As a person who grew up with purebred dogs, I totally understand why some people are attracted to certain breeds. However, I love the intrigue and fun of seeing a handsome mixed breed. Iko, the Mystery Mix, joined his humans for a family portrait session with Helena Woods.
From Helena: “This family loves their pup so much, and we all had such a fun time taking portraits with their dog. Iko was very easy to photograph and calmly and eagerly posed for my lens. We had our family session on Wales Alley in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia – just right outside of Washington, D.C.”
From Iko’s dad: “Iko was born in 2010, rescued at only one-day-old by Alaqua Animal Shelter in Florida. The shelter didn’t originally make a file for him because he was the ‘runt’ of the litter and they didn’t even think he would survive.
We adopted him at eight weeks, and he has lived the good life since! He enjoyed swimming in Florida and digging in the white sand beaches. He moved with us out west and ran all over trails in New Mexico and Colorado, loyally following (or leading!) Brian and Amanda on mountain bikes. Iko is equally at home on the trail or on the couch. Play hard, snuggle hard is his mantra.
Iko now lives in Alexandria, VA and enjoys trips to the park to play frisbee. He sprints hard for the catch until he decides it’s time to lay down in the grass and soak up the sun. Iko knows so many words we have to spell words out to not get him prematurely excited about a ‘walk’ to the ‘park’ (but now he has learned that P-A-R-K also means ‘park’). We definitely don’t say ‘beach’ unless we want a really, really excited dog! Iko has always preferred people over other dogs, and makes good eye contact which is nice for pictures! He has warmed up to kids in the family, bonding with Maya over dropped food or a tossed toy.
Iko is one of those dogs that everyone offers a friendly opinion on his breed. We’ve heard he is (for sure) a border collie, pointer, hound, whippet, and dalmatian. 
To us, he’s just a ‘mystery mix’ that we couldn’t imagine life without! “
If you are looking for a new family member, I hope you’ll consider adopting one! If you know of a great rescue organization, please include in the comments below!
Follow Helena Woods on Instagram.
About Helena Woods Photography: Helena is based in Connecticut, New England, as well as France. She specializes in timeless and modern classic children’s portraits.
Aw yay!! Thanks for the feature! Such a sweet pup
The photos are so cute!!! And Iko is a proper poser! I believe that all animals are beautiful, no matter what breed (or mix) they are.
I am in complete agreement with you!
He looks so adorable. Love the pictures ❤️
I think he definitely has some whippet in him. Such lovely photos.
Aww Iko looks so cute! Such a happy dog 🙂
What a sweet looking dog! Hope you make some great memories!
I can’t stop admiring those beautiful pictures. The dog seems to be such a great addition to your family.
These pictures are absolutely beautiful! And so is that pup
Iko is such a beautiful dog! I grew up with a lab mix, so those looks bring back some very fond memories. The eyes are so familiar. Iko’s eyes look like they have quite the story to tell.
He does have very soulful (and beautiful) eyes!
Nice! I only experienced dog when I was a kid since then I haven’t being around any…
What a beautiful dog! I had a mix dog once! She was a German Shephard, Lab, and Pit Bull mix!
Whatever he is, he’s definitely a cutie!
Oh I just love those photos. We have a rescue pup, too, and we aren’t sure what breed she is. Other than being the best dog in the world, of course.
Of course! 🙂
Iko seems like a great dog no matter what his heritage is. The photo shoot was awesome and he really lights up for the cameras
I love this photos! So cool that the dog is a mystery mix. He’s handsome!
What a great story, and a beautiful pupper!
Iko sounds like such a great fur baby. It was wonderful to learn more about him and his family.
Great photos! I think Iko is so adorable! I love watching a mystery mix mature and trying to guess what he may be mixed with. So cute!
I love this dog! I am glad the dog survived from being a runt of the litter. This family truly loves this dog and you can tell by just looking at their faces.
Oh my goodness what a pup! She has the happiest and lovely face! I just want to give her a hug!
That pic of the little girl with the puppy should be entered into photo contests it is brilliant! Absolutely gorgeous shot. I like the others as well but that one!
What impressed me the most is how much love is in that family. It brought tears to my eyes. Lucky dog!
Oh my goodness, that is one adorable dog! Also the family seems wonderful too! I have a rescue dog and he is a lab/hound/whatever else mix of dog and we adore him just the way he is!
Iko looks so adorable! Pretty photogenic to be honest with you. Your daughter seems to like Iko very much.
Awe, what an awesome pup. It looks like Iko has a very loving family also.
What a lovely photo shoot! Those are all great photos, and such a sweet dog and family. I love mystery mix pups 🙂
Oh my gosh, Iko is so beautiful and such a good poser.
Love this family photo and I can see how they love their dog so much.
Iko looks like the sweetest pup – and so gentle too! Love that Iko is a rescue and looks so incredibly happy now.
I’m smiling from ear to ear just enjoying these precious pics of Iko! I also love his mantra: play hard, snuggle hard!
Awe, this has inspired me to take photos with my pets. I only wish I would’ve taken one with my devoted chihuahua that passed in April.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your chihuahua. I hope you get lots of photos of your other pets.
Aaawww such a lovely post! You all look so happy. I bet your pup can’t believe his luck!
I LOVE RESCUE STORIES! Suh a beautiful dog and he is a member of a beautiful family. Thank you for making such a lovely post
Aww such a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Aw, so nice! Whenever we plan on getting another dog we will definitely be adopting.
Rescue dogs make great companions!
Iko is perfect. What a gorgeous one. Can’t stop looking at the smile. He completes the family.
Such an adorable dog. He must be very happy to be in that picture.
I love the pictures in Old Town! What a cute setting
Iko is a lucky and handsome pup! And what a wonderful life! Beautiful photos. I so enjoy seeing families and their beloved dogs together enjoying life. Precious moments.