Popular dog mixes in Australia
Designer and working-dog crosses are some of the most popular dogs in Australia today. Each page covers what each parent breed contributes, realistic price, exercise needs, and the honest watchouts. These aren't purebreds — expect individual variation, but our ranges reflect what most puppies from each cross actually grow into.
Jack Russell × Pug — a spirited, cheeky little dog that combines the Pug's friendliness with the Jack Russell's energy and tenacity. Active, food-motivated, and needs more exercise than a pure Pug.
Kelpie × Border Collie — the most common working-dog cross in Australia, deliberately bred for sheep and cattle work. Extremely intelligent, extremely energetic, and totally unsuited to apartment or low-activity lifestyles.
The Labradoodle was originally bred in Australia in the 1980s as a low-shedding guide dog. Today it's one of the country's most popular designer crosses — friendly, trainable, and usually suitable for mild allergy households.
Tiny, affectionate, and low-shedding — the Moodle is a Maltese × Toy Poodle cross popular for apartment living and allergy sufferers. Genuinely small (most stay under 6kg), making them the lightest doodle option.
Pug × Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — bred to reduce the breathing problems of pure Pugs while keeping the compact friendly temperament. A good option for first-time flat-faced dog owners in Australia.
Pug × Beagle — a friendly, social, food-obsessed little dog with a longer muzzle than a pure Pug. The Beagle side brings energy and a strong nose; the Pug side brings affection and a calmer indoor nature.
A Miniature Schnauzer × Poodle cross — intelligent, low-shedding, and more independent than most doodles. Good option for owners who want trainability without the 'velcro dog' intensity of a Cavoodle or Spoodle.
Shih Tzu × Toy Poodle — a calm, affectionate, small apartment dog with minimal exercise needs. Often recommended for seniors and first-time owners who want a quiet companion rather than an active playmate.
A Cocker Spaniel × Poodle cross — the British equivalent of the Cavoodle, increasingly popular in Australia. Affectionate, adaptable, and typically lighter exercise needs than a Labradoodle while still being smart and trainable.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier × Bullmastiff — a powerful, affectionate guardian dog, larger and calmer than a pure Staffy. Needs early training and socialisation but rewards with a devoted, stable family dog.
Looking for a purebred? See our dog breed guides.