If you want a new puppy for your family, you must look for a dog that gets along well with your kids. There are a few popular crossbreeds, each with its unique characteristics.
Here are the top six crossbreeds to consider when getting a new family dog.
1. Cockapoo
This crossbreed is a mix of a Poodle and an English Cocker Spaniel. It is easy to train, playful, and intelligent. They are not great shedders, which is a huge plus.
Cockapoos are affectionate and forgiving, making them the perfect dog for your family.
These little dogs are eager to please and are friendly towards strangers. Their small size also makes them suitable for an apartment home.
They are adaptable to hot and cold weather and do well in both. They live 12 to 15 years, weigh 6 to 10 pounds, and are about 10 to 15 inches tall.
Cockapoos are active dogs that require regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to prevent boredom and behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing.
Depending on their size and energy level, they typically need around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily. Engaging them in activities like fetch, agility training, or puzzle games can also benefit their mental well-being.
Grooming requirements for Cockapoos are another essential consideration, given their hybrid coat, which can range from wavy to curly. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting.
Most Cockapoos benefit from brushing at least once a week, and many owners take them to a groomer every four to six weeks for a trim.
Check their ears, teeth, and nails regularly to help maintain their overall health.
2. Huskamute
These unique dogs are becoming increasingly popular among families with kids. The husky-malamute mix’s unique wolf-like appearance and adaptability to frigid climates make it popular for people in cold regions.
This mix of Husky and Malamute is a high-energy dog that needs at least two to three hours of daily exercise. These dogs have lots of energy and are perfect with kids and other dogs.
However, because they have high prey drive, Huskamutes don’t get along with cats, so if you have a cat at home, it’s best to consider another dog breed.
They need daily grooming to manage their thick coat. An adult Huskamute can weigh between 55 and 85 pounds and stand 21 to 25 inches tall, with a lifespan of around 12 years.
Huskamutes are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They tend to be social dogs that thrive on human and animal companionship. Their playful demeanor makes them great family pets, but they can also be independent and stubborn.
Early socialization and training are essential to help them develop good manners and mitigate potential separation anxiety. They are generally good with children and can be affectionate, making them loyal companions.
Given their active lineage, Huskamutes require significant exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily activities should include long walks, runs, or playtime in a securely fenced area. Ideally, this breed benefits from at least 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily to expend their high energy levels.
They also need consistent training.
Engaging them in dog sports or activities like hiking, biking, or sledding can be particularly fulfilling for them. Without adequate exercise, they may become bored and potentially destructive.
Huskamutes have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and reduce shedding. During shedding seasons, typically in spring and fall, more frequent brushing (at least 2 to 3 times a week) is necessary to manage the coat and prevent matting.
Regular grooming not only keeps their fur in good condition but also provides an excellent opportunity for bonding.
Additionally, routine care such as dental hygiene, nail trimming, and ear cleaning should be part of their grooming routine to ensure overall health.
3. Labradoodle
A labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Each dog differs in appearance. Some dogs have straight hair, while others might have wavy or curly hair, and their colors range from brown and black to cream, silver, and red.
Labradoodles are intelligent and friendly with strangers and make the perfect companions for children and pets. Because they are highly energetic, you have to make sure they get enough exercise every day.
Labradoodles are also great swimmers, so you can take them to a lake or the beach for a fun family day. They are eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
Their height ranges from 21 to 24 inches tall, and their weight ranges from 50 to 60 pounds.
A Labradoodle is perfect if this is your first time owning a dog. They can live up to 14 years, but they are susceptible to eye diseases, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.
Their temperament can vary slightly depending on whether they inherit more traits from the Labrador Retriever or the Poodle parent breeds. Generally, they exhibit a gentle and mild-mannered demeanor, which makes them excellent family pets and therapy dogs. They thrive on social interaction and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Labradoodles are an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They typically need at least one hour of exercise daily, including walks, playtime, and interactive games. Activities like fetch, swimming, and agility training can also be beneficial.
Providing physical and mental stimulation is essential to keep them engaged. Labradoodles may become bored without adequate exercise and potentially develop behavioral issues, such as chewing or excessive barking. Because Labradors can be prone to weight gain, watch your Labradoodle to ensure it doesn’t gain too much weight.
This mixed breed’s grooming needs vary based on its coat type, which can range from wavy to curly. Generally, the dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep the coat healthy. A thorough brushing at least once a week is recommended.
Some owners opt for professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a manageable coat length and avoid tangles. Additionally, the dogs need regular maintenance for their ears, nails, and teeth.
Since Labradoodles are often considered hypoallergenic, their coats may shed less, but grooming is still vital to minimize allergens and keep their skin healthy.
4. Jackapoo
The Jackapoo, Poojack, or Jackadoodle combines a Jack Russell Terrier and a Poodle and is known for its charming temperament, energetic nature, and distinctive grooming needs.
It weighs 12 to 25 pounds and is 10 to 15 inches tall. Its coat color can range from black and brown to white and tan or a combination of these colors. The size may vary depending on whether the Jack Russell Terrier is mixed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle.
They are intelligent like the Toy Poodle and active like the Jack Russell, making them energetic, playful, and perfect for families.
Make sure that they get plenty of exercise, or they could take it out on your favorite couch. Their innate stubbornness can make them significant barkers at other dogs or strangers, so they need to be trained and socialized as puppies.
