The obscure breeds that are dying out, like the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, could be considered a hybrid dog from five hundred years ago. It was a cross between the Otterhound (another breed which is rapidly dying out) and an unspecified terrier breed. Most pure breed dogs of today were once hybrids, a combination of two or more breeds. These breeds were carefully selected by humans to blend and cultivate attributes resulting in the perfect working dog.
Former Hybrids
Newfoundland; these stunning gentle giants were believed to be hybrids crossing St. Bernard and large black bear dogs the Vikings traveled with. When combined and cultivated, the Newfoundland found themselves to be the preferred waterdog among fishermen.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is fairly new to the American community, not being recognized by the AKC until the 1955. They are a crossed mix of native African ridgeback dogs, deerhounds and mastiffs. Once the genetics were in place a Rhodesian Ridgeback fearlessly routed lions and other large game.
Beagles, one of the most popular and recognizable dogs in the US, was created by crossing the Harrier dog and other types of English hounds. As soon as the beagle was perfected, they became excellent hunting and tracking dogs.
Current Hybrids
Since dogs are now regarded as pets and not workers, today’s crossbreeds are designed for looks and function. Hypoallergenic dogs are a combination of the poodle and any other breed to cut down on allergens. Examples would be the Labradoodle, the Cock-a-poo and the Yorkie-poo for those empty purses.
The Pug is another favorite cross in designer breeding, most Pug crosses keep the face. There is the Puggle, a Pug/Beagle cross; A Chug, a Pug/Chihuahua cross, and a Hug which is a Pug/Siberian Husky mix.
Some other beloved mixes among the designer breed community, the names are just fun to say, are the Beagler, a combination of a Beagle/Cavalier King Charles; a Chiweenie is a combination of the Chihuahua and a Dachshund or the Ewokian a Havansese/ Pomeranian mix.
