All About the Dachshund Poodle Mix (Doxiepoo)! (2024)

What makes a Dachshund Poodle mix the perfect dog? Poodles are intelligent, clownish dogs with an appreciation for the ridiculous. Dachshunds are equally bright but notoriously stubborn. Though they’re no less absurd than the Poodle, they take themselves seriously.

The combination of these two dogs creates a hybrid breed, lovingly dubbed the Doxiepoo, that is spirited, opinionated, and highly energetic. This guide will help you decide if a Doxiepoo is a good fit for your home and give you some tips and tricks for caring for these furry bundles of love.

Before you scroll down this Dachshund Poodle mix dog breed guide, you can check out these other mixed dog breeds from our team at We Love Doodles:Bichon Poodle MixandBasenji Poodle Mix.

What Is a Doxiepoo?

The Doxiepoo is popularly known as a wiener dog (Dachshund)-Poodle mix. Typically, these dogs result from breeding a purebred Dachshund with an equally purebred Poodle.

The most popular parents used to make a Doxiepoo are the Toy Poodle and the Miniature Dachshund. However, both breeds come in several sizes, and there’s nothing to preclude mating a Miniature Poodle with a Standard Dachshund. All that changes is the dog’s size, which can vary greatly, between five and 30 lbs!

What Do Doxiepoos Look Like?

No two Poodle-Dachshund mixes look the same. That’s because of the sheer variety of sizes inherent to both breeds.

Whereas the Poodle is classically woolly-coated, Dachshunds have three coat patterns: smooth, wire-haired, and longhaired. All three coat types are available in both standard and miniature versions. You may see the “Rabbit-Sized” Dachshund in Europe, but these are significantly less common in North America.

Anticipating what Doxiepoo puppies will look like is complicated because they are hybrid dogs. In any given first-generation litter, there’s likely to be a fifty-fifty split between puppies resembling their Dachshund parent versus ones that look more like their Poodle parent. However, later generations can have more Poodle characteristics than Dachshunds, and vice versa.

Are Dachshund-Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?

As challenging as determining a Doxiepoo’s appearance is, it’s important to know if you have allergies to these dogs. Poodles of all sizes are hypoallergenic because they have hair instead of fur.

Dachshunds, in contrast, have fur instead of hair. What’s the difference? While hair grows indefinitely and needs routine grooming to maintain it, fur has a finite length. When it reaches that length, it falls out and takes the dander with it.

Dander plays an integral part in determining hypoallergenic status. Mini and Toy Poodles are low in dander. Dachshunds, especially long-hair Dachshunds, are not, meaning that you may experience an allergic reaction if your Doxiepoo is more Dachshund than Poodle.

That said, it’s possible to get a Dachshund-Poodle mix that is more hypoallergenic than your average Dachshund. The trick is to breed two predominantly Poodle Doxiepoos from different litters. Doing this produces a second-generation Miniature Poodle-Dachshund mix that is more hypoallergenic than the original offspring.

As a rule, breeders that want to improve the hypoallergenic status of their Doxiepoo puppies for sale will increasingly re-introduce Poodle genes to emphasize this trait. However, the drawback to this approach is that it comes at the expense of hybrid vigor, meaning the Doxiepoo puppies may not receive some of the beneficial characteristics of mixing with the Dachshund breed.

History of the Doxiepoo

Now that you know what a Doxiepoo is and how to find one that is hypoallergenic, it’s time to find out where these adorable little pups come from.

History of the Dachshund

Dachshunds get their name from the prey they chase. “Dachs” is German for “Badger.” Initially, these short-legged, long-backed dogs scared badgers out of their dens. It may be hard to imagine this image these days because the most popular Dachshund is the miniature one, which looks more like a badger’s lunch than its hunter.

The Dachshund’s history is evident in some of its classic breed characteristics. Its elongated back and short legs help it fit into badger dens.

And that infamous bark that sounds like it belongs to a much bigger dog? That’s the result of the Dachshund’s barrel chest – and it’s intentional. How else could a Dachshund sound the alarm while deep inside a badger den?

Eventually, people started breeding smaller Dachshunds, and they became pets rather than hunting dogs. Unfortunately, the breed experienced a downturn in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. The Dachshund was the beloved dog of choice of Kaiser Wilhelm, whose dogs tended to be a bit naughty. Not only that, but his Dachshunds nearly pre-empted World War One.

During World War II, anti-German sentiment meant no one wanted these funny, long-backed canines. In a desperate attempt at rebranding, American breeders renamed them the Liberty Dog. It didn’t stick.

Luckily, though, Dachshund lovers like E.B. White helped the Dachshund become a favorite once again with dog owners everywhere.

