Have you been thinking of adding the Pitbull Dachshund mix to your family? I know I haven’t, not until coming across it on one doggy website. I got curious and decided to spend a lot of time researching this cute little muscular dog. And what I have found, I’d like to share with you.
Let’s take a closer look at the Pitbull Dachshund mix and explore everything you need to know about caring for one.
What Is A Pitbull Dachshund Mix?
This adorable pup is known by many names. Also called Doxie Pit, Dox Bull, and Doxie Bull, the Pitbull Dachshund Mix is a combination of two very different breeds. It’s the result of having one Pitbull and one Dachshund parent. Sounds a little strange, but this unique dog breed has won plenty of hearts since it came out.
Pitbull Dachshund Mixes, unfortunately, are not yet recognized by organizations. The American Kennel Club (AKC), for example, does not recognize hybrid dog breeds. The American Canines Hybrid Club or ACHC doesn’t either as of this moment, but there’s a possibility of the Doxie Bull being added ito its list if there is enough demand by breeders.
What Do Pitbulls Crossed With Dachshunds Look Like?
Since the Dachshund Pitbull Mix is a mixed breed, its appearance can vary. Purebred dogs have a standard look and form, but mixed breed dogs are the opposite.
A Pitbull Dachshund pup’s looks depends on the traits it inherits from each parent breed, but they generally have the short legs and long body of a Dachshund. They also tend to have a large head, stocky build, and a strong jaw, like a Pitbull.
What Pitbull Dachshund Mixes can differ in are these:
Coat texture – smooth to rough
Color – white to black
Size
There isn’t much difference between the males and females of this mixed breed, but it’s early days yet. It’s still a developing breed so who knows what will happen in the future.
Markings and Coat Color And Texture
While Pitbull Dachshund Mixes are largely found in black or bron colors, there also pups that are a piebald, merle, fawn, tan, or white color. The coats can be short or smooth or wiry and rough.
The Pitbull Dachshund mix is known for its friendly and affectionate personality. They’re eternally curious, sweet, and very loyal to their owners. If you want a social pet, the Dachshund Pitbull Mix is it because it just loves to be around people.
This breed also tends to get along well with other dogs and pets, making them a good family dog and companion for families with multiple pets.
Doxie Pit pups like snuggles, but since they’re also high-energy pups, they will be just as happy with constant running and playing. Their energetic nature means that they need to be moving around constantly and freely, so you need to keep an eye on them when outside or keep them on a leash.
Cleverness is a good trait in dogs, but the Doxie Pit’s tendency to also be stubborn at the same time is a bad mixture. (Both of their parent breeds have stubbornness down pat.) It can mean some headache in the future for you if you don’t quickly nip that in the bud through training.
So while Doxie Pits are some of the sweetest pups out there, their stubborn genes make them a challenge for first-time dog owners. I would really recommend them only for pet owners with experience.
Also, while the Dachshund Pitbull Mix is good with older kids, it’s best to not leave them with small ones as Doxie Pit pups tend to get easily excited. They’re quick to pick up on emotions and fear can make them feel especially nervous.
The breed is affectionate, though, and I know yours will make a wonderful family pet as long as it is trained properly and socialized early.
Dachshunds are smart, but Pitbulls are even more so. The Pitbull Dachshund mix is, not surprisingly, intelligent as well, and it takes its intelligence more from its Pitbull parent.
These dogs are quick learners and enjoy training — if they’re in the mood, which isn’t always the case. And since these Doxie Bull pups are so smart, they may also figure out that they can get you to give them what they want by taking advantage of their adorable faces.
Health
There are very few Doxie pit pups as of the moment so little is known about their health concerns. But to see potential risks in the line, it’s best to look at the health concerns of the parent dogs.
Pit bulls are prone to hip dysplasia, which is a hereditary medical condition where the balls and sockets of the hip joints do not align properly. Dogs who suffer from this condition find it hard to be mobile, let alone perform strenuous activities like running.
There is no cure for hip dysplasia, but it can be managed through surgery. Keeping your Dox Bull from gaining excess weight gain is also advisable so not much pressure is put on its joints.
Meanwhile, due to the elongated backs of Dachshunds (which the Doxie Pit has inherited), they are prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease. It causes neck and back pain and can be triggered by back-related injuries or age.
Other common and serious health issues that you should watch out for are patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation) and Legg-Calve Perthes Disease (degeneration of a dog’s femur bone). As for non-serious health issues, be on the lookout for: cataracts and skin allergies.
Health is such an important issue, particularly when it comes to designer dog breeds so make sure that you do proper research on your pup and its lineage. A reputable breeder will be able to assure you that the puppy you get is healthy and free from diseases so stay away from backyard breeders and puppy mills.
Barking
Dachshunds and Pitbulls are completely different when it comes to barking. Pitbulls are the quiet, watchdog type, while Dachshunds are compulsive barkers. So when it comes to barking level, it depends on which of the parent breeds your pup takes after more.
