Dachshund Terrier Mix: The Feisty and the Sausage

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So, you are thinking about getting a puppy but are unsure what breed is the right choice for you? That is a classic conundrum for anyone wanting to become a dog owner. Since you landed on this page, we are going to take a wild guess and say that you are divided between adopting a loyal yet wilful Dachshund and a playful but tenacious Terrier. Luckily for you, both of those are on our list of the best dog breeds to adopt, but you may not have to make a choice after all! You can get the best (and worst) of both breeds if you decide to give a Dachshund Terrier mix a home!

Here at Alpha Paw, we pride ourselves on giving you the most reliable and upfront information about each breed and their needs and characteristics. To start with, we will tell you the three of the worst and three of the best traits of this cross. Then you can read on to find out everything you didn’t know about Terrier Dachshunds!

3 Worst Traits of Terrier Dachshund Mix Puppies

Here are some of the characteristics of this otherwise amazing mixed breed that may not fit in with your lifestyle:

1. They need a lot of devotion. This doesn’t only refer to love and affection, but also to training them and, in particular, walking them regularly. Make sure you avoid 5 most common mistakes in dog training. Due to some health conditions, they are prone to, they also require regular visits to the vet.
2. They bark a lot. Both Terriers and Dachshunds are loud by nature and bark at anything that draws their attention because they are hunting dog breeds. Their mixed breed puppy is sure to inherit the same characteristics.
3. They are not great for first-time owners. Both of the parent breeds are rather strong-willed, so they prove quite challenging to train for inexperienced owners. Take a look at our tips on the best ways to train a puppy, maybe you will find some useful info there.

3 Best Traits of Dachshund Terrier Mix Puppies

Now that you know why you shouldn’t adopt a Dachshund Terrier cross, let’s see why you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on having this pup!

1. They love being around people. The Dachshund Terriers love hanging around people and playing with them. They love their owners and aren’t afraid to show it. They are also friendly toward other humans, which could be one of their best traits. One look at their waggy tail, and you’ll see how happy they are to be around you!
2. They are easy-maintenance. Not only do they not require any special treatment when it comes to their diet (as long as they are healthy, that is), but they also need minimal grooming. Adhere to best dog grooming tips, and you won’t have any problems with your canine.
3. They have endearing personalities. This is a trait they are most famous for. Dachshund Terriers are full of energy and playful and are the life of every party. No one can stay indifferent to these pooches and their quirky demeanor. Even Picasso was a great fan of Dachshunds!

Best Dog Food for Terrier Dachshund Mix

Selecting the right nutrition for your Terrier Dachshund Mix is crucial for their well-being. With a focus on balanced ingredients and size-appropriate kibble, here are the top three best dog foods tailored for the unique needs of Terrier Dachshund Mixes.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb

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4.9

• Essential, high-quality protein for healthy muscle development, and carbs for energy for an active life.
• Calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth.
• Glucosamine is added for joint health and mobility support.
• Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants contribute to your pup's immune system health.
• No corn, wheat, soy or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals.

Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog, Beef and Rice Formula, 40 Pound Bag (074198608331)

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4.8

• Made in the USA by a family-owned company using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources.
• With real pasture-raised beef protein as the #1 ingredient, this recipe helps support bones, joints and lean, strong muscles.
• Beef protein provides energy and muscle building blocks, omega fatty acids promote skin and coat health and superfood fruits like blueberries and oranges offer vitamins and minerals.
• Each serving includes species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health and overall wellness.
• Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors.

NUTRO ULTRA Senior High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag

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4.8

• Protein-rich formula features chicken, lamb, and salmon—and chicken is the first ingredient!
• Contains a blend of 15 superfoods including coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries that promote coat and skin health.
• Recipe specially formulated for senior dogs using only high-quality, real ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
• Ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers and rigorously tested for quality and food safety.
• No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, and chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy protein free.

A Word on the Terrier Dachshund Mix

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Half Dachshund half Terrier dogs are always a surprise! Although the parent breeds share quite a few personality traits in terms of physical appearance, we can freely say that each pup is a unicorn in its own right! Yes, we get that each cross-breed puppy comes out slightly different from the other, but judging by all the dachshund terrier mix pictures that we saw online, literally, no two pups look alike!

For example, a Dachshund mixed with a Yorkshire Terrier is adoringly dubbed a Dorkie, while a Jack Russel Dachshund also has a pet name — Jackshund! As you can imagine, they look quite unlike each other. The former is usually a long-haired pup, while the latter is typically a short-haired one. Their color combinations are completely unpredictable and entirely dependent on the parents.

That shouldn’t come as a total surprise, though. Just think about it. As if it is not enough that there are differences between the Dachshund breeds (read our Dachshund breed guide), there are also many Terrier breeds. To better explain how different this cross-breed can be in terms of fur, here are some of the most popular Dachshunds and Terriers and their respective coat types.

The way a Dachshund and Terrier mix dog turns out will thus depend on the parent breeds. Unless you can get a certificate about the parents of the pup you are planning to get, it is impossible to know how they will look. With that out of the way, let’s see what we can say for sure about this super interesting mixed dog.

How Big Do Dachshund Terrier Mixes Get?

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Each mixed breed puppy can be different from another in terms of physical appearance (for coat variations and eye and nose color of this cross, refer to the table below). What we know is that these pup’s parents are similar in height and weight, so their mix inherits those characteristics, too. Usually, they are about 11–14 inches tall at the shoulders, and they weigh around 30 pounds. Size-wise, they are excellent for keeping in small and medium apartments, provided you take them out for regular walks, but they also appreciate bigger homes and backyards.

Here is an overview of the general characteristics of this cross, both in terms of physical appearance and temperament.

Key Training Traits of the Terrier and Dachshund Mix

Dachshund Terriers are vivacious, energetic dogs, so keep in mind that you can’t expect them to be well-behaved all of the time. Both of their parent breeds are small dogs with loads of energy, and that has to be outsourced on activities, such as digging, jumping, running, and hunting for small prey (real or imaginary) around the yard.

Training of Dachshund pups can be challenging. They are known to be stubborn canines, which means you need to start with training sessions from an early age. This mostly implies to their potty training! Dachshund mixes can inherit the same traits, so be careful.

No dog owner should have a pet that does their business on their carpet or constantly breaks vases and bowls. Obedience training using dog treats and gifts as a reward should be your top priority when you get a Terrier and Dachshund puppy. We recommend steering clear of these worst dog treat brands.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, although generally super friendly, these pups can get too attached to their owner and be hostile to strangers. Socialize them early on to prevent those issues from arising at a later time, and you’ll have the most lovable pooch!

The Grooming of Dachshund Terrier Mixes

Does the Dachshund Terrier mix shed? That is one of the first questions potential owners ask about this mixed-breed. Fortunately, these doggies are low shedders. Their hair falls out seasonally, as expected. You need to brush them once or twice a month to get dead hairs out of their coat and keep them nice and clean. If your pup inherits particularly long hair like that of a Yorkie or a Scottish Terrier parent, you should brush them more often, most likely on a weekly basis.

Other Dachshund and Terrier mix grooming facts that you need to be aware of are the standard ones. Clean their teeth and give them one of the top 10 best dog dental chews often to curb tooth decay. Take care of their ear hygiene to prevent ear infections and inflammation. As you can see, the grooming is a breeze with these pooches, so you are bound to enjoy your time with them more playing and goofing around than keeping them neat.  For more useful info, read our article on Dachshund care.

Dachshund Terrier Mix Personality Traits

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Dachshund terriers are famous for being the biggest goofballs in the dog world! Full of zest and perpetually adventurous, these dogs can steal anyone’s heart. Owing to the parent breeds being practically identical in temperament, we know exactly what to expect from this cross.

For starters, their curiosity is never-ending. Stay warned that they’ll dig up your garden in a jiffy and spend hours sniffing around the house. If they spot or catch the scent of a small wild animal, they’ll get right on the hunt for it! But these doggies are also famous for being super cuddly. After all, there’s a reason why they are one of the world’s favorite lap dogs.