History of the Poodle

It’s a little-known fact that Poodles are also German by origin. Their association with all things French leads to a misconception that the Poodle comes from France. However, the Poodle’s turn as the must-have hunting dog for Parisian nobles came later. First, it was a German duck retriever – the evidence is in the name!

The word “Poodle” comes from the German “Pudelin” or “puddle.” It’s hard to think of a more ridiculous or apt name for a dog famous for its clownish antics. In the 19th century, the French aristocracy discovered the Poodle’s ability as a water dog and invented the “Poodle cut.” The idea was to protect the Poodle’s vital organs while increasing the dog’s mobility.

These days, neither the Poodle nor the Dachshund hunts much of anything. But you see those instincts emerge when they play. That’s true of Doxiepoos, too.

Characteristics of a Dachshund Mixed with Poodle

You can’t predict the appearance of a Dachshund-Poodle mix, but for some things, there’s no changing. Here are some traits you can expect to see in your Doxiepoo.

Short Legs

First-generation Doxiepoos typically exhibit the Dachshund’s short, stout legs. Depending on how frequently breeders re-cross their Doxiepoos with Poodles, that may change in subsequent generations. It’s normal for a full-grown Dachshund-Poodle mix to feature Dachshund-type legs.

Intelligence

Your Doxiepoo gets this from both its parents. There’s a belief that Dachshunds aren’t as clever as their canine contemporaries, but it’s a misconception. Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with opinions that stand taller than they do. They also don’t give ground easily.

Since Poodles are inarguably intelligent, it’s no surprise that Doxiepoos are similarly clever. The only thing up in the air is whether their stubbornness matches their brains.

Canine Anxiety

Another thing Dachshunds and Poodles share is a propensity to develop separation anxiety. Both breeds need considerable attention; That’s true of a Dachshund-Poodle mix, too. These are not dogs you can leave at home alone for long periods.

Wary of Strangers

Perhaps because they are inherently anxious, Poodles and Dachshunds can both be wary of strangers. Coupled with their natural loyalty, this makes both breeds, and by extension Doxiepoos, surprisingly good guard dogs. It also means neither dog is well-suited for apartment life, as they bark at the slightest provocation.

You can curb this habit in a Poodle with proper training, but it’s more challenging with Dachshunds. The degree of success you have training a Dachshund Poodle mix not to bark varies based on whether the dog has inherited more Dachshund or Poodle disposition.

Exercise Requirements for Dachshund Miniature Poodle Mix

Dachshund-Miniature Poodle mixes have a surprising degree of energy. Many people wrongly think that because these breeds are small, they require less exercise than other dogs. However, because of their history as hunting dogs, Poodles and Dachshunds of all sizes have an extremely high prey drive.

One result of this is that an understimulated Poodle or Dachshund can develop anxiety out of boredom, leading to destructive behavior like inappropriate waste elimination, chewing up furniture and rugs, and excessive whining and barking.

Dachshunds, Poodles, and Dachshund-Poodle mixes all need a healthy amount of daily exercise to prevent anxiety and bad behavior. Walks are the most effective way to do this. If committing to frequent walks is challenging, investing in a dog walker may help.h

Alternatively, housebound Mini Poodle-Dachshund mixes can expend some of that energy through environmental enrichment activities that stimulate their prey drive.

Health Problems Common to Doxiepoos

Another important consideration when you look for Dachshund-Poodle puppies for sale is the kind of health problems a Doxiepoo is likely to experience.

Because Poodle and Dachshund mixes are cross-bred rather than purebred dogs, they enjoy better health than their purebred ancestors. That’s because having a variety of genes reduces the likelihood of them developing conditions innate in one breed or the other.

That said, even the best breeder can’t rule everything out, and if the gene for a specific condition is dominant, it can take time to coax it out of a family tree. However, a reputable breeder will screen for common diseases where possible and warn you if a Poodle-Dachshund puppy shows markers for them.

With that in mind, here are the most common diseases your Dachshund-Poodle mix may develop.

IVDD

Typically, Doxiepoos inherit the Dachshund’s elongated back. Not only does it look wonky, but it’s also extremely delicate. Jumping, leaping, and overzealously tackling the stairs are all classic causes of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

IVDD is a degenerative spinal disorder that causes your Doxiepoo to slip and dislocate or rupture a spinal disc. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may be treatable. However, some dogs may become paralyzed and require wheels for mobility. Despite this, wheelie dogs can enjoy long, even active lives.

Symptoms of IVDD include:

• Unable to walk properly
• Cannot support their own weight
• Unsteadiness
• Shivering or crying

Note that symptoms vary depending on whether the dog experiences IVDD in the neck or lower back. Signs of lower back IVDD also include:

• Crossed hind legs when walking
• Tensed abdomen
• Muscle spasms

Luxating Patella

Luxating Patella is common not only to Dachshunds but Miniature and Toy Poodles. Because both Dachshunds and Poodles can get it, Doxiepoos are doubly at-risk for a luxating patella.

