It is certainly possible for a dog to be a mix of 4 different breeds. Crossbreeding dogs has become increasingly popular in recent years, with breeders intentionally creating “designer dogs” that blend characteristics from multiple purebreds. As more breeds are crossed, some dogs end up with genetic contributions from 4 or more different purebred ancestors in their lineage.
While any combination of breeds is possible when dogs are mixed, some 4-breed crosses are more common than others. Breeders may blend popular breeds like Labradors, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers to create a dog with the desired combination of friendliness, intelligence, low-shed coat, and cute appearance. However, even unintentional mixes can have many breeds in their background if the parents themselves were mixed-breeds.
How Breed Mixes Occur
For a dog to be a combination of 4 breeds, it must have parents that collectively contribute DNA from 4 separate breeds. This can happen in a few different ways:
– A first generation cross between 2 different crossbreeds that each contain 2 separate breeds themselves. For example, breeding a Labradoodle (Labrador + Poodle) with a Goldendoodle (Golden Retardriever + Poodle) would result in a mix of 4 breeds: Labrador, Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Poodle.
– A first generation cross between a purebred and a triple crossbreed that contains 3 breeds already. Mating a purebred Poodle with a Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Bichon Frise + Poodle) would result in a 4-breed dog with contributions from Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Poodle and Poodle.
– A second or higher generation crossbreed with parents that each contain 2 or more breeds in their background. For example, an F2 Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever/Poodle F1 parent and a Golden Retriever/Labrador F1 parent would be 1⁄4 Golden Retriever, 1⁄4 Poodle, 1⁄2 Labrador Retriever.
– Accidental breeding of 2 crossbreeds with multiple breeds behind each of them. Unspayed/unneutered mixes allowed to roam may breed and have puppies with 4+ breeds represented.
How 4-Breed Mixes Inherit Traits
While each breed contributes to a portion of the mixed dog’s genetic makeup, the traits that ultimately come through in the puppies cannot be predicted with total certainty. Just like with human genetics, some genes are dominant while others are recessive. This means that an inherited trait from one breed can end up expressed phenotypically over a trait from another breed in the mix.
For example, if a Goldendoodle with a straight Poodle coat is bred with a Labradoodle with a curly Poodle coat, some of the puppies may end up curly coated instead of straight coated, because the curly gene is dominant. However, since straight fur is a recessive gene, some puppies in the litter could also end up with straight coats too.
Other physical traits like size, appearance, coloring and temperament may favor one breed’s influence over the other in an unpredictably mixed fashion. While breeds do tend to consistently pass on certain traits (like retrieval instinct in Labrador Retrievers or herding in Collies), each puppy is unique. Having more breeds in a dog’s background results in greater genetic variety between siblings.
Potential Benefits of 4-Breed Crosses
While some criticize overly mixed breeds as being less predictable than purebreds or simpler crosses, there can be advantages to combining 4 gene pools:
- Broader genetic diversity – More breeds means more genetic variation which can improve health.
- Hybrid vigor – Mixing breeds sometimes results in puppies that are healthier and live longer than their purebred parents by counteracting negative recessive traits.
- More coat colors/markings – Expanding the gene pool increases potential coat pattern variation.
- Unusual combinations of traits – Unique aesthetic blends of physical traits or behaviors from contributing breeds.
Owners looking for the perfect blend of personality, trainability, appearance and health may benefit from exploring some of the 4-breed hybrids now being intentionally produced.
Potential Drawbacks of 4-Breed Crosses
However, there are also some disadvantages that come along with having such a diverse genetic background:
- Less predictable traits – Physical appearance and behavioral tendencies are much less predictable compared to purebreds.
- Health testing of parents – Should be done to screen for known hereditary conditions in the breeds. Mixing breeds does not guarantee hybrid vigor.
- Poor breeding – Mixing too many breeds across too many generations often indicates irresponsible breeding practices.
- Higher exercise needs – Many popular breeds used in 4-way mixes have high exercise requirements that need proper daily outlet.
Reputable breeders creating intentional 4+ breed crosses should health test and carefully select parent stock to avoid compounding health problems. However, not all breeders work this diligently to produce healthy, stable mixed breeds.
Examples of Common 4 Breed Mixes
Some of the most popular dogs that commonly display a blend of 4 breeds include:
Goldendoodle Labradoodle Crosses
Breeds: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Poodle
These crosses aim to combine the best traits from Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. They are usually friendly, intelligent, outgoing dogs with low- to non-shedding coats. Their size can vary depending on whether a standard or miniature Poodle is used.
Yorkipoo Shih Tzu Crosses
Breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Poodle
By blending small companion breeds like the Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle, these tiny hybrids usually weigh under 12 pounds. They have a range of coat colors and textures but are typically non-shedding.
Bernedoodles
Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever
Crossing the large, fluffy Bernese Mountain Dog with a smaller Poodle and then breeding their offspring to a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle results in a loving, lower maintenance big dog. The curly coat and loyal personality of the parental breeds shine through.
Double Doodles
Breeds: Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle
Also sometimes called “North Americanese,” these flourishing Doodle crosses have gained popularity for their joyful, people oriented personalities and intelligent nature. Their looks can vary greatly depending on the Poodle type used.
Are 4-Breed Mixes Recognized?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes purebred dog breeds that breed “true.” These breeds reliably pass down consistent physical and behavioral traits generation after generation.
There are currently no 4-breed crosses that have achieved AKC recognition. However, a couple 3-breed crosses are now eligible to complete in AKC companion and performance events, like the Australian Labradoodle and the Cava-Poo-Chon.
There are some breed clubs starting to form for popular mixed breeds, like the Goldendoodle Association of North America. While not providing full breed recognition, these clubs advocate for responsible breeding of the crosses and maintenance of their traits.
Conclusion
With intentional designer dog breeding on the rise, it is certainly possible for dogs these days to have ancestry tracing back to 4 distinct purebreds. Breeders combine popular breeds like Retrievers, Poodles and Spaniels in different permutations to create 4-breed crosses with ideal combinations of shed-free coats, agreeable personalities, and pet-friendly sizes. However, mixing so many breeds together does reduce predictability and can compound health issues if not done carefully. While cute and unique in appearance, 4-breed crosses are not yet recognized as official breeds. But their surging popularity indicates these complex mixed dogs are here to stay.
