When you blend the intelligence of the Poodle and the dauntless courage of the Dachshund, you get a Poodle Dachshund Mix breed. Affectionately called a Doodle, this incredible crossbreed is an easy-going, friendly pup that is very much crrherished by its owners.
The Poodle Dachshund Mix goes by other names. It’s can be referred to as Doxiepoo, Dachdoodle, Doxiedoodle, Doxiepoodle, Dachshunddoodle, and Dachshundpoo.
They are loyal, smart, and active dogs who are perfect family companions, readily forming strong bonds with their owners. They have a playful drive and an adventurous spirit. Both Poodle and Dachshund have hunting instincts, they are easily fascinated by small pets and animals that they come across and can prey on them except when properly trained.
The Poodle Dachshund Mix breed is a small-to-medium-sized dog with varying heights and weights. When it comes to appearance, you can get the best or the worst of the two worlds. It could have more of the Poodle features or more of the Dachshund. But no doubt, the Doxiepoo is an adorable and heart-warming bundle of joy you may never get enough of.
| Poodle Dachshund Mix Fun Facts | |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Designer breed |
| Average Height | 8 - 23 inches |
| Average Weight | 5 - 30 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 - 18 years |
| Coat Type/Color | Medium to long; Wavy or curly Black, brown, cream, white, grey, red. |
| Temperament | Loyal, smart, friendly, social, playful. |
| Shedding Level | Low to moderate |
| Health Problems | Patellar luxation, Canine Cushing Syndrome, hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, etc |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate to a higher degree of care. Depends on the length and amount of fur. |
| Suitable For | Family with or without children, singles. |
| Price | $250 - $2000 |
Breed History Of Poodle Dachshund Mix
Not much is known about the breeding history of the Poodle Dachshund Mix. However, the parent breed both have a rich historical background.
Both Dachshund and Poodle have German descent, although the Poodle was developed & bred in France in the 16th & 17th centuries. They were both bred for their hunting ability & are commonly known to dig quite a lot.
Dachshunds, with their elongated torso & and sturdy legs, were bred to burrow into holes in search of badgers and rabbits.
Poodles, on the other hand, are known for their swimming instinct & ability. Due to the curly and waterproof coat, they can be used to retrieve items from a body of water. The German word ‘Pudel’ refers to a Poodle that attests to the breed’s love of water.
There are 4 variants of poodle based on size –
- Toy Poodle
- Miniature Poodle
- Standard Poodle
- Medium Poodle
The first two are usually bred giving the Poodle Dachshund Mix a vast range of height, weight, and appearances.
Poodles have been used as working dogs in the military since at least the 17th century.
For example, during the English Civil War, Prince Rupert of the Rhine had a famous hunting Poodle he brought over with him from what is today Germany who would ride into battle with his master on horseback.
Toy Poodle was a particular favorite of King Louis XVI, who ruled France between 1774 and 1792.
Appearance and Size of Poodle Dachshund Mix
No two Doxiepoos look exactly alike but they do tend to share notable similarities such as a fluffy coat like that of the Poodle parents.
There is no standard prodigy when you cross a Dachshund and a Poodle. Depending on the trait inherited from the parent breed, your Doxie Poodle can have tall legs and a small trim figure like its Poodle parent or a large floppy ear and a long snout like the Dachshund. It might also have the sturdy legs and long bodies of the Dachshund covered with the dense, corded coat of the Poodle.
The coats of your Doxiepoo can come in a wide range of colors such as grey, white, brown, black, cream, red, & various color patterns.
The size of the Poodle Dachshund Mix ranges from small to medium depending on which parent they take after. On average, the Doxiepoo weighs about 5 – 30 pounds with a height of about 8 – 23 inches.
What You Should Know About The Temperament of Poodle Dachshund Mix
The Doxiepoos are affectionate toward families with or without children. They are also suitable for singles. As they are very active & playful, they interact well with kids. However, they do not normally get along with other dogs in the family. But with proper training and early socialization, this jealous trait can be corrected.
Your Doxiepoos are very sensitive puppies & cannot tolerate being left alone for a long period. They tend to become extremely yappy & can ultimately suffer from separation anxiety. They prefer warmer temperatures to cold weather.
Due to their Poodle heritage, Doxie Poodles are extremely intelligent. Responds quickly to training & command and can decipher difficult tricks. They have a higher tendency to bark or howl at new faces or when lonely.
It’s possible that Poodle Dachshunds will inherit the prey drive of the Dachshunds. Hence, they can be dangerous for smaller pets or vermin except when given the right training.
Both Poodles and Dachshunds are highly alert watchdogs, but unfortunately, their small size does not make them ideal guard dogs.
Poodle Dachshund Health Issue
As with their parent breeds, the Poodle Dachshund Mix breed has a broad spectrum of major and minor illnesses that could plague them but they have an average lifespan of about 10 to 16 years.