A luxating patella is characterized by a “bunny hop.” You’ll know your Dachshund-Toy Poodle mix has one because they will lift one leg and run on the other three. Occasionally they put the non-weight-bearing leg down and hop. This happens because the kneecap or patella slips in and out of its socket.

You can correct a luxating patella through surgery, but vets rarely do this unless it is causing your Doxiepoo extreme discomfort. Aside from the occasional bunny hop, the condition doesn’t affect your Dachshund-Poodle mix’s health.

One side effect of not surgically correcting this problem is that your Doxiepoo may develop arthritis earlier than other dogs. You can also manage this condition with routine vet and home care.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Toy Poodles have fewer health problems than any other Poodle type. However, cross-breeding Toy Poodles and Dachshunds doesn’t guarantee your Toy Poodle-Dachshund mix will have impeccable health.

One of the most common problems in Toy Poodles is Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA. It’s an inherited disease and can be passed on to Doxiepoo puppies. Because the condition isn’t overtly painful, many owners miss the symptoms of PRA until it is advanced. Consult your vet about PRA in a Doxiepoo if they:

• Start showing a reluctance to walk
• Won’t navigate rooms at night
• Have cloudy or dilated pupils
• Walk clumsily

Progressive Retinal Atrophy results in blindness. But that doesn’t mean your dog can’t enjoy a happy canine life for years. They just need help doing it.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Another predominant problem in Toy Poodles is dilated cardiomyopathy. This is more serious than other conditions we have discussed and often causes heart failure.

Although the onset seems sudden, dilated cardiomyopathy usually takes years to develop. But because the progression is slow and subtle, it is easily missed. If your breeder expresses concerns about this condition, watch your Dachshund-Poodle mix for signs of dilated cardiomyopathy, including:

• Rapid breathing while asleep
• Restlessness when asleep
• Coughing/gagging
• Decreased interest in exercise
• Anorexia
• Distended abdomen

How Big Is a Full-Grown Dachshund-Poodle Mix?

Another consideration, especially if you have limited space, is how big a full-grown Dachshund-Poodle mix can be.

Since Dachshunds and Poodles come in several sizes, the size of a Doxiepoo varies. However, while you do see Dachshund-Poodle mixes involving Standard Dachshunds or Miniature Poodles, the most common combination is a Miniature Dachshund with a Toy Poodle.

Consequently, although the average Doxiepoo weight ranges from five to 30lbs, you are more likely to see Dachshund-Poodle mixes at the lower end of that spectrum.

Their height similarly varies between five to 15 inches tall when measured from floor to shoulder blade. But since the smaller Dachshund and Poodle breeds predominate in this mix, a Toy Poodle and Dachshund mix will be closer to five than 15 inches tall.

Are Dachshund-Poodle Mixes Good with Children?

Dogs can be a wonderful part of growing up. But not all dogs are equally good with children. So, if you are considering a Dachshund-Poodle mix in a home with young kids, it’s natural to wonder how tolerant the new dog will be to kids.

As discussed, Dachshunds and Poodles are naturally anxious breeds. That means they can be more skittish around children than other dogs. However, that shouldn’t put you off, especially if you are considering getting a puppy. How good, bad, or indifferent Doxiepoos are with children has lots to do with how well you socialize them.

A properly socialized puppy should be tolerant of children, cats, other dogs, and strangers. This training process takes time and goes against the instinct your Doxiepoo gets from their parents to bark at everything and anything.

You also need to train your children. Puppies have delicate bones, and they break easily with improper handling. Learning how to properly interact with a dog is safer for the puppy and builds the confidence of both the dog and the human. Once socialized, your children have a loyal, charming companion to go through life with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully, our guide to Dachshund-Poodle mixes answers all your questions. But if it doesn’t, here are other commonly asked questions.

Is a Dachshund Poodle Mix for Me?

Dachshund-Poodle mixes are charming, clever dogs that come in various coats, sizes, and colors. Their personalities are similarly varied. Some inherit the Poodle’s eagerness to please, while others showcase the Dachshund’s stubborn streak.

It’s important to remember that if you want a hypoallergenic dog, the Doxiepoo may not be your best bet. But if you want a small dog with an affectionate nature, you are in the right place!

For more Poodle mixed guides similar to this Dachshund Poodle mix dog breed, you can check out:

• Saint Bernard Poodle Mix
• Chihuahua Poodle Mix
• Fox Terrier Poodle Mix

You can learn more about other Poodle mixes similar to the Dachshund Poodle mix by watching “15 Poodle Mix Breed That Will Melt Your Heart” down below: