The Doxiepoo is a short, curly-haired dog with the mixed traits of a poodle and a dachshund. This mix of breeds is an interesting one, as poodle and dachshunds are very different in terms of size, coat type, personality, and what they were originally bred for. The mix of these two dogs was to give the dachshund a more hypoallergenic coat, as well as give them some of the poodle’s personality. This results in a typically small, active dog who fits many different roles in a household.
The Doxiepoo can vary in size, depending on if their poodle parent was a standard, mini, or even teacup-sized poodle, whereas the dachshund parent influences the coat significantly whether they were a short or long-haired dachshund. There is a wide variety of Doxiepoo looks, and finding one that you like will depend on the breeder and the parents. Typically, they are moderately difficult to train, needing a bit more work than easier breeds, but being far from impossible to work with.
This article will go over a very wide spectrum of what you might encounter with a Doxiepoo, to take some of the guesswork out. But, no matter what, you can expect a smaller, highly active dog who needs a job to do in the home, whether it is cleaning up their toys, keeping an eye on you, or just making circles around the house to see what is going on. With curly hair, big, expressive eyes from the poodle parent, and a stout, small body from the dachshund parent, this dog packs a lot of personality into a little frame.
The Dachshund Parent
Both the dachshund and the poodle are two of the best-known breeds of dogs around the world, but for two very different reasons.
In homes, the dachshund is known as the wiener dog, loved for its long, almost humorous appearance that is unlike any other breed of dog. This short, stout dog is a commonly known breed throughout the United States and is found in many homes thanks to its fun appearance and small size. They were originally made to hunt badgers and other wildlife that hides in shallow burrows, and their stocky, long frame shows that. While lovable, they can be a handful to train sometimes, and unprepared families may need help in getting their basics down. They can be a bit touchy shy as well, making them better for families with older children or adults, rather than younger, more energetic children.
The Poodle Parent
The poodle, especially a standard poodle, is on the other side of the appearance spectrum. Tall, long-legged, and majestic, the poodle is a common choice when someone thinks about a dog for their appearance. Poodles come in a variety of different sizes and colors, from toy poodles smaller than a housecat, all the way to the standard poodle that stands waist-high from their owners.
Poodles are a retrieving breed, meant to fetch and bring back game that had been shot, typically fowl. It was an easy transition from prized hunting dog to prized pet, simply due to their looks, shape, and wonderful fur. And pet groomer will tell you that the poodle’s coat is a joy to work with, especially when it comes to designer cuts.
An extremely intelligent breed, they have found their way into many homes around the country as prized pets. Always a favorite to watch at dog shows, grooming contests, or around the neighborhood, very few people dislike the poodle.
Short History of Doxiepoo – Dachshund Poodle Mix
The Doxiepoo is a newer mixed breed of dog, only having been around for a few decades now. They don’t have a long and storied history just yet, but it won’t be long before they are well known. A new breed always has potential for growth, and just like the Labradoodle and the Bernadoodle, the Doxiepoo is going to be well known and loved breed in the States.
They were only begun to be bred at the start of the century, to give the dachshund the non-shedding, curly coat of the poodle. It also gives them a more trainable personality, but it is still important to talk to your breeder about their temperament. A temperament test can give you all the insight you need about the puppy you will take home, and prevent the wrong dog from going to the wrong home. With the newness of the breed, the history of it is still very short.
There isn’t too much to say about the background just yet, simply due to how new the mix of the breed is. The bloodlines of them are relatively new, as well, so no noted bloodlines have risen yet, but it is only a matter of time. They are also still very rare, as they are a newer mix of the breed that has just begun to be shown and bred. Who knows, maybe your Doxiepoo will be the one that becomes an ambassador for the breed?
Some Basic Facts About Dachshund Poodle Mix
The Doxiepoo can have a variety of different coats, colors, and general sizes depending on the pedigree of both of the parents. Due to there being both longhair and shorthair dachshund, as well as a variety of different poodle coats and colors, a Doxiepoo can end up being nearly any mix or match of those, depending on the parents.
