The American Pitbull Terrier and the Dachshund are two very popular dog breeds. Both breeds are iconic for different reasons. Together they make the uniquely wonderful Pitbull Dachshund mix that is proving to be a real hit with canine lovers.
The Pitbull and the Dachshund look completely different, but, like all hybrid hounds, the appearance of the Pitbull Dachshund mix depends on the dominant genes they inherit. So expect a mix when it comes to looks, but the personality needs to be a beautiful blend of their parents.
The Pitbull Dachshund mix is exciting and relatively new. But combining these two doggy favorites into one lovable bundle is sure to bring lots of love and happy memories into your household. Let’s take a deeper look.
Weight20-50 pounds- Height10-15 inches
- Lifespan12-16 years
- Colorsany color, solid or merle
Parent Breeds
The Pitbull Dachshund mix is an unusual pairing and not one you’d typically see at the dog park. It is likely that a breeder would intentionally breed them together. It is also vital that the Pitbull is the mother because a Dachshund carrying Pitbull babies would be life-threatening.
American Pitbull Terrier
It’s safe to say that the American Pitbull Terrier has a bad and unfair reputation in most cases. Thankfully, better knowledge and education about the breed means they are now becoming more accepted. When people refer to the Pitbull, they usually mean this pup, although there are four other Pitbull-type breeds, and this breed is often a catch-all for similar-looking dogs. The Pittie is increasingly becoming a family favorite because of their loving nature and fun personality, as well as a therapy dog.
Pitties typically stand 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 65 pounds. They are mostly muscle and very rarely fat, thanks to their metabolism and active lifestyle. Despite their high energy, they also love to cuddle up with their family and are big softies at heart.
Dachshund
The Dachshund, also known as the Wiener dog, usually finds itself in America’s top 10 most popular breeds. Their long, low body and large paddle paws are iconic in the doggy kingdom. Wieners are energetic, too, and were previously used for hunting rats, badgers, and other vermin in Germany. The Wiener is more accustomed to the life of luxury and likes to lay about in their owner’s lap.
Wieners stand 5 to 9 inches low and should weigh between 11 to 32 pounds. Unfortunately, Wieners are prone to becoming overweight if they do not lead an active lifestyle. There are two Dachshund sizes, the standard and the miniature. It is more than likely that the Dachshund parent of this mix is a standard. Wieners are renowned for their clownish yet sweet character.
Pitbull Dachshund Mix
Although we know what a typical Pittie and Wiener are like, it is less certain what one of their pups will be like especially because they are a rare mixed breed, unlike a Cockerpoo, for example. Some pups are like one parent, and others are an equal blend of both. So all prospective owners should be open-minded and sure that they love both the Pittie and the Wiener breed. If you are, you are in for a treat.
Pitbull Dachshund Nicknames
There are a few different nicknames for this new mixed pup.
- Pitbull Dachshund or Dachshund Pitbull
- Doxie-Bull
- Doxie-Pit
- Pithund
Temperament
Your Doxie-Bull is likely to be full of cheeky characters, just like both parent breeds. They love to be the life and soul of the party, making their loved ones happy. Don’t expect a forever-sleeping or shy pooch. Instead, you have to involve your new pup in everything you do. And we hope your visitors love dogs just as much as you because this mix wants all the attention.
The Doxie-Bull is usually very human-focused and slightly clingy. Both parents need human companionship most of the day, so don’t think you can leave this dog alone for too long. Separation anxiety is likely to be an issue with this mixed breed. But with a bit of training, you can overcome it. Thankfully, every cloud has a silver lining, right? And their neediness means that your new pup will be obsessed with you.
Some mixed pups are protective of their family and territory, like the Wiener, meaning they might be wary and bark a lot. But they could also take after the Pittie, who, despite their reputation, are not usually overprotective. Instead, they see everyone as a potential new best friend. So the jury’s out on how your puppy could react to strangers. But, a lot of the protective and vocal aspect of their temperament comes down to training.
Many Pitties and Wieners find it challenging to make new doggy friends, and both can be vocal when meeting other dogs. This is something to consider if you already have other dogs in your pack or you’re looking to introduce your Doxie-Bull to a new friend. However, most pups with the proper training can get along with other dogs.
Given their heritage, it is more than likely that they could have a high prey drive too. Other household pets are usually out of the question, especially furries such as rabbits and cats.
Size & Appearance
The typical size of a Pitbull Dachshund mix is between 10 and 15 inches tall and 20 to 50 pounds, based on their parent’s size. The size of your Doxie-Bull comes down to the genetics they inherit. So the larger their parents, the more likely they are to be larger themselves.
Most Doxie-Bull mixes are longer than tall, thanks to the Wiener influence, and it should be easy to see the Doxie genes. Many of these mixed pups also have a squarer frame and head similar to the Pitbull. And an overall more athletic appearance.
Coat & Colors
The Pittie and the Dachshund have short and smooth coats, meaning the Doxie-Bull’s coat will be too. Neither parents are hypoallergenic, and they shed seasonally, so be sure to find Doxie-Bull dust around your home. Unless the Dachshund parent has a long or wire-haired coat, in this case, there is a high chance that their coat might grow a little bit longer or less smooth.
The color of the Doxie-Bull coat depends on the color genes they inherit from their parents. The Pittie sports almost every color of the canine rainbow, except for merle. The Wiener’s coat comes in most colors and patterns, including the merle gene. So the Doxie-Bull coat comes in almost every color you can imagine. The popular coat colors are black with tan markings, brown, blue, cream, and merle.