While the Dachshund Pitbull Mix is not a recognized breed, it has been around for many years. Compared to other dogs, though, it’s a relatively new one, which is why not much is known about its breeding history.
It is likely that the first Pitbull Dachshund breed was created in the early 2000s as an accidental offspring from a mating between a Pitbull and a Dachshund. What I do know is that the breed first came to be in the public’s eye in 2015 when a Dachshund Pitbull Mix named Rami became available for adoption.
That Doxie Pit’s unique looks earned much curiosity, and the spotlight has been on the breed ever since. Over time, breeders began intentionally breeding the Dachshund and the Pit Bull to create a new type of dog.
Parent Breeds: The Rich History of The American Pitbull Terrier and the Dachshund
Doxie Pits are descended from two breeds of Germanic descent.
American Pitbull Terrier
The first breed, the American Pitbull Terrier, traces its roots back to Old English Bulldogs and the Terrier. The bulldog and terrier were often bred together to create a new breed that would have the strength of the bulldog and the gameness (readiness to fight) of the terrier.
These dogs were used in the 19th century for bull-baiting and bear baiting, but as these activities became illegal in the 20th century, owners of these dogs turned to pit fighting where they turned the dogs against each other instead.
The dogs came to America between the years 1845 to 1860 were the blood sport was continued. In 1898, the United Kennel Club finally recognized the breed and named it as the American Pit Bull Terrier.
From the 20th century up, though, American Pit Bull Terriers began to fill the role of sport dogs, farm dogs, and police dogs. Pit bulls are no longer used for violent sports and many have done wonderfully as companion animals and family pets. There have also been cases of Pit bull dogs acting as a therapy dog.
Dachshund
The second breed is the Dachshund, also called as the “sausage dog,” is a dog bred in Germany to hunt small game. The name translates to “badger dog” in German, which gives you a clue about the original purpose of these dogs, which is badger hunting. Their elongated body and short legs allowed them to burrow into badger dens and flush out their prey.
Originally, Dachshunds were larger and used for hunting bigger game, but over time they were bred to be smaller and more agile, which made them better suited to hunting small prey. These dogs were popular with royalty and were even featured in paintings by famous artists such as Albrecht Dürer.
Because badgers will give any animal a good fight, Dachshunds were developed to be courageous, independent, and combative — which is how they got their stubborn trait.
The Dachshund's popularity spread throughout Europe, and they were eventually brought to the United States in the late 1800s. The breed quickly became popular in America, and their reputation as skilled hunters earned them many admirers. In the early 1900s, Dachshunds were recognized by the American Kennel Club and quickly became one of the most popular breeds in the country.
They’re fantastic as pets as they’re very loving and also the perfect lap dogs because they’re quite clingy.
Caring For Your Doxie Pit
Now that you know a little more about the Pitbull Dachshund mix, let's talk about how to care for one. Here are some tips to keep your Doxie Pit happy and healthy:
Exercise Requirements
Physical
While the Pit Bull Dachshund mix is a relatively active breed, they do not require as much exercise as some other dogs. A daily walk or playtime in the yar, or dog park, or anywhere really, can help to keep them active and healthy.
Give them at least 60 minutes of exercise, which you can divide into two or even three separate sessions throughout the day. Since they are highly energetic, not giving them an opportunity to play can cause restlessness or boredom that can result in destructive behavior.
Make sure not to overexert these dogs because they’re prone to injury from overexercising.
Mental
It is important to provide your dog with mental stimulation to keep it entertained. Since Pit Bull Dachshund Mix dogs are highly intelligent, make sure to allot 30 minutes of play for your dog.
Puzzle toys are always great for keeping dogs highly engaged and Doxie Pits love them. The classic Kong toy is always a favorite.
The coat of the Pitbull Dachshund mix is relatively low maintenance. Regular brushing — once very three days is fine — can help to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
But there is a difference in the coats of Doxie Pit pups depending on which parent it takes after more. Those with Dachshund coats will require more grooming than those with Pitbull coats.
In spite of the short coats, however, expect some moderate shedding.
This breed may require occasional bathing to keep their coat clean and healthy. It is also important to trim their nails regularly and clean their ears to prevent infection.
Bathing
The Dachshund Pitbull Mix does not need frequent bathing. Washing them regularly can strip their skin of natural oils and make it too dry. Only bathe your Doxie Pits when necessary, otherwise once a month should be enough.
Oral Care
You don’t have to brush your dog’s teeth every day, but I’d recommend that you do it twice a week. Ideally, you should also have its teeth cleaned professionally once a year.
Training
The Dachshund Pitbull Mix is a highly trainable breed. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best with this breed, as they respond well to praise and rewards. Expect a bit of pushback, though. These guys can be challenging to train so it’s best to do it while they are still young.
Potty Training
Start potty training when your dog turns eight weeks. The Pit Bull Dachshund Mix is notoriously difficult to train so it’s best that you begin training as soon as possible.