These conditions includes but not limited to:
- Canine Cushing Syndrome(CCS) – This occurs when the dog produces too much cortisol, the stress hormone. This hormone helps to fight infection, manage stress, maintain blood pressure, and control body weight. This disease condition is characterized by increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, reduced activity, hair loss, etc. As a result, these dogs develop a bloated or pot-bellied appearance. Drugs are best for dogs with Cushing Syndrome caused by the pituitary gland or for those with a tumor on their adrenal gland that can’t be removed with surgery.
- Patellar Luxation – Sometimes called a trick knee, is a condition in which the patella, or kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location. It is congenital in most dog breeds of which the majority are medial patellar luxation. It is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. The dog has difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg & may learn to kick the leg to one side. There are rarely any signs of pain.
- Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) – This is a life-threatening health condition that attacks the dog’s immune system. It is a condition where the pet’s immune system, which normally fights foreign invaders & harmful microorganisms, begins to attack its red blood cells. In dogs, cancer appears to be the most common cause of IMHA. A stressful environment can also catalyze the background of an underlying medical condition.
Other possible health crises include –
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral Disc Disease(IVDD)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Slipped stifle
- Heart disorders
- Skin problems
- Gastrointestinal tract disease.
Basic Requirements
For your Doxiepoo to be healthy and enjoy a relatively long life, proper attention must be given to its nutrition, grooming, training, and exercise.
Nutrition
Quality food is crucial for your puppy’s wellbeing. It doesn’t cost much to provide high-quality dry kibble for your Doxiepoo. Give your furry friend an amount of food appropriate for their age, size and level of activity.
This should be backed up with constant monitoring because the Doxiepoo tends to gain weight within a short time. All these will help prevent numerous health issues for your pup and promote better longevity.
Grooming
Depending on the type of coat your Doxiepoo inherits, it may require more or less grooming. In any case, you only need to master the fundamental skill required to keep your pooch clean and tidy.
If the coat is poodle-like, your hypoallergenic dog will require frequent brushing for its dense, naturally corded fur. However, If your Doxiepoo has inherited the Dachshund coat, it would require less maintenance.
For anything in between, you’ll need to brush daily. Keep the nails clean by clipping them at least once every week or two. Brush your canine teeth at least twice a week to avoid tooth damage and tartar formation.
Training & Exercise
Generally, Poodle Dachshund Mix breeds aren’t difficult to train, even though they can be stubborn from time to time.
Your Doxiepoo needs early training to get rid of unwanted traits and personalities. Having a Dachshund heritage, it sometimes tends to be stubborn and has a quick impulse to chase prey. Additionally, it is common for your Doxiepoo to dig holes in gardens when left alone.
Doodles are known to be jealous of other dogs in the family and tend to pick fights with them. With early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement, these rambunctious tendencies can be eliminated.
Because they are active and robust creatures, your Doodle needs regular exercise of mild to moderate intensity. An adult Doxiepoo in good health should exercise daily for about 30 to 60 minutes. Daily walks, physical and mental stimulation are all recommended to keep your dog fit.
Similar Crossbreed
Poodle Dachshund Mix is not the only popular crossbreed in existence.
Others include –
- Yorkie Poo
- Doxle
- Shih Poo
- Corgi Dachshund Mix
- Cavapoo
- Golden Doxie
These similar designer breeds are a wonderful selection if you are not quite sure whether the Poodle Dachshund Mix will be a good fit for you.
What’s The Price of Poodle Dachshund Mix Pups?
The price of the Poodle Dachshund Mix puppies can vary depending on the breeder’s location, shopping fee, the parent dog’s history, etc.
Nonetheless, an average Doxiepoo costs around $250 – $2000. Because it’s a rare mixed breed, it is important for potential dog owners not to rush into buying the first Doodle puppy they find.
Find a reputable breeder who can provide you with important health certifications such as test results, vaccination records, or even reviews and testimonials. Reputable breeders could offer you the history of the puppies’ parents. They will answer your questions and allay any anxious concerns you may have. You may also need to look around the breeding facilities to determine how hygienic they are.
At the end of the day, you have every information you need to make your final decision and ultimately, the choice is yours.
Does Poodle Dachshund Mix Fit In With Families?
Doodle puppies make lovely house companions. They are fun to be with & can quickly get attached to individual members of the family. They love to be where every member of the family is and would gladly accept the role of a lap dog. This trait makes them highly vulnerable to separation anxiety, when left alone.
Doxiepoos have an exciting relationship with kids. Being playful and energetic, they get along pretty well. A word of caution is in order – DO NOT LEAVE A LITTLE CHILD PLAY UNSUPERVISED WITH YOUR DOODLE PUPPY. This is to avoid injuries & frustration on the part of your pooch as they dislike rough plays.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an adorable, small-sized animated puppy, the Poodle Dachshund Mix would be an excellent choice. They have so much love & energy to go around. It doesn’t matter if you have kids or not. They are good around kids and with other dogs if early socialization is incorporated.
These cute puppies are extremely intelligent and smart which makes them easy to train. Although they can be stubborn at times, your time spent in training will surely pay off.
Despite its misgivings, the Poodle Dachshund Mix is a small happy and rompy pooch that could be an invaluable companion and great addition to your family.
