Choosing a Dachshund Mix Breed: Which is Best For Your Home?
When I was two years old, my family adopted a tiny, Dachshund puppy. He was the family pet for sixteen years before the sad time of his passing. If you are like me, then you have decided that you need that companionship and that it is finally time for a new dog – but you still aren’t sure what breed to choose. That’s where I can help you.
Which Dachshund mix is best for your home? Dachshunds are possessive and can be aggressive. Mixing a dachshund with another breed helps to curb that tendency toward possession. Here are just a few choices of Dachshund Hybrids for you to consider based on temperament:
- Doxie-poo
- Doxidor
- Dorkie
- Doxie-Pit
- Doxie-Chin
- Chiweenie
- Doxie-Mo
- Doxle
Full-Bred Dachshund
“The word “icon” is terribly overworked, but the Dachshund—with his unmistakable long-backed body, little legs, and big personality—is truly an icon of purebred dogdom…”
American Kennel Club
From my own personal experience living with a Dachshund, there are some things I have come to learn about their personalities that will help you to choose your mix-breed.
On average, Dachshunds can live from 10-15 years, like most other small breeds. Depending on the Dachshund and if it is Standard-Sized or Miniature, it can be 8-9 inches in height and range anywhere from 10-30 pounds in weight.
Dachshunds are attention-seeking. They are funny little dogs once you get to know them, and they love to be the center of attention. If you give them a chance, a Dachshund could be the perfect dog for the empty-nester who needs something to love and dote on. They can be very friendly at times and all they will want to do is sit in your lap and give you kisses.
However, if you have a family, I would ask you to remember that Dachshunds are a little hard-headed at times. They have no concept of stopping when it comes to food and they can become very possessive of it and their toys, So yes, it is okay to dote on your Dachshund, just remember that they will never stop eating if you keep filling up their bowl. (This can cause some serious back problems if they gain too much weight, considering their size)
It can also be noted however, that Dachshunds can do well with small children if introduced at a young age. In my own experience as a child, Dachshunds tend to think they are bigger than they truly are. If your Dachshund should sense danger, he or she will have no problem trying to protect your small children when it comes down to it. They are generally very protective of their families. They are fiercely loving, loyal dogs and well worth the time and investment of making one a part of your family.
Now, that you are a little more aware, here are some mix-breeds for you to consider.
1. Doxie-Poo
The Doxie-Poo is a mix between the Standard-Sized Dachshund and the Miniature Poodle. These dogs can live up to 15 years with proper care.
These dogs vary in size, based on their parents. They can range anywhere from 8-20 inches in height and can be as small 5 pounds to as large as 30 pounds. In general, you should be feeding your Doxie-poo about one cup of dry food a day.
These dogs vary in size, based on their parents. They can range anywhere from 8-20 inches in height and can be as small 5 pounds to as large as 30 pounds.
These dogs are very intelligent, and can take well to training if you take advantage of obedience courses. However, these dogs do have high energy and should be let out daily, whether that be on a walk or letting them out in your yard. Yet, they do not need lots of space to run around in. These dogs are very family friendly and loving. They also do very well with other animals once they have been introduced.
2. Doxidor
This breed is exactly what it sounds like. Simply put, it is a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Dachshund. These dogs live an estimated 14 years.
This hybrid generally ranges from 15-25 inches in height as well as 30-40 pounds. This breed requires an average of three cups of kibble a day.
It is to be well-noted that the Doxidor generally has a very sweet personality but ranges high on the activity scale. If you are considering this breed, make sure to take them out often to expel some of that energy.
Because Doxidors are part Dachshund, they will generally have a longer, more wiry coat that will take some general maintenance when needed. It should also be noted that this breed tends to shed a little more than usual. Plan out time in your daily schedule to groom your Doxidor’s coat.
Overall, this is generally a very family-friendly breed, especially if you have small children. With time and patience, you can train the stubborn Doxie-side and get him/her used to
3. Dorkie
This breed is a hybrid between the Dachshund and the Yorkshire terrier. They are estimated to live approximately 13 years.
Dorkies can range between 5-10 inches tall and 5-10 pounds in weight. In general, they are on the smaller end of the spectrum. You should be feeding your Dorkie about one cup of food per day.
These dogs are built in that lovable Dachshund shape, with short legs and a long body. Their coat tends to be long and straight like that of a Yorkie, and do not need as much maintenance as a Doxidor does. You should be able to get away with grooming your Dorkie’s coat about once a week. Just be careful to check for any matting of the fur.
“Indy is a super smart girl who loves socks. She has a collection that we play tug of war with. She’s a snuggler and loves to be with me and/or my husband (mainly me though) but tends to get jealous if my husband wants a hug…”
Anonymous – Dorkie Owner
Consistency is the key when it comes to training your Dorkie. They are usually very laid back dogs, and you may have to motivate them to take a walk as they tend to be a little bit lazy. However, they make very good lapdogs for those families who need someone to cuddle with.
4. Doxie-Pit
A hybrid between the American Pit Bull, and Dachshund, this dog can live approximately 8-12 years.
These dogs are about 8-13 inches tall, weighing about 20-30 pounds. For a breed of this size, it is recommended that they have a daily intake of three cups of food.
This is still a very new breed, and it kind of has a funny appearance at first glance. With the small, short frame of a Dachshund, this breed has the large head of the Pit Bull accompanied by a long neck. This breed is also known to have distinct facial markings.
To best take care of your Doxie-Pit’s coat, you should be brushing them about once a week to keep them looking prim and proper. These dogs shed their short, straight coat often in order to keep it healthy.
