hound (with stumpy legs and a long body), but possibly the frumpy fat-rolled, long face of the Shar-Pei, you're sure to turn some heads with this mixed-breed mutt.
Basset Hound & Golden Retriever: Bassador
The Basset Hound-Golden Retriever, otherwise known as the Bassador, is another strange mixed-breed pup that will often adopt the short, stumpy stature of its Basset Hound parent, along with longer, floppy ears. Thankfully, despite looking a little strange, it'll often have the affable, dutiful personality of the Golden Retriever. A perfect addition for those looking for a smaller family pet.
Jmaley1, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Beagle & Dalmatian: Beaglematian
Mixing a hunting companion like the Beagle with the Croatian companion of the upper-class in 17th century Europe was always going to produce a strange egg. The Beaglematian might well have been an extra from 101 Dalmatians (1961). Its appearance is short and stocky, with longer ears (thanks to the Beagle), but it often adopts a black-and-brown spotted coat, similar to the solid-black spots of the Dalmatian parent.
The result is one strange looking hybrid with its nose eternally to the floor.
Border Collie & Poodle: Bordoodle
What happens when you mix the black-and-white purebred herding dog with the French companion pet of royalty? You get a fluffy, cuddly thing with curly fur and a black-and-white coat that's frumpier than its sleek Border Collie parent, but adopts all of the lovable, loyal, and active traits of the Poodle.
While it may look a little weird as a puppy, particularly with all that dense fur, it'll grow to be between 12 and 22 inches tall, weigh a modest 30 to 50 pounds, and live an average life of between 12 and 15 years.
Allboutdogs321, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Shar-Pei & Cocker Spaniel: Cocker-Pei
If you ever wondered what it might look like if your Cocker Spaniel was a little taller, stockier, and had rolls (lots of rolls), then may we introduce the Cocker-Pei, an eccentric mix between a Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel. A bit of a clash of lifestyles here, as the Cocker Spaniel is a bundle of energy and Shar-Peis are often, well, not. Nevertheless, the white-brown coat that it often adopts from its Cocker Spaniel parent will have it standing out in a crowd, as well those adorable face rolls.
Bulldog & Whippet: Bullwhip
By far one of the most unlikely mixed-breed mutts you'll come across, this strange genetic entanglement of the high-energy, high activity Whippet and an often more reserved and frumpy Bulldog can create a dog that's longer in the body and short-statured with medium-length legs and a Bulldog face and ears. It won't be able to run in any dog races, but is generally a lovable companion, if you can get over the weird amalgam.
Sunat Praphanwong, Shutterstock
Chihuahua & West Highland Terrier: Chestie
The Chihuahua and West Highland Terrier mix, otherwise known as the Chestie, often adopts the Chihuahua face, which often looks confrontational right up-front. Combine that with the Terrier-style nature of the Westie and you'll get an excitable breed that's a bit of a nipper with a standoffish demeanor.
Short-statured and, at times, short-tempered, the Chestie will most likely adopt the appearance of a Chihuahua, with the coat colorings of its West Highland Terrier parent, which can be gray-white or brown-white.
Chihuahua & Dalmatian: Chimatian
The Chihuahua Dalmatian mix, as adorable as it is, looks very strange: like a Dalmatian pup that never grew up! Adopting the height (or lack thereof) of a Chihuahua and most probably the spotted coat of a Dalmatian, this feisty little fellow will squirm its way into your heart and home, despite looking like a Dalmatian Benjamin Button.
Chihuahua & Bichon Frise: Chi-Chon
It's even got a weird name. The Chihuahua and Bichon Frise mix has the unfortunate trait of being a small dog with a Napoleon complex (don't they all?), but with small, piercing, beady eyes. Its upright ears and high energy levels means that it can hear you when you call for it, it's just ignoring you.
With a height of between eight and 10 inches, and only weighing between four and five pounds, the pint-sized Chi-Chon more than makes up for its short stature with a spunky personality.
Dachshund & Brussels Griffon: Dach-Griffon
The Dachshund & Brussels Griffon mix might look a little strange, as its eyes are often spaced a little further apart than you might expect, and it has a short, wiry coat that you'll need to maintain with nearly daily brushing to prevent matting.
Expect your Dach-Griffon to require a moderate level of activity and stand between 13 and 18 inches tall, weighing a modest 15 to 25 pounds.
