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A Friendly Guide to Mutts, Hybrids, Crossbreeds & Designer Dogs.
Have you ever wondered what kind of dog Snoopy or Scooby-Doo is?
Or why some dogs look like they’re made from three different breeds at once?
That’s where the idea of a mixed breed dog comes in.
Many folks use terms like mutt, designer dog, crossbreed, and hybrid to describe their dog. But what do those really mean? Do they all mean that these dogs aren’t purebred? Or is there more to it?
I’ll do my best to explain these terms here. We’ll describe the differences between mutts, crossbreeds, hybrids, and designer dogs. Before you know it, you’ll understand these labels and this info can even help you understand your epic mutt just a little better.
Let’s do this!
Why are some dogs called Mixed Breed?
A dog that comes from parents who are not the same breed is called a mixed breed dog. Lovingly called Heinz 57 sometimes, these are dogs who aren’t 100% Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever, etc. They might even be a mix of a few different breeds!
The beauty is that is what makes mixed breed dogs so cool. They often look a bit different. No two are exactly alike, even littermates. A good analogy is like mixing different paint colors… you don’t get one solid color but one that’s unique.
Sometimes mixed breeds occur naturally. This is when dogs breed on their own with no human intervention. Or mixed breeds occur when breeders breed purebred dogs on purpose.
Mixed breed dogs are virtually everywhere, and really common in shelters. Worldwide, most dogs are mixed breeds, not purebreds.
Why are some dogs called Mutts?
“Mutt” comes from the word “muttonhead,” an insult in the 1800s meaning someone who wasn’t smart. Eventually, “muttonhead” got shortened to “mutt,” and around the early 1900s, it was used to describe mixed or unknown dog breeds.
Originally, “mutt” was actually kind of an insult—both for people and for dogs. It referred to something low-quality. When talking about dogs today it’s used with affection. I am proud to say that many adopt and love their mutts. Nowadays, the mutt is playful rather than negative.
Mutt is a way of saying a dog is a mixed breed. They usually consist of more than two breeds, and no one always knows which ones. People might look at a mutt and wonder, “Maybe some Lab? Could be a Boxer? Or who knows?” That’s what makes it fun.
Mutts are special because they are one-of-a-kind. No two mutts are exactly the same. Mutts can be just as loyal, smart, and affectionate as any purebred.
People think mutts are healthier because they come from a bigger gene pool. Unfortunately, that’s not guaranteed but it can lower the chances of some inherited diseases that are common in purebreds.
Thankfully gone are the days when the term “mutt” would be a negative. All of my dogs have been, and are, mutts. All terrific pets!
What’s a Crossbreed?
Crossbreed is a term used for a dog that has two purebred parents from different breeds. This mating is planned and the mix is known. This is different than a mutt where the breeds are often unknown.
Some examples:
Golden Retriever + a Poodle = Goldendoodle
Chihuahua + Dachshund)= Chiweenie
People intentionally breed these dogs to try to get the best of these breeds. Poodles are a popular crossbreed because they are generally smart. That’s why there are Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Cockapoos.
Unfortunately, these crossbreeds don’t always work out as planned because you might get a dog that acts more like one breed than the other.
Crossbreeds are still considered mixed breed dogs.
What’s a Designer Dog?
You may have heard this term used, especially with celebrities, the rich and famous, and their dogs. A designer dog is crossbreed but fancier. People breed these dogs with purebred parents but they are given a trendy name and sold for big bucks.
Examples:
Pomsky (Pomeranian + Husky)
Morkie (Maltese + Yorkie)
People who breed these dogs often want certain aspects such as coats that don’t shed, or dogs of a smaller size. But there’s no guarantee what the dog will end up with, as with all mixes.
In fact, designer dogs aren’t healthier or better than other dogs. And some breeders charge a lot more money by using the term “designer dog,” even if the breeding isn’t ethical.
It’s our responsibility to do our homework and not get fooled by what is trending.
What’s a Hybrid Dog?
Hybrid is a term used pretty commonly. In regard to dogs, a hybrid is a mix between different species.
For example:
A wolf-dog is wild wolf and domestic dog.
Hybrids are hard to predict, often have wild instincts, and likely will not act like domesticated dogs. Because of this they should have special care and training. Most people should not have a hybrid as a pet.
You may hear people use the term hybrid when they are describing a crossbreed (like a labradoodle). Those dogs aren’t hybrids. They are just a mix of dog breeds, not a mix of species.
Does this Matter?
Thanks for reading this far. Are you now thinking, “I’m a dog lover so this is interesting… but why does this matter?”
Good question!
This info helps you understand what a dog needs. By knowing whether your dog is a mutt, designer mix, crossbreed, or hybrid, you have a better idea about their health risks, personality, etc.
Now you are aware that if a breeder is advertising a designer dog, they may charge a premium.
This can help you choose the right type of dog that fits your lifestyle. You may want a couch potato or a buddy with boundless energy. By knowing a dog’s background, you can have clues of their personality.
And most importantly, every dog can be a loving companion, regardless if they are a mutt, purebred, mixed, crossbreed, or hybrid. As with humans, our labels do not define us. Our hearts do.
Myths About Mixed Breed
❌ “Mutts are always healthier than purebreds.”
✅ This isn’t true all the time. It depends on genetics and care.
❌ “Designer dogs are better than regular mutts.”
✅ No, they are mixed breeds and no guarantees of traits or personality.
❌ “You can’t train a mutt.”
✅ So wrong! With patience and time, any dog can be trained.
So, what *is* a mixed breed dog?
Now we know that any dog that isn’t 100% one breed is a mixed breed.
- A mutt has a mixed-up background or can be completely unknown background.
- A crossbreed has purebred parents.
- A designer dog is a crossbreed with a trendy name.
- A hybrid mixes species (like wolves and dogs).
All dogs deserve respect and a loving home, no matter their label, and whether it’s a mutt from your local shelter or a famous labradoodle on social media.