Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix: The Auxie Doxie
Often confused with a longhaired Doxie, this mix is one of the best ways to take the cute sausage shape and silly short legs and make the whole package even more adorable. The Aussie Doxie is hard to resist and easy to love, but how challenging is this cross to keep around?
If you have your sights set on one of these little heartbreakers, here’s everything you need to know before you decide to adopt.
Origin of the Breeds
With mixed breeds, it’s never possible to know precisely what you’ll have to deal with. This cross, in particular, is still brand new in the entire designer dog craze. Even among the accidental crosses, it is exceptionally rare, so there isn’t much we know about it. To get to know it better, we’ll need to take a closer look at the two parent breeds.
Dachshunds, which have been inspiring Dachshund memes since the beginning of the meme culture due to their comedic shape and unique personality, come from Germany. Their primary job was to crawl into animal dens, combat the occupants, and chase them out into the waiting arms of the Doxie’s human partners. Usually, they went head-to-head with badgers. If Harry Potter led you to believe that a badger is a sweet Hufflepuff, guess again—with the tenacity of a Hufflepuff, the meanness of a Slytherin, and the brawn of a Gryffindor, this beastie is more of a Mad-Eye Moody than a Cedric Diggory.
It was He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named that offed the Auror in the end, so what does that tell you about the sweet-looking Doxie?
Dachshunds had to be tough to do the job entrusted to them. Their legs had to be short and their bodies long to navigate badgers’ underground homes. They had to bark loudly to communicate with their human partners from below the ground. They had to be more stubborn and more fearless than the animals they had to hunt, and they did it with such success that, over time, people started taking Dachshund packs to boar hunts.
In case you still aren’t properly impressed, remember that it was a boar that killed King Robert Baratheon, first of his name.
Doxies kept all of these traits to this day. If they go on digging in your garden, that’s because they were bred to do that. If they annoy you with their constant yapping, that’s how they communicate. One interesting fact about Dachshunds is that they even Picasso was inspired by their charm and beauty. If you’d like to know more about these impressive little fellows, check out these 10 facts you should know about Dachshunds with pictures.
Australian Shepherds are not Australian. You didn’t see that one coming, huh? They were bred in the USA, and they were the cowboy’s weapon of choice when it comes to herding dogs. These remarkable dogs have an incredible herding instinct and will try to herd anything, from actual cattle to little children.
They are highly intelligent, fiercely protective, and cunning enough to make a novice owner lose their mind when trying to train them.
With their stunning shape and coloring, loving nature, and playful disposition, these dogs are extremely easy to fall in love with. If you have already fallen for their charms and have your mind set on getting an Aussie mix, check out our guide on Australian Shepherd mix breeds. Despite their popularity, AKC didn’t add the breed to their herding group until 1993, so they’re still considered youngsters of the dog breed world.
Three Reasons Not to Adopt an Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Dog
Adorable as this cross is, it’s not for everyone. Here are the three most important reasons not to adopt an Aussie Doxie.
- They’re like toddlers stuffed full of sugar after a nap.
- They don’t trust strangers.
- They need plenty of space.
They’re Like Toddlers Stuffed Full of Sugar After a Nap
…All the time. The energy levels in these dogs are incredible, which means that you’ll have to exercise them properly to prevent them from becoming destructive. Remember that your pooch’s parents were bred to hunt and run after the cattle, so they’re not exactly couch potatoes.
They Don’t Trust Strangers
The protective nature of the Aussie, combined with the suspicious predisposition of a Doxie, makes your Aussie Doxie a distrustful little thing. They won’t feel comfortable with strangers around and might resort to nipping if they feel particularly threatened. You’ll need to socialize them early to prevent such behavior, but even then, it might be hard to persuade them to relax with new people. If you have strangers over a lot, consider finding a different dog to adopt.
They Need Plenty of Space
The Aussie in your Aussie Doxie needs a place to run. They can’t be happy if they have to spend all their time in two rooms and a hallway and get to go out once a day. If you don’t have a yard, find a more flat-friendly companion.