Dachshund & Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Dorgie
Ever wondered what your Corgi might look like if its body got even longer? You'd likely have something resembling a "Dorgie", or a Dachshund and Welsh Corgi mix. The "Dorgie" often adopts the long body shape of the Dachshund, as well as the long droopy ears, with the facial features (a fuller face and shorter snout) and the thicker, pudgier legs of the Corgi. It will also be a little plumper than your average Dachshund—weighing up to 28 pounds, with a longer coat.
Leahcwalker, CC BY-SA 4.0 , Wikimedia Commons
French Bulldog & Chihuahua: French Bullhuahua
The French Bulldog and Chihuahua mix, or French Bullhuahua, is another weird mixture of a larger pup in the French Bulldog with a wiry little pooch like the Chihuahua. The result is a still-small pup with upright ears, a longer snout, and longer body. Though not too disproportionate, the French Bullhuahua still might look a little strange walking down the street.
Deep Desert Photography, Shutterstock
Golden Retriever & Cocker Spaniel: Golden Cocker Retriever
This adorable little pup will turn heads with how cute it is! With the droopy ears of the Cocker Spaniel and the mouth shape of a Golden Retriever, along with an often golden coat, we can't quite get over the cuteness of this adorable mix.
Weighing between 30 and 45 pounds and standing just over 20 inches tall, the Golden Cocker Retriever will inherit the energetic nature of both of its parents. Be prepared to wear it out with lots of walks.
Golden Retriever & Saint Bernard: Golden Saint Bernard
The Golden Saint Bernard—a mixture of the ever-loved Golden Retriever and the ever-watchful Saint Bernard—might be majesty itself walking down the street. These oversized lovable dogs often have a golden coat, or a mixture of white and brown, as their Saint Bernard parentage does.
They're large and in charge, weighing between 100 and 120 pounds and standing 30 to 36 inches tall.
Golden Retriever & Border Collie: Gollie
What do you get when you mix a hunting companion with a herding companion? Lots of love, affection, and plenty of energy to burn off. Gollies will usually adopt a mixture of the white and golden coats of each parent pup, maintaining an active and watchful temperament. As a medium-sized dog, they'll likely grow to between 45 and 70 pounds and can reach a height of between 19 and 22 inches. Each dog has a pretty good lifespan, so expect them to live between 10 and 15 years.
Pekingese & Beagle: Peagle
The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese breed that was bred to be a companion to the emperors of ancient China, whereas the Beagle was bred as a hunting companion to the British in the early 19th century. A mixture of the Pekingese and Beagle? Well, you're likely going to have a pup with a small snout and triangular ears that flop over. They generally weigh between 13 and 18 pounds and stand between six and 16 inches tall.
It's a good job they have a friendly disposition: they'll be turning heads.
Siberian Husky & Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Horgi
With one growing up in the arctic of northern Siberia and the other growing up on farms in Wales, these two breeds really shouldn't be reproducing, but if you find yourself coming across a Horgi, you'll notice the Corgi straight away: stumpy legs and an elongated body, along with a bushy tail that droops down, rather than up. Its Husky parent will likely be more visible in the face, with wide, upright ears and a longer tongue and snout.
It's like a long-bodied, small wolf. The average weight of a Horgi is between 20 and 50 pounds, with an average height of between 12 and 18 inches.
Pekingese & Poodle: Peekapoo
The Pekingese Poodle, or "Peekapoo", is definitely a strange mix choice for those who want a small dog. While ticking the "small dog" box, the Pekapoo often has maloccluded teeth (when lower teeth protrude from the mouth), which can lead to dental problems as it ages. However, it does only weigh between four and 10 pounds, and has a long lifespan of up to 20 years.
15itisme43, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Golden Retriever & Dachshund: Golden Dox
The fiercely independent Dachshund and gorgeous Golden Retriever combine for a happy-go-lucky, if strange-looking pup. Otherwise known as the Golden Dox, this mid-length haired pup with a spring in its step will turn heads because of its golden coat, although its long body might have people think its a slinky.
Coton Du Tulear & West Highland Yorkshire Terrier: Weston
Simply known as a Weston, the West Highland Yorkshire Terrier and Coton du Tulear mix is an unusual and rare mixed-breed dog created by marrying the British Yorkie and the rare Madagascan breed. This small yappy-type dog might have people turning heads at its bark, but what they'll see is an unfortunately scruffy character who looks like he's just come back from a night on the town.
Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier: Teacup Yorkie
"Teacup" dogs are among the tiniest of dog breeds, often weighing just a few pounds and able to fit in a purse. That's what you'll get if you get a Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier mix, or a "Teacup Yorkie" as they're known. Be careful not to trip over one of the smallest dog breeds out there.
Saint Bernard & Great Pyrenees: Saint Pyrenees
If you're looking for a gigantic mixed-breed dog, look no further than the Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees mix: the Saint Pyrenees. These are built like brick houses and often weigh in excess of 150 pounds, reaching an impressive 25 to 30 inches tall. Although big and fearsome, they often have a softer side, but need plenty of exercise and playtime outdoors.
Rat Terrier & Poodle: Rattle
The Rat Terrier and Poodle mixture, otherwise known as a Rattle, is the strange combination of a dog bred for rat killing and an affectionate family dog, bred to be a companion for French royalty. The Rat Terrier Poodle often has the strange look of its head being larger than its body, adopting the Poodle's hypoallergenic curly coat, with an upright tail. It's not quite the regency pup of its Poodle parents, nor the rat-dispatching dog of its Rat Terrier side: it's a strange something in-between.
Pug & Beagle: Puggle
Even its breed mix name is a little weird: Puggle—it sounds like something out of Harry Potter. Well, some wizardry would have been needed to create the Pug-Beagle mix, that's for certain. The undersized Beagle mixing with the oversized Pug head often leads to a chunky body and a short, upright tail. While it's not quite as disproportionate as the Rattle, the Puggle has its own aesthetic challenges.
Pitbull & Siberian Husky: Pitsky
Bet you never thought to mix a Pitbull and a Siberian Husky, did you? No? Us neither. But some breeders have—with interesting results. Often appearing as a small-medium pup with pointy ears, a light brown nose, and one solid fur color, with ears and hind quarters that might have the markings of its Pitbull parents, the Pitsky is a curious and beautiful mix (mostly thanks to their Husky genes).
American Bulldog & Beagle: Beaglebull
These smaller dogs are perfect for those looking for a smaller companion pet. Despite their frumpy appearance, they're a rare barker and are adorable with their excess skin (often appearing on their face and legs). The Beaglebull usually weighs between 30 and 40 pounds and stands between 18 and 20 inches tall. Small, but mighty.
Great Dane & Mastiff: Great Daniff
Imagine a Great Dane. Now, imagine a Mastiff. Got that? Imagine the amalgamation of the two. Terrifying, right? Stuff of nightmares? Well, not really. But the pairing is certainly an unusual mixed-breed pup! Usually borrowing its coat colors from both parents, you can expect a gray/brindle coat. Although, if you're going to own one, make sure you have lots of room. These big mutts can weigh excess of 115 pounds and (thanks to their Great Dane genes) are often nearly three feet tall.
Chihuahua & Miniature Schnauzer: Chizer
The Chihuahua/Miniature Schnauzer mix has the unfortunate characteristic of being small with wiry hair that makes it look like it's permanently strolling through a wind tunnel, or is permanently in one of those static machines. Because of its short stature and Chihuahua-style snout and face, it also looks permanently displeased about something—anything, really.
Don't worry, you haven't done anything to upset it: it just looks like that. All the time. Poor dog.
Chihuahua & Siberian Husky: Husky-Chi
Now here's a dog that doesn't sound like it should exist. Any offspring of the tiny Chihuahua and large Siberian Husky are obviously the product of artificial insemination and the result is an impossibly small pup with big pointy ears and mid-length fur that's thick rather than wiry, and an active, outgoing personality.
We get it—it looks weird. Just don't stare or point.
Photolococapture, Shutterstock
The Controversy Around Mixed-Breed Pups
There's a bottomless pit of opinion as to the legitimacy of mixed-breed dogs, particularly among purebred dog owners and the various international Kennel Club organizations. But it is generally accepted that many mixed-breed dogs are unfortunately not bred with any regard for the health of the animals involved and that some mutt breeders are purely in the business to turn a profit. These unethical breeders produce potentially unhealthy dogs and draw would-be owners away from shelters, where there are dogs that desperately need adopting.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Have you ever owned a mixed-breed pup? Do you have a favorite mixed-breed pup from the list above?
