Miriam Fields-Babineau - Mixed Breeds For Dummies

Schnoodles are high-energy dogs outdoors, but they’re happy to warm your feet indoors. Because neither of the parent breeds — Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer — shed, the Schnoodle does not shed. This hybrid is easily maintained through weekly brushing and bimonthly clipping.

Illustration by Barbara Frake

FIGURE 2-4:Schnoodles are medium-sized dogs with loads of personality.

A Terripoo (see Figure 2-5) is any Terrier breed mixed with a Poodle. Because there are so many Terrier breeds, there are numerous types of Terripoos.

Illustration by Barbara Frake

FIGURE 2-5:The Terripoo can learn to work as a therapy dog.

Although most Terripoos benefit from having Poodle blood, they’re still part Terrier, which means they have a stubborn streak, tend to be willful, and are prone to excessive barking and overall controlling personalities. However, you can’t ignore their adorable appearance and intelligence.

Peke-a-poos (see Figure 2-6) are small dogs, often Toy-size, weighing from 9 to 20 pounds. Their coats are usually white or gray, but some are brown. The texture of the coat is very soft.

Illustration by Barbara Frake

FIGURE 2-6:Peke-a-poos are lap potatoes, much like one of their parent breeds, the Pekingese.

Peke-a-poos are fairly low maintenance with few of the common health problems associated with the Pekingese. However, because they are half Pekingese, they can have breathing difficulties common with the shortened nose. The other problem associated with a Peke-a-poo is tearing of the eyes, which can become a serious problem if the eyes become swollen or the tear stains are dark.

Peke-a-poos tend to inherit their parent Pekingese’s long, soft fur. Unless you want to brush your dog daily, keep your Peke-a-poo’s fur short, because a Peke-a-poo’s fur mats into dreadlocks very easily.

Peke-a-poos love to cuddle and have a medium energy level, making them ideal dogs for small homes and apartment living. They love to play outside for a short period of time, then sleep on your lap for a long period of time. Though very affectionate, they can be quite willful and stubborn, making housetraining difficult.

There are more combinations of Toy hybrids than there are recognized purebred Toy breeds. Though small, they’re still dogs and should be treated as such — not as mere arm ornaments. Toy hybrids tend to have good longevity, great personalities, and require the special care accorded to Toy dogs.

So-called pocket dogs are usually a combination of two Toy breeds; the parents chosen more for their small size than anything else. The mixing of two Terrier-type Toys can mean a challenging personality. Also, the combining of two breeds that already have the tendency toward similar health issues, such as breathing difficulties or skin allergies, will likely result in puppies who have to contend with these same issues throughout their lives.

The Bichon Frise is a small, white, curly-coated dog with an anti-allergenic coat. They require a lot of exercise and consistent training. Bichons are cute and cuddly, but also like to be in charge. Any Bichon Frise hybrid may tend to inherit these qualities, especially if one of the parents is a Terrier-type breed.

The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes more than 25 Bichon Frise hybrids, ranging from the Griffichon (Bichon Frise/Brussels Griffon) to the Cock-a-Chon (Bichon Frise/Cocker Spaniel).

Pugs are a popular breed for Toy hybrid dogs because they’re fairly hardy, sweet, intelligent, and have a short, easy-care coat. For large-dog enthusiasts, the Pug offers the appearance of a Mastiff (their ancestors) without the enormous size.

Pugs do have a few physical issues, however, because they’ve been bred to have extremely short noses, which cause many respiratory problems, and their legs are known to have problems with knee dislocation. Plus, this breed can be willful and stubborn.

One of the biggest dangers of using Pugs in designer hybrid Toys is their eye configuration (they have protruding eyes) and short noses. Breeding them with other Toys with similar physical attributes can cause dangerous health issues.

Though Pugs are Toy dogs, they have a very ingrained alarm system. For hundreds of years they have alerted their human companions of coming danger, often saving the lives of those in their communities. If your hybrid Toy has Pug blood, you can be sure he’ll bark when he hears intruders!

The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes more than 20 Pug hybrids, ranging from the Pugland (Pug/Westie) to the Puggle (Beagle/Pug), currently the most popular designer dog.

Though very small, Maltese have large personalities. They’re bold, are quick to sound the alarm when they hear something, and can be difficult to housetrain. Some can be snappy with children or with human companions who are inconsistent with their leadership role.

These small white dogs have long, silky fur and can grow to be 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing about 9 pounds. They have large, round eyes with dark rims, black noses, and a fine bone structure. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, as is common with many Toy breeds.

The Maltese may be small, but should not be overly pampered. Pampering makes them jealous of others, causing aggressive reactions. These traits are very possible in the hybrid offspring.

Maltese are prone to sunburn on their skin, respiratory problems due to their very short noses, eye irritation due to their somewhat bulging eyes, and tooth problems, a common Toy dog malady.

The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes nearly a dozen Maltese hybrids, ranging from the Mauzer (Maltese/Miniature Schnauzer) to the Silkese (Maltese/Silky Terrier).

Pekingese have long, straight coats with profuse feathering. They come in all colors and grow to about 9 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing 8 to 10 pounds. One of the reasons for their popularity among hybrid dog breeders is that many Pekingese can be found at under 6 inches in height and weighing under 6 pounds, creating a great parent base for a pocket-size dog.

This Toy dog tends to have a broad head with wide-set dark eyes, a wrinkled short muzzle, and drooping heart-shaped ears with long feathering. Their necks are short and thick. Like the Pug, they have a rolling gait.

Pekingese are very brave, independent, and affectionate with their own people but wary of strangers. They can be obstinate, willful, and finicky. Due to their sensitivity to sound and movement, they tend to be excessive barkers.