Jackapoos are typically friendly, playful, and intelligent. They often inherit the Jack Russell’s sociable nature and the Poodle’s affectionate demeanor, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and older adults.
They tend to be alert and can act as good watchdogs, although they are not usually aggressive. Their curious and lively personalities mean they enjoy engaging with their humans and participating in family activities.
As an active breed, Jackapoos require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are crucial to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
A minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily is ideal, combining physical activities like fetch or agility exercises and mental challenges such as puzzle toys or training sessions. They thrive in environments where they can engage in fun activities and explore new surroundings.
Jackapoo grooming needs vary depending on the coat type they inherit from their parents – either the wiry coat of a Jack Russell or the curly coat of a Poodle. Generally, the dogs need regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and free from mats.
Give the dogs baths as needed. They also require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Professional grooming every few months can help maintain their coat and prevent matting.
5. Sprollie
A Sprollie is a mix of a Border Collie and a Springer Spaniel. Its average weight is 30 to 70 pounds, and its height is 18 to 26 inches. Sprollie dogs live an average of 12 to 16 years. They are highly active, intelligent, and affectionate.
Sprollies must be socialized and trained at an early age and allowed to exercise early to channel their energy healthily. Make sure to adopt a Sprollie from a trusted breeder who inspects their crossbreeds for health problems.
They tend to be highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with people and other pets. This combination of breeds results in a playful and eager-to-please temperament, making them great family companions.
Sprollies are usually intelligent and alert, which means they excel in training but may also require mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They can be energetic dogs, particularly when they haven’t had enough exercise, and sometimes display a mischievous streak, leading to playful antics around the house.
Sprollies require significant exercise. They typically require at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, including walks, runs, and playtime.
Engaging them in activities like fetch, frisbee, or agility training is beneficial, as it helps to burn off their abundant energy and stimulates their minds.
Socialization with other dogs is also important, as they enjoy companionship and play. Without adequate exercise, Sprollies may become bored and potentially develop destructive habits.
Sprollies shed moderately and have medium-length fur that is typically wavy or straight. Regular brushing, ideally once or twice a week, helps to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Frequent brushing may be necessary to manage shedding during seasonal shedding, particularly in spring and fall. The dogs need occasional baths depending on their activity level and exposure to dirt.
Regular checks for ear infections, dental hygiene, and nail trimming will also contribute to their overall well-being.
6. Puggle
Puggles are among the most adorable breeds that make the perfect family companion. Their small size makes them ideal for a small home.
They are a mix of a Pug and a Beagle, and they get along well with kids and other dogs. Their training can be tricky because they sometimes have a mind, but persistence is vital during the training phases with every dog breed.
Their height ranges from 13 to 15 inches, weight ranges from 18 to 30 pounds, and lifespan is 10 to 15 years. This small breed channels its playful energy with a 30-minute daily exercise session.
Puggles are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are playful and sociable and love being around people, making them excellent companions for families, especially those with children.
Their charming personality means they typically get along well with other dogs and pets, contributing to a harmonious household. However, Puggles can sometimes be a bit stubborn, which may make training a challenge.
Positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and rewards, plus patience, are crucial to helping them learn commands and behaviors. They thrive on companionship and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, so it’s vital to provide them with plenty of social interaction and activities.
While Puggles are a small breed, they have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A daily routine of about 30 minutes of physical activity, including walks, playtime, and interactive games, is essential.
Engaging them in fun activities helps burn off excess energy and prevents behavioral issues. Brisk walks, trips to the dog park, or playing fetch are some enjoyable ways to meet their exercise needs.
Puggles have a short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to maintain. Regular brushing, at least once a week, helps minimize shedding and keeps their fur healthy.
They are not high-shedding dogs, but you may notice loose hair. Bathe your dog as needed, generally every few months or when they get dirty.
Regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are essential for their health and well-being. Monitoring their wrinkled faces is critical, as the folds can trap moisture and dirt, leading to potential skin issues.
7. Cavapoo
The Cavapoo, a delightful mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, has become increasingly popular among families for its affectionate nature and adaptability.
These little dogs typically weigh 10 to 20 pounds and stand about 9 to 14 inches tall. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Cavapoos are an excellent long-term companion for any household.
Cavapoos are known for their friendly and sociable demeanor. They tend to get along well with children and other pets, making them an ideal choice for families.
Their gentle nature means they thrive on interaction and companionship, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are also quite intelligent, which makes them eager to learn and easy to train, although some may display a bit of a stubborn streak inherited from their Poodle lineage.
While they aren’t as high-energy as some larger breeds, Cavapoos still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime in the yard for about 30 minutes is usually sufficient.
Their playful nature makes them great playmates for kids, so engaging in fun activities will give them the necessary exercise and strengthen the bond between your family and your furry friend.
Cavapoos typically have soft, wavy coats that vary in length and texture. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their fur free of tangles and mats, especially since they inherit the Poodle’s curly hair.
Routine brushing at least two to three times a week and professional grooming every few months will help maintain their coat’s health and beauty.
Their grooming regimen should include routine dental care, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.
Consult your vet to ensure you’re feeding your Cavapoo a healthy diet.
Choose from the right crossbreeds to find a family-friendly dog
A dog becomes a part of the family and your best friend.
This is because they’re reliable, intelligent, and adorable.
Any of these dogs make wonderful family mates.
Keep in mind the characteristics of each kind of dog so that you can learn about their temperament and exercise needs for a happy dog.