Three Reasons to Adopt a Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix Dog
If you have a yard, are an active person, and have faith in your ability to socialize an Aussie Doxie properly, you’re good to go! Here are three reasons to adopt this cross.
- They can be excellent family dogs.
- They make superb watchdogs.
- They are highly entertaining.
They Can Be Excellent Family Dogs
With proper training, these dogs can be fantastic family companions. They will even get along with little children, even though they’ll probably try to herd the kids a bit. While it can be useful (they won’t let toddlers near power sockets, for example), it’s probably wiser to teach them not to unless you want to frighten your kids into submission.
They Make Superb Watch Dogs
Their distrustful nature, combined with the Doxie’s love of barking, makes these dogs fantastic watchdogs. They’ll let you know when anybody untrustworthy (which is everybody, for them) is close. The Aussie in the mix will also reduce—to an extent—the Doxie’s tendency to bark at random things, which makes this cross even more useful because false alarms won’t be so frequent.
They Are Highly Entertaining
If you’re under a lot of stress every day, an Aussie Doxie can lift your mood. Their silly antics will never fail to amuse you, and even if they’re a bit annoying, they’ll be too adorable to resist. For everyone who needs a bit of stress relief, this dog is a great option.
Appearance and Personality of the Aussie Dachshund
You never really know what it is you’re getting yourself into when you decide to get a cross-breed. Aussie Doxies, like other mixes, can take after each parent or be a balanced mix of the two.
When it comes to looks, the most desirable combo is the Dachshund body with the Aussie coat. The snout is a bit shorter and broader than in a purebred Doxie, and the ears are floppy and big.
In practice, though, you can get anything. Some individuals take after one of the parents completely, so you can get a pup that looks just like a purebred Doxie or Aussie. There are pups with the Aussie body shape and the Doxie coat and face. Some look just like longhaired Doxies.
The thing you can depend on, though, is that your buddy won’t be smaller than a Doxie, but they probably won’t be as big as an Aussie.
In matters of personality, anything goes. In general, though, your pup will probably inherit the herding instinct and the wanderlust of an Aussie, as well as their need for speed. This can be complicated if it combines with the Doxie body shape. The long body is not made for jumping, and too much running and this discrepancy of the shape and inclinations can cause your pooch severe health issues.
If your dog takes after the Doxie parent, they’ll love to bark and dig, so you can kiss your daffodils goodbye. They’ll be stubborn and brave and won’t let you be the boss unless you know what you’re doing. They can be extremely difficult to train. In case you have a little munchkin rolling around your house, we advise you to read our article on Dachshund potty training.
Both parents are loyal to the family but distrustful of strangers. Both are highly intelligent but not very easy to train. This combo makes excellent watchdogs and family dogs, and they’re good companion dogs as long as they get enough exercise.
| Weight | 13 – 45 pounds |
| Height | 10 – 15 inches |
| Size | Medium |
| Coat type |
|
| Coat color |
|
| Shedding | Moderate to high |
| Eyes |
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| Nose |
|
| Ears | Large and floppy |
| Temperament | Energetic, smart, willful |
| Life expectancy | 13 – 17 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kid-friendly | Yes |
| New owner friendly | No |
| Breed recognition | Not recognized as a breed by the AKC |
Health Concerns in the Dachshund Aussie Mix
Mixed breeds can successfully avoid the health issues connected to the parent breeds, but they can also inherit all of them. Here are the most important things to look out for in an Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix.
- Intervertebral disc disease. This back problem is often found in Dachshunds and Doxie mixes. The discs that separate the bones of the dog’s spine deteriorate over time and start pressing on the spinal nerve. This health issue causes a lot of pain for the dog. It can lead to paralysis and shorten their lifespan. So make sure you take your pooch to the vet as soon as you notice any signs of pain.
- Eye-related problems. Both parent breeds are susceptible to eye-related health issues, so take your Aussie Doxie to the vet for regular check-ups just to stay on the safe side.
- Hip dysplasia. If the hip joint is faulty, the ball and the socket don’t fit well. Instead of working together smoothly, they grind against each other. Over time, this destroys the joint and causes quite a bit of pain for your dog. If you notice that they’re refusing to put their weight on one of their legs, having difficulties jumping, or seem unwilling to run, see the vet as soon as possible.
With any Dachshund mix, it’s crucial to know how to keep your dog’s joints healthy, so do your homework. This breed is also prone to skin problems and seizures. In case you notice they are suffering from dry skin, consider adding healthy supplements to their diet. Many issues can be prevented—or, at the very least, noticed in time—if you don’t neglect regular checkups and take good care of your canine. Be a responsible owner, and you’ll save your beloved dog a lot of trouble.
| Major concerns | Minor concerns | Occasional tests |
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How Much Exercise Does an Aussie Dachshund Mix Need?
Plenty. Australian Shepherd was made to run after cattle all day, every day, and they have the energy levels that made that possible. Dachshunds used to hunt, so they needed a lot of stamina, too. The Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix, therefore, is not one to slack off. If the amount of energy they have is left to stew, these dogs will become highly destructive and take their frustration out on your couch, armchairs, tables, shoes, you name it.
They need about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day, and you should split that into two walks and one playing session. The type of activity depends on their body shape. If your pooch has inherited the Aussie body shape, they’ll make great running companions. If they have the elongated body of a Doxie, though, you shouldn’t make them run because they can easily hurt their sensitive spine.
High-energy activities—such as playing frisbee—are an excellent choice for this mix.
| Activity level | Recommended miles/day | Activity minutes/day |
| Moderate to high | 10 – 12 | 60 – 90 |
What Are the Dietary Requirements of an Aussie Doxie?
This cross is a particularly active one, so there isn’t much chance of them gaining a lot of weight if you take care of their exercise needs properly. Still, you should never overfeed your dog. The daily portion of one and a half to two and a half cups of dry food should take care of your dog’s needs. You should hand it out in two or three meals, to reduce the chance of bloating.
If your pooch takes after their Doxie parent when it comes to size, check out our list of the best dry dog food for small dogs. If their sensitive palate demands wet food, choose among these best-canned dog food brands. Take the dog’s age into consideration when selecting the food you want to offer them—puppies’ and grampas’ and grandmas’ diets shouldn’t be the same. If your boy or girl is past their prime, take a look at these best senior dry dog food brands. If you have a puppy, you know that they’re pros in choosing the best food. If it were up to them, they would want you to scan through the best puppy food brands list.
Our favorite brands for the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix cross are:
- Wellness Core® Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food. Both parent breeds can suffer from joint and bone-related issues. This brand produces food rich in calcium and phosphorus, both of which improve bone and joint health, which makes it a perfect food choice for Aussie Doxies.
- Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food. Using the highest-quality ingredients, this brand makes food that includes first-grade meat, fruits, and veggies and is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
- Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry. If you’re dealing with a puppy brat, this is the food you need. It offers all the nutrients your little buddy needs to grow into a strong, healthy adult.
Steer clear of these worst dry dog food and worst dog treat brands. Your dog’s health depends on their diet, so save them—and yourself—some trouble by opting for high-quality food.
Are Aussie Doxies Easy to Train?
They are most decidedly not. Both parent breeds are intelligent, but Dachshunds can be annoyingly pig-headed. At the same time, Australian Shepherds tend to be too clever for their own good and have been known to use trickery to get the reward without actually doing what you want them to do.
This cross is not the right choice for first-time dog owners, and if you’re not confident in your ability to set yourself up as the undisputed Alpha of the pack, you might be in trouble even if you have owned dogs before.
If you decide to train them on your own, we advise you to read the best ways to train a puppy in case you have a little munchkin in your home. Make sure to avoid the most typical mistakes in dog training! Use positive reinforcement instead, such as treats, gifts, and praise!
How Much Grooming Does Aussie Doxies Require?
As for grooming, you’ll need to brush your Aussie Doxie at least once a week and more frequently during the shedding seasons. If they have inherited the Aussie coat, you’ll need a variety of brushes to keep the tangles and mats away.
Bathe them only when needed because their skin tends to be on a drier side. Doxies love to roll in smelly things, though, so you probably won’t have a lot of choice in the matter anyway. Use only the best all-natural dog shampoos.
