Sooner Dog Breeds: Characteristics, History, and Care (2023)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Greeting! If you’re looking to adopt a four-legged companion, the Sooner Dog may be just what you need. Also known as a ‘Soup Hound’ or a ‘Kyoodle’, these mixed breed dogs are gentle and friendly, with an easygoing nature that makes them great family pets.

But before taking the big step of adopting one of these wonderful animals into your home, it’s important to know their history and characteristics so that you can provide them with proper care and training.

In this article we’ll examine all things related to Sooner Dogs: their characteristics, history and evolution, associated breeds – plus tips for finding one of these special pups for adoption!

We’ll start by looking at the key traits and temperament of the Sooner Dog. They are known for being affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. Their gentle, tolerant attitude makes them a good fit for households with children or other pets.

The ancestry of the Sooner Dog is not well documented, but they are believed to have originated from accidental cross-breeding of various spaniels and poodles.

When adopting a Sooner Dog, you can expect a medium-sized pup weighing 25-50 lbs full grown. Their curly coats come in a variety of colors and patterns. Grooming requirements are moderate.

To find an adoptable Sooner Dog, check with local shelters, rescue organizations, and breed-specific rescues. Patience may be required to locate one, but it’s worth the wait to welcome one of these special mixed breeds into your family! Proper socialization and training will ensure a lifetime of companionship.

What is a Sooner Dog?

You, buddy, are a real mutt, with rugged roots; even though your origins run deep, your character longs to ramble free over the boundless plains. Sooner pooches like you’re a sturdy mixed breed developed in the American Midwest.

As settlers hurried to grab free land in Oklahoma during the late 1800s, those sneaking in early to stake their stakes ahead of the official start became known as sooners. Their scrappy mutts that tagged along were called sooner dogs. Tough and tenacious, sooner dogs are a random blend of herding, hunting, and terrier breeds.

They’re medium-sized with short coats, upright ears, and lengthy legs suited for scampering over harsh terrain. Bright and loyal, sooner dogs make fantastic sidekicks for an brisk outdoor existence. With decent schooling, these alert and spirited pups thrive when assigned a task.

Characteristics of Sooner Dogs

Sooners are scrappy mixed-breed dogs with short fur and a feisty attitude common in the rural South. These clever pups are true survivors, descended from random-bred farm dogs who had to fend for themselves.

1. Small to medium in size, usually 20-50 lbs as adults.
2. Short-haired, with coats that shed minimally. Common colors are tan, black, white, and brindle.
3. Sturdily built, with a muscular body and short legs suited for scrambling after vermin.
4. Intelligent and resourceful when it comes to scavenging food or shelter.
5. Wary of strangers but fiercely loyal to their family once bonded.

Sooners have hybrid vigor from their mixed ancestry and generally enjoy good health, living 12-15 years. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destruction. Use positive reinforcement to channel their quick wits into training. With patience, Sooners make delightful companions with a dash of delightful rascal.

Their gritty survivability is a testament to the remarkable resilience of so many random-bred dogs.

History and Evolution of Sooner Dogs

Having developed in the American Midwest, sooner dogs arose as hardy mixed-breed working dogs valued for their versatility. Bred from a motley mix of herding dogs, terriers, and hounds, sooner dogs exhibit a scrappy, adaptable nature along with loyal devotion to their owners.

Though popular on farms and homesteads of yore for their hunting skills and protective instincts, increased urbanization led to the decline of this practical pioneer breed.

Still, those seeking an active, intelligent companion would do well to consider adopting one of these charismatic Heinz 57 varieties. While sooners vary in size and appearance, their affectionate yet spirited temperament shines through.

With proper training and socialization, these clever mutts make for delightful family dogs.

So if you seek a steadfast pet with an old-fashioned work ethic, don’t overlook the humble yet hearty sooner dog. Hardy and versatile, this down-home breed brings farmhouse spirit to modern homes.

Breeds Associated With Sooner Dogs

Let’s get down to it: sooner dogs are mixes of random breeds. As a reputable dog breeder who specializes in the sooner breed, I’ve seen these scrappy pups come from all sorts of backgrounds.

Some of the most common breeds I’ve seen crossed into sooner dogs are Chihuahua mixes, Boston terrier mixes, bulldog crosses, beagles, and poodle bloodlines. The small, spunky Chihuahua and Boston terrier lend their feisty attitudes, while the stocky bulldog contributes its tenacity.

The even-tempered beagle passes down its friendly nature, and poodles impart their intelligence.

Beyond those, sooner dogs draw from a rich genetic pool of various terriers, hounds, herders, toys, and more. As true heinz 57 mutts, every sooner dog offers their own unique blend of diverse breeds and characteristics.

While their lineages may be uncertain, their resilience and charm always shine through. The sooner’s patchwork heritage is what makes it such an endearing and adaptable breed.

Training and Care for Sooner Dogs

You’ll delight in the spunk and spirit of this fun-lovin’ pooch, but consistent trainin’ and plenty of exercise keeps ’em focused and fit. Sooner dogs are lively pups with heaps of energy, so start trainin’ and socializin’ early.

Schedule daily walks and playtime to satisfy their needs for mental stimulation and physical activity. Establish a consistent feedin’ schedule for your puppy, 2-3 small meals a day. Deworm at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks old.

Watch for common issues like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. With patience and perseverance, you’ll have a devoted companion for life. Sooner dogs thrive on attention and affection. Shower ’em with love, provide structure through trainin’, and you’ll be rewarded with a friend who brings sunshine into your days.

Finding and Adopting a Sooner Dog

For adopting a sooner dog, check your local shelters and rescue groups first. Sooner dogs, also known as mixed breed dogs, encompass a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and temperaments.

When adopting a sooner dog, spend time interacting with the dog to assess its personality and energy level. Though all dogs require training and socialization, sooner dogs’ temperaments can vary more than purebreds.

Opt for a medium-sized sooner dog if you want an active yet adaptable companion. The parson russell and miniature schnauzer make excellent sooner dogs with moderate exercise needs and lively dispositions.

If you seek a more sensitive, velcro breed, consider a sooner version of the herding aussie shepherd. Its mix of intelligence, loyalty, and trainability shines through. Shelters frequently have aussie/lab mixes and other herding crossbreeds with the aussie’s expressive nature.

Adopting a mutt means embracing life’s beautiful unpredictability. Let the sooner dog choose you and enjoy the journey together.