Terrier Dachshunds are known to get a bit overprotective of their owners, so expect them to get a bit hostile toward strangers. They are also unlikely to get along with other pets due to their territorial nature. All of that can, fortunately, be curbed to a great degree with proper training and socializing the pup with other humans and animals, too.

Terrier Dachshund mixes are renowned for being naughty and charming in equal measure, so you can expect this pup mix to be lively for most of the day but still want to snuggle up to you often. Being lively includes being yappy as well, so be prepared for a lot of barking. They can also get rather stubborn, which can make them disobedient at times and pose a challenge with housebreaking.

Dachshund Terriers as Family Pets

The Dachshund mixed with a Terrier is an excellent family dog. They love to play and mess around, as are bound to lift up the spirit in any household. Wait until you have guests over to see how ecstatic this pup will get. Incredibly social and friendly, this mixed-breed will be an exceptional addition to most families.

If your family has never had a dog before, you may not appreciate the fact that they are a challenge to train, and it may turn out that you need professional help to train and housebreak them.

Due to the Dachshund genetics, your pup could also be short-tempered. This is good to keep in mind if you have small children who would tease and pull on the dog’s ears, tail, or fur. On a bad day, the pup may snap back at the kids and possibly try to retaliate. If you think that is too much of a risk for you, you may want to sit this dog cross out.

Most Prevalent Health Issues for the Dachshund and Terrier Mix

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As is the case with most cross-breeds, Dachshunds mixed with Terriers will inherit the health issues common with their parents. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the major health concerns that you can expect with this hybrid breed:

1. Intervertebral Disk Disease. Owing to their elongated bodies, Dachshunds are prone to back problems and disc herniation. The more your mixed puppy looks like their Dachshund parent, the more likely they are to develop IVDD. Keep them from jumping from furniture, up and down the stairs, and other elevated surfaces.
   Don’t let your pooch gain too much weight. Obesity is dangerous for Dachshund parents because it puts too much pressure on their long bodies and it can shorten their lifespan.
2. Eye Conditions. Terrier Dachshund pups are prone to various eye issues, most prominently Lens Luxation. Dogs suffering from this condition have problems with the eye lens that gets pushed either inward or outward, thus, causing vision problems. In most cases, there is another underlying disease, such as an eye infection, inflammation, glaucoma, or even cataracts.
3. Digestive disorders. These dogs are no strangers to occasional digestive problems, such as bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Malnutrition can also provoke skin problems, as Dachshunds are prone to them. If you notice that your lovely pooch has dry skin, take them to the vet.
4. Ear infections. If your pooch inherited droopy ears from their Dachshund parent,  they are susceptible to developing ear infections and inflammation. Make sure to clean them regularly, especially if they also have the cute, long hairs on ears as they are also a good breeding ground for bacteria.
5. Teeth issues. The smaller your cross pup is, the more likely they are to develop teeth issues. Dogs with tiny jaws often suffer from crooked teeth, plaque buildup, and tooth decay, so proper tooth cleaning routine is instrumental in keeping those issues at bay.
6. Seizures. Dachshund seizures can happen more often than you think, and Terrier Dachshund can inherit these episodes from their Doxie parents!

The Dachshund Terrier Puppy Food Requirements

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Dachshund Terriers are not fussy eaters and will gladly accept any food you lay before them. Still, try to avoid these worst dry dog food brands and choose only the best for your pup. Strive to give them a varied diet and combine kibble with canned, wet meals. Make sure they get plenty of protein to keep their energy levels up and also enough vitamins to maintain them in good health. We recommend going for different foods depending on their age:

• Best dry dog food for small dogs — for puppies and miniature crosses
• Best canned dog food — for adult dogs
• Best dry dog food brands for pugs — as it applies to all small breeds
• Best senior dry dog food — for when they reach a certain age

Here are some of our suggestions for suitable dog foods for Terrier Dachshunds:

1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Canned Dog Food
2. HILL’S Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Stress Rice, Vegetable & Chicken Stew Canned Dog Food
3. V-Dog Vegan Kibble Dry Dog Food

You want to make sure that your dog, big or small, stays happy and healthy all the time. So, make sure to avoid giving them the worst dry dog food, and opt for best dry dog food, for example, Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. If your furry friend is still a little munchkin, check out our list of best puppy food brands and if they’re a wise, gray-coated dog-grandpa, make sure to give them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those brittle bones, well, not so brittle!

Never forget that your lovely mixed doggo carries the genes of their super-unique, gorgeous, and yes, sometimes even vastly different parents. So, you might want to try your luck with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see which one sticks! Just make sure to consult with your vet before you decide to change your pup’s diet for good!

Dachshund Mix With Terrier Physical Activity Needs

Although they are petite in stature, Dachshund Terriers have endless amounts of energy. They will use much of it in their daily explorative sessions, but you should still have playtime with them every day.

They love being active, but keep the exercise regime in moderation. This holds particularly true if your pup has back problems or other health concerns. On average, 15–30 minutes of walking twice a day would be enough for this dog.

Interested in more Dachshund Cross-Breeds?

If you love Dachshunds but are not impressed by Terriers, have no fear. There are plenty of other Dachshund mixes out there, each with their own set of unique characteristics. We’ve got the intel on all of them! Check out some of our fave suggestions, and go from there!

If you are a Terrier fan, below you’ll find their mixes too!

If you do love Dachshunds, we’ve also got a treat for you! Check out the facts you have to know about Dachshunds and test your knowledge of the breed. Then reward yourself with these adorable Dachshund memes!

(FAQs) about Dachshund Terrier Mixes:

What is a Dachshund Terrier Mix?

A Dachshund Terrier Mix is a crossbreed resulting from the mating of a Dachshund with a Terrier. This mix combines the distinctive characteristics of Dachshunds with the spunky and versatile traits of various terrier breeds.

What is the size and appearance of Dachshund Terrier Mixes?

Dachshund Terrier Mixes can vary in size and appearance, depending on the specific terrier breed involved. Generally, they are small to medium-sized dogs with a unique blend of features inherited from both parent breeds.

What is the temperament of Dachshund Terrier Mixes?

These mixes are known for their energetic, intelligent, and sometimes feisty temperament. They often exhibit a lively personality, combining the courage of terriers with the determination of Dachshunds.

How much exercise do Dachshund Terrier Mixes need?

Dachshund Terrier Mixes have moderate to high energy levels and benefit from regular exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities help keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Are Dachshund Terrier Mixes good with children and other pets?

When properly socialized, Dachshund Terrier Mixes can be good family pets. They may have a strong prey drive, so early exposure to children and other pets is important.

What is the grooming routine for Dachshund Terrier Mixes?

Grooming requirements vary based on the coat type inherited from both parent breeds. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and routine grooming tasks are important for their overall care.

Do Dachshund Terrier Mixes have specific health concerns?

They may inherit health issues from both Dachshunds and terriers. Common concerns include back problems (common in Dachshunds) and certain genetic conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for preventive care.

How trainable are Dachshund Terrier Mixes?

Dachshund Terrier Mixes are generally intelligent but may have a stubborn streak. Positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and early training contribute to their well-behaved nature.

What is the lifespan of Dachshund Terrier Mixes?

The average lifespan of Dachshund Terrier Mixes is typically around 10 to 15 years, with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention.

What are some considerations for potential Dachshund Terrier Mix owners?

Prospective owners should be prepared for a lively and clever companion. Understanding the needs of both parent breeds, including exercise requirements, grooming, and potential health issues, is crucial for providing a happy and suitable home for a Dachshund Terrier Mix.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrier
3. Jensen, V. F., and K. A. Christensen. “Inheritance of Disc Calcification in the Dachshund.” Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, vol. 47, no. 6, 2000, pp. 331–340., doi:10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00297.x.
4. Marvin, John T. “2. Background and Heritage of the Terrier Family.” The New Complete Scottish Terriers (Second Ed.), 1982.