Dachshund Pitbull Mix Facts
Dachshund Pitbull Mix: The Tough-Looking Doxie
In my job, I had the privilege of engaging with pets, especially knowing that I help them with their specific needs. Tending for pets does not tire me, because I know that the service I bring not only meets their care but happiness for their owners. I had the opportunity last year to treat and care for hundreds of dogs. Like humans, dogs need shelter and affection. I believe that all of them deserve to belong to a family that will love them unconditionally.
Pitbull Dachshund Mix
There are many mixed breed dogs, but which one is best for you? In this article, I will introduce to you an unpopular mixed breed dog that has recently gained public interest. Pitbull Dachshund, or commonly known as Dox-Bull, Doxie-Bull, or Doxie-Pit is a Dachshund crossed with a Pitbull. Dachshunds trace their origin from Germany, where they were specifically bred for badger hunting. With time, more homeowners adopted them as pets, rather than serve a specific role, and you can read more about them in ourย Dachshund breed guide.
Meanwhile, Pitbulls descended from the Old English Bulldogs. Formerly, the Pitbull was used for blood sports as a type of bull baiting. However, when they arrived in the US, they became known as farm dogs. They engaged in various activities, including hunting and guarding.
The result of a Pitbull Dachshund mix is a medium-sized dog with a muscular appearance.ย Since there is a significant difference in the look and personality of its two parents, the Dox-Bull carries unique characteristics that people may find interesting.
If youโre interested in moreย Pitbull mixes, take a look at our fine selection of guides:
Pitbull Rottweiler Mix | Chihuahua Pitbull | Pitbull Lab Mix |
Poodle Pitbull | Pitbull Bulldog Mix | Pitbull Golden Retriever |
Pitbull Great Dane Mix | Boxer Pitbull | Australian Shepherd Pitbull |
Corgi Pitbull Mix | German Shepherd Pitbull | Beagle Pitbull Mix |
Pitbull Mastiff Mix | Husky Pitbull Mix |
3 Reasons Why You Shouldnโt Get a Dachshund Pitbull mix
- They can be aggressive.ย Be aware that this mix can be temperamental and vocal without proper training. The crossbreed may exhibit the traits of their parents, including being threatened by strangers and other dogs.
- They are hyper.ย A Pitbull Dachshund has high energy levels. As an owner, you will require extra time to look after them since they do not tire quickly and love to play. You should take your Dox-Bull out regularly so that they can release their energy. Avoid leaving them alone for extended periods, because they are prone to unwanted behavior.
- They can be stubborn.ย Carrying the personality of the Dachshund, this dog can be challenging to train. They tend to be independent and will not readily obey, but training them early on will help them acquire the habit of following. Socialization will also play a pivotal factor in teaching them.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Dachshund Pitbull mix
- They are affectionate.ย This breed is especially sweet to their owners. Spending quality time with them is essential in building this relationship. You will find that they are loving and pleasant to play with, which makes them a perfect match for families with children. They enjoy running and rope tugging.
- They are loyal.ย Dachshund Pitbulls are known to be devoted pets and can be protective to their owners. When they sense danger, they will immediately act to protect them. Take them on a camping trip, because they are a reliable and pleasant companion.
- They are smart.ย Known as being highly intelligent, these dogs are perfect for training and competition. They can easily understand new tricks with the right consistency in training. Their built and posture also make them appear confident and headstrong.
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Dachshund crossed with Pitbull
Weight | 20 to 30 lbs |
Height | 8 to 13 inches |
Size | Medium-sized |
Coat Type | Short coat length, average coat density, and straight coat texture |
Coat Color | May be fawn, brown, or brindle |
Amount of Shedding | Moderate |
Eyes | Eye patches above the eye; Brown or dark-colored |
Nose | Black or brown |
Ears | Small |
Temperament | Active, loving, loyal |
Life Expectancy | 8 to 12 years |
Date of Origin | The 2000s |
Kid-Friendly | Yes |
New Owner Friendly | No |
Breed Recognition | No |
Given their background as hunting dogs, the Dox-Bull is very active, can jump high, and is prone to digging. Some may think that the Pitbull side of the mix will lead the dog towards aggressive behavior, but it is often theย Dachshundโs stubbornnessย that may be a challenge when training them. A common myth is that the dog can have violent proclivities, but this is not always the case. On the contrary, they are only protective when they see imminent danger.
The Dachshund Pitbull is a social dog and loves to hang out with people. If they are acquainted at an early age to be with fellow pets and other people, they will quickly get along with them as adults. They can be very playful and sweet towards their owners and people. Spending time with them will make them exceptionally happy. They are also good playmates to older children given their friendly nature. However, I do not advise to leave them with little children without supervisory because they tend to be overexcited and hyper.