“Datsun was given to me at 5 weeks old. She was an outside puppy and so sweet. She does not like to be left alone in a room and she loves to lay in your lap and sleep. She is the sweetest thing. She loves my kids and has my husband wrapped around her little paw. “
Anonymous – Doxie-Pit Owner
If you are looking to take care of this breed, be prepared for high levels of activity coming from the Pitbull side. Before you take this dog home with you, make sure you have the proper amount of space to provide for this dog’s large bursts of energy. Find time to take them to the dog park regularly, or you may come back to a chewed up couch or table, as these dogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and find their own way to expel energy.
Training these dogs can be difficult due to the nature of both breeds, so consistency is a must. However, these dogs are highly affectionate and make great family dogs due to their love and loyalty. They would make a great addition to any family willing to give them a loving home.
5. Doxie-Chin
A cross between the Dachshund and Japanese Chin, this breed is on the smaller size, ranging from 8-11 inches and 10-25 pounds. These dogs only require one cup of dry food throughout the day. The Doxie-chin has an average life span of about 14 years
The Doxie-Chin is unique in the sense that it is actually considered a designer breed. This breed is also unique in appearance. Taking on the longer body of a Dachshund with accompanied by their long ears, this breed is known to have the short snout of the Japanese Chin.
These dogs are usually pretty low maintenance, only needing to be brushed a few times a week. Their coat can either be fine or wiry, so take the time to bathe them as required for their coat type. Doxie-Chins are sensitive to higher temperatures, so make sure to keep them in the shade when taking your dog for a walk.
This breed is not the most active breed out there, but can suffer from separation anxiety if left by them-self for too long. This is a trait that stems from both parents and can lead to behavioral issues if not taken care of properly.
However, you will not find a more loving, affectionate, or loyal mix out there. Like the Japanese Chin, Doxie-Chins will be happy to perch themselves in higher areas similar to a cat. Start your dog out young when introducing them to another animal and small children. Be careful to not let your children play too rough with them either.
6. Chiweenie
Chiweenies can be a mix between either the Miniature Dachshund and Chihuahua or a mix between the Standard-Sized Dachshund and the Chihuahua. They can live about 16 years on average.
Like the Doxie-poo, this hybrid has a wide range of sizes. Chiweenies can range from 6-10 inches tall and 8-25 pounds. Because of their small size, you should only be feeding your Chiweenie one cup of kibble a day to prevent any weight issues.
“I love my dog more than I thought I could ever love an animal. But she doesn’t seem like an animal at all because she’s so intelligent and affectionate. She loves to rub her forehead against my face and under my chin. She puts her paws on both side of my head and snuggles against my neck. She loves to be held like a baby. She’s the biggest cuddler I’ve ever known. My life is so much better because of her”
Anonymous – Chiweenie Owner
This breed seem to take on the body shape of the Dachshund, with the defining eyes, ears, and tail of a Chihuahua. Grooming standards for your Chiweenie may vary depending on the coat type and length. However, those with a long coat generally need to be brushed every day.
This dog definitely has a much different disposition than the first three. Your Chiweenie will not be very good with small children or other animals unless introduced at a young age. Because they are such a small breed as well, they will need daily exercise to help them get rid of some of their extra energy. They are also well known for barking or yapping whenever they feel the need to, even if there is no logical reason for it. Try not to get too frustrated with your Chiweenie, it’s in their blood!
7. Doxie-Mo
A cross between the American Eskimo Dog and Dachshund. This breed has a range of 10-18 inches in height and 25-25 pounds in weight. This breed requires about one cup of food a day and they usually live until about 14 years old.
For these dogs, it really depends on the parents to decide whether your Doxiemo will be tall or short. However shorter dogs tend to take on a closer appearance to their Dachshund parent, while taller dogs take on the appearance of their American Eskimo Counterpart.
If you are considering this breed, BEWARE! This breed has a very long coat, and while that coat is low maintenance, it will be quite the shedder. Make sure you are brushing your dog every day to get rid of any mats that may appear. If you wait too long, you will cause your dog a lot of pain. Save yourself the hassle and brush them every day.
It is recommended that you give your Doxiemo at least an hour of time to exercise. This breed is perfect for those families that are living in a small apartment. The Doxiemo can get a majority of its daily exercise inside rather than outside, so don’t worry if you don’t have a large backyard.
8. Doxle
This breed is a smaller to medium sized mix of a Dachshund and Beagle. They can grow to about 11 inches tall and be as large as 30 pounds. To keep you from overfeeding your Doxle, it is recommended that these dogs receive one cup of food a day. Most Doxles can live to about 14 years of age.
This breed varies in both color and coat type. However, their coats still require some major maintenance. While they do not need to be bathed unless they have rolled around in something, you should be brushing your Doxle several times a week to keep their coats looking healthy.
These dogs make good family pets, but are also good for older couples who cannot get around as well. Doxles do not have as high an energy level as other Doxie mix breeds, and only require daily walks or even some time to play with their toys to help with their energy.
Despite their small size, because of their parents, this breed will make an excellent watch dog. Doxles tend to be an affectionate breed that will be very loyal to their family no matter what. However, they may need some training as they are known to chew a lot. Both parents also contribute to a bit of a barking problem, so make sure to consider that when deciding whether or not to purchase this breed. It may be worth your time to invest in some training courses to stop these habits early.
Related Questions:
Do Dachshunds have any major health problems? Dachshunds are prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease. This means that due to their small build, they are more likely to suffer from a herniated disk in the lower spine. This can be prevented by watching your Dachshund’s weight and refraining from any strenuous exercise which could hurt their back.
Are Dachshunds better on their own or in pairs? Dachshunds much prefer to be paired with another Dachshund. They will be alright if you pair them with another breed, but they are picky and will do better being paired with one of the same breeds. This breed is more social, and would rather not be the only dog in the house.