Dachshund Bichon Mix: The Chonky Doxie-Chon
Once you’ve set your eyes on this sweet, cuddly pup that learns quickly and adapts perfectly to living in a small apartment, there is no turning back: the Doxie Chon cross will most certainly steal your heart! This mixed breed is the result of breeding the Dachshund with the Bichon Frise.
These two breeds may seem incompatible at first: the Doxie, a brave little badger hunter with the body of a sausage, and the Bichon Frise, a tiny lap dog with fur as white as snow. Here’s a hint: they have much more in common than you could imagine.
Read on as we paint a clearer picture of this designer dog and guide you through their physical appearance, personality traits, trainability, and much more.
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The Story of the Bichon Doxie
To tell you more about this cute mix, we’ll first have to walk you through these two separate breeds before taking a deeper look into Doxie Chon’s beautiful, intelligent eyes.
Although usually described as a French dog, the Bichon Frise comes from Spain, where it was once used as a sailing or herding dog. The French borrowed the breed in the 14th century and made it a popular lap dog. The Bichon’s popularity has been on the rise ever since, and the breed currently ranks 46th on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breed list.
The Dachshund had a different story: it was bred centuries ago to flush out badgers and other tunnel-living vermins. This breed’s popularity exploded in the Internet era, making them the protagonist of hundreds of Dachshund memes and other humorous online content. Picasso was a big Doxie fan, too! If you want to learn more about the Wiener dog, head to our comprehensive Dachshund guide and Dachshund facts article for an extra dose of cuteness.
As with any other designer dog, describing their exact temperament and appearance is not easy. There are two main reasons for the lack of information:
- Major canine associations don’t recognize this mixed-breed
- Doxie Chon puppies are usually the result of an incidental pairing and not of an intentional effort to create a new type of dog.
While national kennel organizations fail to recognize the Dachshund Bichon combination as a separate breed, there are a few associations that identify it as a breed of its own:
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Designer Breed Registry
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- Dog Registry of America
- International Designer Canine Registry
This adorable mixed breed came to be some 20-odd years ago, probably in the United States, where designer dogs are more than just a passing craze. There are no professional Doxie Chon breeders, so if you come across one of them, they will probably be rescue dogs waiting for adoption.
What Does a Dachshund Bichon Look and Behave Like?
The physique of these little furballs is a delightful combination of the Doxie and the Bichon. They tend to inherit Doxie’s stretched-out back and large paws but with slightly longer legs.
Their coats vary depending on the Doxie in the mix and can be either wiry, short, or long. The Doxie heritage also affects the color of their little furry outfits: they can be monochrome (beige, white, chocolate, or black), or they can sport a chic mix of two or three of these colors.
Ears on this pooch may fold and are usually a bit longer—an unmistakable proof of their Doxie heritage—with a slightly alert facial expression. The eyes are dark in color, usually resembling the shade of the coat.
The Doxie Chon is an intelligent and lively pooch. They learn new tricks quickly and are capable of thinking on their own. Sometimes, their independent minds will have a hint of stubbornness—just like their Dachshund ancestors did.
They are moderately active, which makes them ideal for people who aren’t into sports or older folks: their exercise needs can be met with little effort. The Dachshund Bichon won’t make a fuss if you live in a small apartment or you don’t have a backyard!
Occasionally, in spite of their playful and friendly nature, the Dachshund Bichon may show their territorial face. This usually occurs when they are introduced to strangers. Don’t get discouraged, though: let your precious pup spend time with your friends early on, and the little fella will soon be more than comfortable around them.
These pups love to be in the spotlight and will enjoy every moment of being at the center of attention. If they feel ignored, they will almost certainly turn mischievous and destroy the stuff around them (think chewed-up cushions and dug-up flowers).
Here’s a handy breakdown of their physical features:
| Weight | 10–25 pounds |
| Height | 9–11 inches |
| Size | Small to medium |
| Coat type |
|
| Coat color |
|
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Nose | Black |
| Ears | Flopped |
| Temperament | Lively |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Maybe |
| Kid-friendly | No, unless adopted as a puppy |
| New owner friendly | Yes |
| Breed recognition | Not formally recognized by major canine organizations |
Keeping the Doxie Chon’s Coat Spotless
The grooming needs of this lovely hybrid will depend on the type of their fur. This cross will often sport medium-length hair that doesn’t shed excessively. In any case, brushing should be regular, but no more than a couple times a week. Make sure to use all-natural dog shampoos.
If, by any chance, your pup inherits the Bichon’s hair—which is thinner and more delicate than the Doxie’s—you will have to visit a pet friseur several times a year to maintain the proper thickness and shape of their coat.
Nails should be clipped once a month unless they are regularly filed by walking on hard surfaces.