Because its ancestors were hunting dogs, it is instinctive for a Pitbull Dachshund Mix to follow scents. Not training your dog to use the designated space to potty will mean that it will come back over and over to the place/places it used to go to toilet before, even when it’s not where it should go.
Using crates is often the most helpful way to teach your designer dog the proper way to potty. By putting it in the crate, your dog will learn to hold it in until it is let out.
If your pup isn’t fully trained yet or has difficulty with holding its bowel movement or pee in, placing puppy pads in strategic locations all over your house can help.
You can start leash training your dog as soon as you bring it home. Doxie Pit pups are super curious about everything and that could mean pulling you everywhere it wants to go. Leash training will teach your dog self-control, which is essential when taking it for a walk outside.
Behavior Training
Since your Dachshund Pitbull is descended from a Pit Bull, it’s a must to socialize it early to head off aggressive tendencies. Your dog must be trained at a young age to respectfully interact with people, especially children, as well as other animals.
The Dachshund Pitbull also has a tendency to chew and dig. Provide a firm but gentle hand when training your pup. Don’t get manipulated by its cute face because these smart dogs will try to use their cuteness to their advantage.
Obedience Training
Having your dog understand basic commands is quite helpful too. Teach it commands like sit, stay, and down. Be sure that you are consistent with your commands and make sure to heap praises on your dog (and a few treats!) when it gets your command right.
If you’re really struggling to train your dog, consider having a professional do it. Don’t leave the training too late. Bad habits that form now can be hard to break later.
Food
The Pitbull Dachshund mix requires a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for its size, age, and needs. Always follow feeding guidelines (your veterinarian will advise you on this) and monitor the weight of your dog from time to time to prevent obesity.
Since your Dachshund Mix is already predisposed to hip dysplasia, a dog food that provides joint support is recommended. Look for ones that include chondroitin and glucosamine.
Keep the calories low and the proteins high. Your dog is highly active and will need lots of energy to fuel his playtime and adventures.
Here’s a rule of thumb when looking for a quality dog food for your Pit Bull Dachshund: the first ingredient in the dog food should always be animal protein (except when it’s wet food. Broth or water usually comes first.)
Regular Vet Check-ups
Regular vet checkups can help to keep your Pitbull Dachshund mix healthy and prevent any potential health issues from developing. It is important to keep up with vaccinations to ensure that your dog is always in good health.
Now that we’ve covered all the facts about the Doxie Pit, let’s move on to the pros and cons of owning one.
Pros
They’re super loyal and affectionate. Mixed dog breeds can inherit good qualities from both breeds, and a Doxie Pit can be loyal and loving to its owner.
They’re good watchdogs. Pit Bulls are known for their protective nature, while Dachshunds have a keen sense of hearing. The Dachshund Mix has inherited both traits from its parents, making it an excellent watchdog.
They’re bursting with energy. Dachshunds are known for their high energy levels, while Pit Bulls are athletic and love to play. A Doxie Pit can be a fun, active companion for someone with an active lifestyle.
They’re easy to maintain. Doxie Pit pups are moderate shredders and don’t need to be brushed or groomed too often. They also don’t need to be bathed regularly owing to their sensitive skin.
They have a small and compact size. The Pitbull Dachshund Mix is a small dog and is totally fine living in a small house.
Cons
They’re only recommended for seasoned dog owners. Because of the headstrong personality of the Pitbull Dachshund, owning the breed is only recommended for dog owners who are experienced in dealing with this kind of animal behavior.
They’re prone to several health issues. Both Dachshunds and Pit Bulls are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and allergies. A Doxie Pit may inherit these health issues and require regular veterinary care.
They’re not easy to find. There is only a limited amount of breeders currently producing the Doxie Pit breed, and the chances of finding them in a rescue shelter is even lower.
Conclusion
Known for their playful nature and stout hearts, Pitbull Dachshund Mix pups are the ideal companions. They’re smart and sweet and will usually do as they’re told — although they might talk back a bit to let you know what they think of your command.
They’re also protective and will do their utmost to keep you safe. And they’re game for anything, whether it be play or snuggles because they love to do both.
With proper training, they can be the best pet for you and your family. Ultimately, the decision to own a Doxie Pit should be made after careful consideration of the pros and cons and an assessment of whether you can provide the necessary care and attention for such a dog.
Lastly, getting the proper items for your dog is essential for their well-being and happiness. From nutritious food and comfortable bedding to toys, grooming tools, and training aids, it's important to provide everything your furry companion needs to thrive. Choosing the right supplies tailored to your dog's size, breed, and specific requirements can make a significant difference in their overall quality of life and your shared adventures together.
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For an impressive duration of four years, Elaine has been embarked on a voyage as a freelance writer within the domain of dog care. The profound fondness she nurtured for animals, ignited by the cherished companionship of her family's treasured pets during her developmental years, has flourished into a genuinely satisfying vocation focused on everything related to dogs.
