Cross_breeding

For the industrial-metal band, see Crossbreed (band).

A crossbreed or crossbred is a hybrid animal of two purebred parents. Crossbreed may also refer to a domestic animal where the breed status of only one parent or grandparent is known. Crossbreeding, also known as mixing, refers to the process of breeding such an animal, often with the intention of creating offspring that share the traits of both parent lineages. The term is sometimes used for plants but is more commonly applied to domesticated animals.

An outcross is a type of crossbreeding used within a purebred breed to increase the genetic diversity within the breed.

Crossbreeds in specific animals

One of the most ancient types of crossbred animal is the mule, a cross between a female horse and a male donkey or ass. The liger is a hybrid cross between a male lion and female tiger. A dog of unknown parentage is often called a mixed-breed dog, "mutt" or "mongrel," while a cat of unknown parentage is often referred to as a moggy. The yattle is a cross between a cow and a yak. Other crosses include the tigon (between a female lion and male tiger) and yakalo (between a yak and buffalo).

See also

• Artificial selection
• Dog hybrids and crossbreeds
• Heterosis
• Selective breeding
• Outcross

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