Furthermore, Doxie-Bull loves the outdoors. When taking them to parks or the yard, they prefer not to be constrained by a leash as they enjoy moving around freely. Note that you release their leash only in closed areas so that they donโt stray.
Grooming Your Pitbull Crossed With Dachshund
Taking care of your petโs grooming needs is relatively simple. The length of your petโs coat is short and the density medium, and hence, you will require minimal effort.ย The Doxie-Bull occasionally sheds, so I advise that you brush the skin at least once a week or every couple of days.ย This will ensure that any loose hair is removed and the coatโs natural shine will gleam. You may also groom your dog daily if it wants. A clean slicker brush or comb is preferable because their skin can be sensitive. Check out ourย best dog grooming tipsย and moreย grooming factsย for more information.
Aside from this, your Pitbull Dachshund mix will need weekly bathing.ย Make sure to useย all-natural dog shampoo. You Doxie-Bull will also need dental hygiene, to prevent from building tar, tooth decay, or bacterial infection. As such, it is advisable to brush your dogโs teeth once or twice a week. Additionally, your dogโs ears should be regularly cleaned from any dirt or wax using an approved solution. Make sure to clean them gently. For her nails, you will need to clip them as needed, usually once a month.
Dachshund Mixed with Pitbull Health Problems
The hybrid of a Dachshund and Pitbull is not common, and therefore, in looking at the potential health risks for this pet, it is better to trace the weaknesses of the parents.
Pitbulls, like most dog types, are prone to hip dysplasia.ย This is a hereditary skeletal condition where the ball and socket of the dogโs hip joint do not align properly. With hip dysplasia, Pitbulls find it hard to perform strenuous activities like jumping or running because it causes deep pain. The problem may be addressed through surgery or by managing the dogโs weight. Another health problem common to Pitbulls is being prone to cataracts.
Meanwhile, among other dogs, the Dachshund is most prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease, because of their elongated back.ย It can be triggered when they engage in strenuous activities involving the spine. Dachshunds are also susceptible to Acanthosis Nigricans, that manifest dark, discolored, and thin skin in their armpits and groin. The cause of the disease remains unknown. A cataract is also a common eye problem for Dachshunds. Under the grave circumstance, it can lead to blindness. We wrote aboutย Dachshund health issuesย before, so give it a read for more useful info.
Given these mixed backgrounds, it is no wonder that the Pitbull Dachshund potentially inherits the same weakness of its parents. Below are the common health problems of the Pitbull Dachshund:
- Intervertebral Disk Disease: A risk associated with the Doxie-Pitโs Dachshund parent, this disease can be detected as it displays various symptoms. The signs include the dogโs inability to jump, anxious behavior, muscle spasms over the back and neck, reduced appetite and activity level, and weakness in the rear legs.
- Hip Dysplasia: Often occurs when the Doxie-Pit is still a puppy. The earliest symptoms can appear as early as four months old and is characterized by pains in the hip joint due to deterioration. The signs include joint laxity, difficulty in getting up, loss of muscle mass in thigh muscles, grating when moving the joints, and enlargement of shoulder muscles.
- Legg-Calve Perthes Disease:ย It results from the degeneration of the femur bone in the dogโs hind leg. The disease frequently occurs when the dog is between five to eight months old. A physical examination will be required when the dog displays signs of lameness, thigh muscle wasting of affected areas, and pain in the hip joint.
- Cataracts:ย The Doxie-Pit inherits the high chance of getting a cataract, especially as it grows older. The cause could come from eye inflammation, diabetes mellitus, low calcium levels, exposure to toxic substances, or radiation.
Dachshunds may also experience other health issues such as:
- Skin problems
- Back problems
- Seizures
These dogs are prone to mental health problems such asย separation anxiety, but also other more common health-related issues, so you should learnย what to do if your dog has dry skin, and find outย how to keep your dogโs joints healthy.
For more info, read our guide on theย Dachshund lifespanย andย Dachshund careย so your pup can be happy and healthy for a long time.
Pitbull Crossed with Dachshund Food Requirementsย
Earlier, we discussed the potential health problems of the Doxie-Bull. Next, we explore some of the ways to keep your pet healthy. Food plays a crucial factor in keeping your dog healthy. Some people can overfeed their dogs, leading to obesity and other health issues. Therefore, a balanced nutritional diet for your Doxie-Bull is vital.
It is recommended to feed the Pitbull Dachshund with two to three cups of dry dog food daily.ย The amount should be distributed throughout the day. Dogs tend to consume their food without adequately chewing them, and hence, smaller food portions will allow their bodies to digest the food without bloating. The cost is estimated to be between USD 1.2 and USD 1.4 for each day, and between USD 34 to USD35 per month. The dry food is preferred over the moist ones since it contains less fat and calories.
Sometimes, the Doxie-Bull can look so adorable and may ask for more food from you. Do not give your pet macadamia nuts when they ask for it because a tiny intake can be poisonous for them. Likewise, do not provide them with nutmeg, since they contain chemicals that can trigger seizures for the dog. Unknown to most, a considerable portion of onion intake to the dachshund can damage their immune system. The same can happen with your doxie-pit.
The energetic nature of the Pitbull Dachshund will require a high-protein diet.ย Select theย best dry dog foodย that is rich in meat content rather than merely a by-product, which is the main ingredient of theย worst dry dog food. Make sure that the bowl and other utensils used for feeding is clean to prevent your pet from contaminating any bacteria. Should you wish to further enhance your learning on your dogโs diet, consult your nearest veterinarian for more information and details.
There are many high-quality dog food to choose from when making your purchase, and here are some of them:
- Wellness Core Dog Food
- Dog For Dog Food
- Nutra Thrive dog food supplement
- Instinct Original with Real Beef Dry: It consists of beef, chicken meal, white fish meat, peas, and chicken fat. This dog food can be eaten across your dogโs lifespan. It contains a generous portion of protein content fit for the Doxie-Bullโs active lifestyle.
- Annamaet Ultra Dry Dog Food: The ingredients of this dog food include chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole dry eggs, and herring meal. It has iron proteinate that helps in your dogโs body absorption. At the same time, it has cranberries and spinach as a source of anti-oxidant.
- Blue Wilderness Adult Salmon:ย This dry dog food boasts of containing deboned salmon, which carries protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It blends whole meats and meat meals which your dog would enjoy eating. It does not contain any grain, artificial flavors, colors, or additives. Also, it has five various probiotic bacteria to keep your dogโs digestive system healthy.
- Solid Gold High-Protein with Duck: This food contains 16 nutrient-packed super-foods, and is low on carbohydrates. It primarily includes duck, chicken meal, and turkey meal to give your dog a protein boost. Healthy fats like sesame oil and almond oil are included in the pack. The food is designed for active adult dogs.
- Fromm Four-Star Beef Frittata Veg: Known as a premium dog food, it comprises of high-quality real beef and other ingredients that are rich in protein such as whole eggs, pork meat meal, and beef liver. Since it is grain-free, the carbohydrates are offset by potatoes instead of corn or wheat.
The Pitbull parent of your mixed stunner is much larger than their Dachshund ancestor. That means that you can offer your doggo both theย best dry dog food for small dogsย and theย best large breed dry dog food, and see which turns out to be their favorite! In case you just adopted a puppy, go for theย best puppy food brands, and if your fellow is an elderly one, your choice should be on one of theย best senior dry dog foodย brands.ย Check with your vet before you make any radical changes to your dogโs diet, though โ sudden shifts may be to hard on their tummy!
Pitbull Crossed with Dachshund Exercise Requirementsย
The Dachshund Pitbull obtains its high energy from its parent pitbull. As such, you will need to regularly exercise this dog to channel its energy and keep it fit.ย A Doxie-Bull thrives best in large open spaces, where it can freely roam around.ย Bring them for a walkย to an enclosed park or yard, and they will be happy. You will find that they hardly bark, so you can be at peace not worrying about how your neighbors will react to the sounds.
While it is possible to live in an apartment or condominium and have this animal, it is not advised to leave them there for too long, or they can behave destructively.ย For exercise, they will need to be walked on an average of 11 miles per week.ย They will have to be active for at least 2 hours each day.
Exercise is also crucial in developing your relationship with the dog, who will often love to play with you. Make sure to establish that you are the pack leader and not the Doxie-Pit, who tends to be stubborn. Aside from physical activities, your dog will require mental stimulation, so the following list of toys and puzzles could be a start:
- Kong Rubber Ball: This is an ideal toy for your pet that loves to hunt. It is one of the best chew toys around because it can clean your dogโs teeth and soothe gums. You can also use it to play fetch with the dachshund pitbull.
- GoughNuts Tug Dog Toy:ย Since the Doxie-Pit loves to play tug, they will enjoy playing with this toy, which is durable and handy. It looks like the number eight and can be used for a game of tug-of-war.
- West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Tough Flying Disc: This toy appears like a frisbee, and is ideal for playing fetch both in land and water. As the material used to create the disc is hard plastic, your pet can enjoy chewing it for a long time.
- StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy:ย A small puzzle that allows your intelligent Doxie-Pit to exert effort using its legs and teeth physically. It looks similar to a bowling pin, where you place the dogโs treat inside. Afterward, you can customize the opening so that your pet can try to solve how to receive its gift.
Dachshund Pitbull Mix Training
Here we include some of the tips that can help you train your dog correctly:
- Train at a young age.ย Any undesirable behavior of the dachshund pitbull can be corrected while they are still young and teachable. Invest in the future of your pet in their early life stages. Training them young will help ensure their wellness.
- Be consistent in training.ย Since the Dox-Bull can be stubborn when it comes to obedience, the owner must be patient but firm when training. This makes the pup have a better response.
- Use treats.ย To encourage your dog, give it credit by providing treats. Also, be persistent in praising your dog whenever it is obedient. The practice of reward will keep your pup in line.
Check out our guides onย Dachshund training tipsย andย potty training.ย Here are ourย best ways to train a puppyย andย five common mistakes to avoid when training your dog.
Dachshund Pitbull Mix And Families
The Dachshund Pitbull is ideal for families that have previous experience living with pets. Seasoned owners can bring in their training knowledge to harness the Doxie-Bullโs full potential. They are also likely to have a broader understanding of how to deal with the dogโs temperament.
The dog can be endearing, and the most qualified owners will give them the quality time and attention that they require.ย They are fit for families with more seasoned youngsters, who can play and handle them when it becomes increasingly lively.
Additionally, the Dachshund Pitbull is perfect for families or individuals who enjoy the outdoors. They can be a great buddy to travel and play with since they are loyal and easy to maintain.
Finally, you will need to budget in the costs of having this pet. This includes food, shelter, toys, grooming, dog accessories and medical checkups.
Best Supplements for Dachshund Pitbull Mix
Opt for supplements that cater to the unique needs of a Dachshund Pitbull mix, focusing on joint health and weight management, considering the Dachshund’s susceptibility to spine issues and the Pitbull’s muscular build. Choose supplements with ingredients like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support their overall well-being.
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Interested in More Dachshund Mixes?
We love these little German Wursts, so weโve compiled a list of our favoriteย Dachshund mixes!
Dachshund Pug mix | Dachshund Lab mix | Dachshund Beagle mix |
Dachshund Golden Retriever mix | Dachshund Pitbull mix | Dachshund Corgi mix |
Chihuahua Dachshund mix | Jack Russell Dachshund mix | Dachshund Poodle mix |
Dachshund Yorkie mix | German Shepherd Dachshund mix | Dachshund Terrier mix |
Pomeranian Dachshund mix | Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix | Shih Tzu Dachshund mix |
Min Pin Dachshund mix | Basset Hound Dachshund mix | Dachshund Husky mix |
Maltese Dachshund mix | Dachshund Dalmatian mix | Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix |
Border Collie Dachshund mix | Rottweiler Dachshund mix | Doberman Dachshund mix |
Papillon Dachshund mix | Rat Terrier Dachshund mix | Italian Greyhound Dachshund mix |
Bulldog Dachshund mix | Blue Heeler Dachshund mix | Boxer Dachshund mix |
Great Dane Dachshund mix | French Bulldog Dachshund mix | Weimaraner Dachshund mix |
Dachshund Boston Terrier mix | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dachshund mix | Cairn Terrier Dachshund mix |
Shiba Inu Dachshund mix | Dachshund Bichon mix |
References:
- Olson, K.r., et al. โInconsistent Identification of Pit Bull-Type Dogs by Shelter Staff.โ The Veterinary Journal, vol. 206, no. 2, 29 July 2015, pp. 197โ202., doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.07.019.
- Izzati, U.z., et al. โImmunohistochemical Profile of Ameloblastic Carcinoma Arising from an Amyloid-Producing Odontogenic Tumour in a Miniature Dachshund.โย Journal of Comparative Pathology, vol. 166, 3 Dec. 2019, pp. 54โ58., doi:10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.10.182.
- Coile, D. Caroline.ย Pit Bulls for Dummies. Wiley, 2002.
- Chaney, Susan.ย Dachshund. Kennel Club Books, 2009.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_bull
80% of Dogs Develop Arthritis or Joint Pain by 7 Years old – Here’s How to Protect Them
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It’s no wonder that an incredible 80% of dogs experience arthritis or joint pain by only 7 years old.
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