Inspect their ears once a week, and clean them with a gentle, dog-friendly cleaning solution. Use cotton balls, and never swabs because you risk hurting your pooch’s sensitive ears with the sticks.
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. Since this world is far from ideal, you should find some tasty dental chews, and you’ll be able to get away with brushing your teeth two or three times a week. Check out our list of top 10 best dog dental chews, and find a brand your dog will love.
| Brushing frequency | Brushes for Dalmatian Dachshund Mix |
| Weekly |
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Does the Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix Make a Good Family Dog?
They most certainly do. With proper training, this cross can be the most wonderful family dog you’ve seen. They are fiercely loyal and protective, and they will adore every member of their little pack.
The Aussie in the mix might try to herd the children, though. While the dog won’t physically harm the kids, and this can be highly entertaining to watch, it can be traumatic for the kids, so don’t encourage this kind of behavior.
Your little buddy will likely try to herd other pets as well. If you have cats, you can imagine how well it’ll go. Even though this cross can happily live with other animals, avoid putting them in the same room as rodents because the Doxie in the mix has a high prey drive that not even the gentle Aussie nature can neutralize. If you don’t want your hamster to become dinner, keep them away from your dog.
There Are Other Doxie Mixes You Can Check Out
If you’re not sure that an Aussie Doxie is the right choice for you, there are other options. If you adore Doxies and definitely want a Dachshund mix, here are some others you can consider.
If you are an Australian Shephard fan, we have prepared their cute mixes too!
Best Dog Food for Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix
- Features farm-raised beef as the number one ingredient and this naturally delicious premium food is made with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
- Made without artificial preservatives or flavors and with colors only from natural sources.
- Medium adult dry dog food formulated with precise nutrition specifically made for dogs 1–7 years old weighing 23–55 lb.
- Supports natural defenses for immune support with a blend of prebiotics and antioxidants for dogs.
- Maintains healthy skin and a healthy dog coat with optimal levels of EPA and DHA.
- Promotes dog digestive health with easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber.
- Palatable, medium breed adult dog food has an exclusive kibble design to encourage chewing.
- Complete and balanced nutrition has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid nourish the skin and help keep his coat shiny and healthy.
- Whole grains and a special fiber blend support healthy digestion with a delicious roasted chicken flavor.
- Unique, crunchy texture helps clean the teeth with every bite to support good oral health between brushings.
- Proudly made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients; contains no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or sugar.
FAQ –Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix
Can Australian Shepherds Hunt?
Yes, Australian Shepherds have a herding background and are known for their strong instincts. While they might not be traditional hunting dogs, they can excel in activities like herding trials, agility, and obedience competitions.
What is the Pronunciation of Dachshund in Australia?
In Australia, the pronunciation of Dachshund is typically similar to “daks-hund,” where “daks” rhymes with “racks.” However, pronunciation can vary, and some might still use the more traditional pronunciation “doks-hund.”
What are the Common Traits of Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mixes?
Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mixes, often known as Dachsheps, can inherit a mix of traits from both parent breeds. Common characteristics include a medium-sized build, a distinctive elongated body, and a blend of coat colors and patterns. Their temperament can range from energetic and playful to loyal and protective.
How Much Exercise do Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mixes Need?
These mixes are likely to have moderate to high energy levels. Daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and mental stimulation, is essential to keep them happy and healthy. Providing a mix of physical and mental activities is key to meeting their exercise needs.
Are Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mixes Good with Families?
Generally, Dachsheps can be good family pets. Their temperament may vary, but they often form strong bonds with their families. Early socialization and consistent training are important to ensure they get along well with children, other pets, and various situations.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Shepherd
- https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-challenges-of-raising-an-Australian-Shepherd
- Sauvé, Christopher P., et al. “Oronasal and Oroantral Fistulas Secondary to Periodontal Disease: A Retrospective Study Comparing the Prevalence Within Dachshunds and a Control Group.” Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 36, no. 4, 2019, pp. 236–244., doi:10.1177/0898756420909657.
Holland, Vergil S. Herding Dogs: Progressive Training. John Wiley & Sons, 1994.
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