Brush this cutie’s gnashers weekly to prevent tartar buildup and keep the gums healthy. To help get rid of food residues (and the bad breath), treat them to these top 10 dog dental chews we carefully selected for your little furry pal.
| Brushing frequency | Brushes for Papillon Dachshund Mix |
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What Are the Doxie Chon’s Achilles’ Heels
This mixed breed generally boasts robust health, but there are a few common health issues that seem to affect the breed:
- Allergies
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Allergies seem to affect Doxie Chons, who take more after their Bichon Frise parent. If so, your dog may be prone to multiple hypersensitivity issues, which may vary by the way an allergen gets into the dog’s body, the time it takes for the immune system to react, or the clinical signs of an allergic reaction. Allergies can be both inherited and seasonal, and although they are treatable, they cannot be cured.
Hip dysplasia is described as a hip deformity that occurs during the dog’s growth, caused by unequal growth rates of the head of the thigh bone and the socket in the pelvis. Dachshund breed is prone to back problems, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which can shorten their lifespan. Should you notice weakness and pain in your dog’s hind legs, go to the vet immediately!
Patellar luxation is a condition that occurs when the canine’s kneecap (patella) moves out of its natural position in the grove of the thigh bone. This is a common condition in any small dog breed and, depending on the severity might require invasive treatment.
Other health concerns include seborrhoea, corneal dystrophy, seizures, Acanthosis Nigricans (skin hyperpigmentation), skin problems, and mitral valve dysplasia (heart condition).
We cannot stress the importance of occasional vet check-ups enough, as well as taking proper care of your pooch! You should run blood tests on your pooch at least once a year, while their skin and eyes should be checked periodically. This is the least you can do to maintain the health of your pet and learn about their potential health issues on time.
| Major concerns | Minor concerns | Occasional tests and diagnosis |
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Meals, Snacks, Treats: What Are Bichon Dachshund Mix’s Food Requirements?
As any other purebred or mixed breed pooch, the Bichon Doxie loves to munch. You should pay the most attention to avoiding overfeeding them (even though it means saying no to those pleading eyes).
Because of their higher metabolism rates, small dog breeds need more food than their larger cousins. The Dachshund Bichon’s daily food intake amounts to one cup split into two meals a day, topped with a treat here and there.
When it comes to wet or dry dog food choices, there is no consensus about which is better. It’s entirely up to the dog to crunch on kibble or enjoy a delicious broth-filled meal. For starters, check out these best dry dog food for small dogs your Bichon Doxie will enjoy.
What both vets and pooches agree on is that there are certain dog food brands every dog owner should steer clear of. Here’s our shortlist of the worst dry dog food you should avoid.
The same goes for treats. You should give them to your dog occasionally and always trust your dog’s palate, make sure you don’t reach for one of the worst dog treat brands.
If your fluff is still a little munchkin, choose their food from the best puppy food brands. For seniors, you will find various options in our article on the best senior dry dog food.
It all comes down to your dog’s personal preference. Take a look at our short selection of some of the best and tastiest dog food brands (according to our furry friends, of course):
- Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This high-quality turkey and chicken kibble is protein-based, allowing your dog to develop strong and lean muscles. It contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that will keep your dog happy.
- Merrick Classic Small Breed Dog Food. The potato-free recipe of this dry food keeps your dog’s glycemic balance in check while omega fatty acids promote their skin and coat health. These acids also help your pooch if they suffer from dry skin.
- Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe Natural Wet Dog Food Cups. This premium canned food is not only meat-based but is rich in vegetables, too, for complete and balanced nutrition.
Three Reasons Why a Dachshund Bichon Frise Mix Is a Good Match for You
Among many reasons these spunky hybrids may be a perfect candidate for your new best friend, we’ve chosen three we believe are the most important to consider before getting a Bichon Dachshund mix.
- They prefer lounging around to working out
- They are an excellent choice for seniors
- Training them won’t give you a headache
They Prefer Lounging Around to Working Out
If you’re living in a small apartment or don’t have a backyard, this mix might be a perfect choice. Because of their petite stature and moderate exercise needs, the Dachshund Bichon adapts successfully to small living spaces and won’t mind spending most of the time inside with their owner.
Their favorite pastimes include lying in the sun, eating snacks, and looking out the window. They won’t get mad at you if you skip running or playing fetch for a couple of days (as long as you don’t skip on cuddles). It’s no wonder that both of the Doxie Chon’s parents found their way to our list of top 10 best dog breeds for apartments.
They Are an Excellent Choice for Seniors
If you’re looking to get a dog for your grandma or that lovely older lady living alone in the apartment across the hall, look no further! Doxie Chon’s friendly nature, combined with their high intelligence and trainability, makes them ideal for seniors. Another plus is that they are mild shedders, which means less vacuuming, and it also makes them perfect for people with allergies. On top of all this, they are known as goofy little creatures, so having them around means their owner will never get bored.
Training Them Won’t Give You a Headache
Thanks to high intelligence and the desire to please the owner, these spunky pups will learn new commands without much fuss. The Bichon Dachshund mix tends to be much less stubborn than the Weenie and with the proper approach, they will excel at obedience training. Teaching these frisky creatures new commands works like a charm, even if you haven’t had much experience in dog training. Make sure to teach them a stop barking command early to avoid hearing their high-pitched bark every time they hear an unfamiliar sound. Use methods of positive reinforcement in the training process, such as praise, gifts, and treats.
Three Reasons Why a Dachshund Bichon Might Not Be the Best Choice
Of course, there are certain things these dogs dislike. If you check off any of the three circumstances listed below, we suggest you look at our selection of the best dog breeds to adopt.
- They don’t get along well with small children
- Leaving them alone will break their tiny hearts
- They will try to eliminate your other pets
They Don’t Get Along Well with Small Children
Yup, these adorable dogs won’t think your kids are cute and lovely. On the contrary, they will most likely be frightened by the unpredictability of little children. Kids’ quick movements and the fact that they do not know a dog’s limits might bring out fear in these otherwise courageous fellas. Older children will do just fine with them as they can embark on many adventures together, like digging around or exploring the neighborhood.
Leaving Them Alone Will Break Their Tiny Hearts
If you could ask the Doxie Chon what his or her worst nightmare is, we’re pretty sure their response would be spending time alone. Leaving them alone for prolonged periods can even trigger separation anxiety in these caring pooches. This psychological condition is not easy to get rid of. As a result, the dog can resort to unwanted behavior, such as barking, whining, or destroying household items.
They Will Try to Eliminate Your Other Pets
This trait applies especially to older canines, such as rescue dogs. Combining a Dachshund and Bichon Frise will not take your other pets lightly. It will chase smaller animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs, and will be at constant odds with cats. In younger pups, this type of behavior can be stemmed through training, but if you plan to adopt an older Doxie Chon and have a zoo at home, think twice.
Are Dachshund Bichons Hard to Train?
Not a bit! Thanks to their high intelligence, they master obedience training easily and will learn new commands rather quickly. They respond well to positive reinforcement, while punishment can make them anxious or even provoke stubbornness.
Did we forget to mention that this applies to Doxie Chons that take less after their Dachshund parents? If the Dachshund genes are more dominant, the pup may have a stubborn streak, but it won’t matter if you keep reminding them who the boss is.
The high level of trainability observed in these dogs doesn’t mean that you won’t be challenged occasionally: Bichon Frise is known to have a mind of their own, and they may, from time to time, refuse to obey your commands. If there is no improvement after several weeks of training, turn to a professional for help. It will save both your and your dog’s nerves.
Exercise Needs of Your Dachshund Bichon Combo
As we mentioned before, these dogs are moderately active, so keeping them in motion for up to an hour a day will suffice.
You can split 30 to 60 minutes of activity daily into two walks and 15 minutes of exercise. After that, your Doxie Chon will be happy to return to lying around the house or join you while you cook or watch TV.
| Activity level | Recommended miles/day | Activity minutes/day |
| Low to moderate | 6 | 30–60 |
FAQs: Dachshund Bichon Mix – The Chonky Doxie-Chon
Q1: What is a Dachshund Bichon Mix, and what is it commonly known?
A: The Dachshund Bichon Mix, known as the ‘Doxie-Chon,’ is a charming crossbreed that combines the traits of the Dachshund and Bichon Frise breeds.
Q2: What are the typical traits of a Dachshund Bichon Mix?
A: The Doxie-Chon exhibits a delightful blend of characteristics, including a unique appearance, friendly demeanor, and a compact yet sturdy build.
Q3: How much exercise does a Dachshund Bichon Mix require?
A: Doxie-Chons benefit from regular exercise tailored to their size and energy levels, including walks and playtime.
Q4: Is the Dachshund Bichon Mix good with children and other pets?
A: Doxie-Chons are known for their friendly and adaptable nature, making them suitable companions for families with children and other pets.
Q5: What grooming needs does a Dachshund Bichon Mix have?
A: Grooming requirements can vary, but regular brushing, ear cleaning, and dental care are generally necessary to maintain the coat and overall hygiene of a Doxie-Chon.
Q6: How long do Bichons, the parent breed, typically live?
A: Bichon Frises, the parent breed, typically has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups contribute to their longevity.
Q7: At what age do Bichons usually live?
A: Bichon Frises commonly live to be around 12 to 15 years old, provided they receive proper care and attention to their health needs.
Take a Look at These Other Dachshund Mixes
Now that you are more aware of the pros and cons of owning a Bichon Doxie—and if you are no longer sure this is the right pick for you—check out this adorable Bichon mix. As for Dachshund mixes, take a look at the table below; maybe you’ll find a combination whose personality suits you better.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bichon
- Nilsson, K., et al. “Heritability of Patellar Luxation in the Chihuahua and Bichon Frise Breeds of Dogs and Effectiveness of a Swedish Screening Programme.” The Veterinary Journal, vol. 234, 2018, pp. 136–141., doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.01.010.
- Gough, Alex, and Alison Thomas. Breed Dispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