Exercise & Living
The Doxie-Bull is a very energetic pup who needs an active lifestyle to be content. Without it, they become tense, bored, and unhealthy. Around one hour of intense and varied daily exercise suits this pup down to the ground. Speaking of down to the ground, bear in mind your Doxie-Bull’s low stature and long spine. Make sure exercise is safe for their long back and limit jumping where possible.
The Doxie-Bull needs mental stimulation throughout the day, too. Otherwise, they become destructive. Digging up the yard or the sofa is their favorite pastime when they become bored. Provide them with mental stimulation throughout the day through toys to play with and interactive playtime with the family. This dog is a determined player, so it’s best to invest in tough and durable dog toys if you want them to last longer than a day.
The Doxie-Bull is an outdoorsy kind of dog and should have access to a yard. Otherwise, they get cabin fever quickly. A secure space where they cannot dig their way out is a must. A large home is unnecessary, but their active lifestyle means they are not suited to small apartment living. As long as your kids are dog-savvy, the Doxie-Bull makes an ideal family canine as they have a soft spot for children.
Training
The Doxie-Bull is a very independent (read, stubborn) dog, mainly if they take after their Wiener parent more than the Pittie. This means that training could be a difficult task for first-time dog owners. Thankfully, because the Pittie is eager to please humans, this genetic influence means that training this pup should be easier than a purebred Wiener. Regardless, patience with this breed is critical.
Another key aspect of training is consistency, do not allow this breed to think they can get away with naughty behaviors even for one day. Because once you do, the battle is lost. Keep training sessions short, sweet, and worth their while. Rewards such as treats, verbal praise, and toys are always a big hit.
It’s important that you introduce your Doxie-Bull to other people and especially dogs, as soon as possible and spend time socializing them. Otherwise, you risk them becoming dominant or fearful of other dogs. Taking your pooch to the doggy park is a great way of allowing them to free-play with other four-legged companions.
Health
The Doxie-Bull is predisposed to certain health conditions, just like their parents. This doesn’t mean that the Doxie-Bull will suffer from these conditions, just like it doesn’t mean that they do not inherit other health concerns. It just means these health worries run in the family; therefore, they are something you should be aware of. Based on their parent’s lifespan, you can expect a Doxie-Bull to live for as long as 12 – 16 years.
The Dachshund is prone to luxating patella, where the kneecap pops out of its usual location and causes wear and pain. They are also more likely to inherit cardiac problems than other dog breeds. In particular, degenerative mitral valve disease is a leaky heart valve that develops around eight years of age.
The Pitbull parent is relatively healthy in comparison. The most common problem in most Pitbull-type dogs is skin issues such as atopic dermatitis and irritations resulting from allergies. Skin issues are relatively simple to care for with the proper medication, and a simple change in diet and grooming can work wonders too.
Nutrition
As with all dogs, picking a high-quality diet that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards is key to a healthy lifestyle. This is particularly important during the first year of a dog’s life as their body develops. When possible, choose a diet specifically designed for the developing needs of growing puppies.
All dog nutrition comes with its own nutritional guidelines, so it’s crucial to read the instructions. If you find your Pitbull Dachshund mix is forever hungry or starting to pile on the pounds, be sure to revisit the guidelines and adjust accordingly.
High-quality diets include meat protein, healthy carbs, fiber, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. A diet with high-quality fatty acids, such as eggs, meat meals, and fish, is usually beneficial for dogs susceptible to skin irritation like this pooch.
Grooming
The Doxie-Bull sheds seasonally like most dogs, but thankfully they are not up there with the top shedders. The length of your dog’s hair determines how often it needs brushing. If it is short, a weekly brush will suffice. If they inherit the longer or wiry hair of their Dachshund parent, they need brushing several times a week to prevent matting. Regular brushing will keep your pooch looking their best and your house tidy.
Due to the likely influence of the Pittie’s sensitive skin, bathtime should include using a shampoo designed specifically for dogs with sensitive skin. Always look for high-quality products made from natural and soothing ingredients, such as oatmeal.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
Finding a Doxie-Bull puppy might be slightly trickier than you initially thought, considering how rare they are. Often, the best way to find a breeder is to look online. If this doesn’t reveal any information, speak to Pitbull or Dachshund breeders, who might be able to point you in the direction of a breeder dealing in these two breeds.
You can expect to pay around $400 to $800 for a puppy. However, expect it to be more if the pups come from champion bloodlines or have unique coat colors and markings, such as the merle coat or heterochromia (different colored eyes).
Rescues & Shelters
You might be lucky enough to find a Doxie-Bull in the local rescue shelters, but the chances of this are slim. And if they are there, there is likely to be a significant interest in them. So if the Doxie-Bull is suitable for you and you find a match in your local rescue center, be sure to act quickly. The cost of rescuing a dog is usually less than buying a puppy. However, if you seek a brand-new puppy, you might not find much luck there.
As Family Pets
- Doxie-Bulls are cheeky and full of fun-loving personality
- They are human-focused and hate being left alone for too long
- Doxie-Bulls need an active lifestyle to stay healthy and occupied
- They are slightly independent, so they can be challenging to train
- Doxie-Bulls are generally healthy and long-living
- Socialization with other dogs from a young age is important
Final Thoughts
Anyone who loves Dachshunds and American Pitbull Terriers but cannot decide which breed is best might find the perfect solution with this mixed breed. Doxie-Bulls are active dog breeds who are fun to be around. They are intelligent and trainable but also love to have fun. Their parents are different in some ways and similar in others, but together they make a wonderful mixed breed that everyone is bound to adore.