Most of them will end up with a curlier coat, whether or not they are hypoallergenic like their poodle parent depends on the bloodline of the poodle. Keep in mind that seeing the parents beforehand, especially the poodle parent will give you a better idea of what sort of Doxiepoo puppies are going to be born. A long-haired and a short-haired dachshund will also influence the color and fur of the puppies significantly, and if the breeding pair has had a litter before, you should check to see what the puppies looked like previously. This may be difficult, however, as the Doxiepoo is a very new mixed breed. The chart below will give you a better idea of their temperament, size, and anything else you would want to know about this fun-loving, friendly mixed breed of dog.
Doxiepoo At A Glance
| Pros | Typically smaller, cuddlier dogs who don’t make much of a mess. Can be easy to train thanks to the Poodle side, and very alert and loyal thanks to the Dachshund side. |
| Cons | The Dachshund side can be a bit territorial, and occasionally food aggressive. Different temperaments can result in a more aloof or less trainable dog. |
| Appearance | The appearance of the Doxiepoo varies depending on pedigree, but typically smaller with curly hair in a variety of colors. |
| Height | Typically less than a foot at most. Different pedigrees can result in taller or shorter Doxiepoos. |
| Weight | Can be as small as five or ten pounds, but never more than thirty. It all depends on the poodle pedigree. |
| Grooming | Moderate to difficult. They usually don’t shed, but they do require trimming and touch-ups, as well as brushing to prevent mats. |
| Temperament | Friendly, loyal, excitable, and trainable. High energy, and needs a job to do. Can get feisty or grumpy if not given enough playtime and exercise, and sometimes can be a touch shy around new people or children. |
READ MORE: Top 24 Most Adorable Dachshund Mixes
Grooming Your Doxiepoo
When it comes to brushing grooming your Doxiepoo, a lot of it will depend on the coat that they’ve inherited from their parents. A Doxiepoo with a flat coat that sheds will need constant brushing with a wide-toothed comb and regular baths. Treat them similarly like you would with a flat-coated dachshund, making sure to keep them on a fish-based food formula to maximize the sheen of the coat.
For curly-haired Doxiepoos, they’ll be more like their poodle parents. A thick, curly coat doesn’t require as much brushing, but trimming is required in order to keep mats from forming. Regular shampooing and baths should be given to Doxiepoos with curly, non-shedding coats, in order to keep their coat fluffier and prevent dirt or mats from damaging their skin.
Luckily, their poodle parents are known for being water-loving dogs, so starting at a young age will make a lifetime of easy bath time. If the puppy was born from a long-hair dachshund, you may have thicker or longer fur than if they were from a short hair dachshund, so it is best to see the puppy before deciding on any specific grooming tools or techniques. With mixed breeds, there is a much wider area of possibility, so preparing for grooming is trickier than for purebreds.
Keeping Your Doxiepoo Healthy
The Doxiepoo, as a mixed breed of dog, typically will have fewer health issues than the purebred dogs that they originally came from. However, this does not mean that there are no health issues that can affect them. Both of their pedigree breeds are known for their hip and joint issues, and this is only made worse by the fact that dachshunds are notorious for overeating and gaining weight easily. This combination means that they are at high risk for hip and joint issues as they get older, and any pet parent who takes on a Doxiepoo will need to monitor their food intake and exercise.
The spine of a dachshund can be easily damaged if they become overweight, and this passes down to the Doxiepoo. Their skeletal system is the biggest area of weakness for a Doxiepo, but regular exercise and a healthy diet of appropriate food can help negate this. In addition, older dogs can be kept on supplements, in order to prevent this sort of damage. As always, making sure that your dog is fully vaccinated, and has no illnesses or injuries is paramount to their wellbeing. Poodles can also be a victim of cancer, so regular checkups are very important. Your vet is your best friend when it comes to preparing and dealing with many illnesses, so do not be afraid to shop around a bit, to find a vet that fits you well.
How much Exercise does a Doxiepoo need?
Just like with any dog, the exercise needed for a Doxiepoo depends on their energy level, age, and their size. The poodle is an active breed that needs space to move, and the dachshund is a breed with a penchant for digging and exploring. Making sure that regular walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating toys are all available for your Doxiepoo will keep your Doxiepoo physically and mentally healthy. Making sure that the Doxiepoo is also given plenty of time to play and interact with other dogs their age and size will also provide a good dose of proper exercise.
However, with their short stature and hip issues, activities that involve jumping and climbing should be avoided, in order to not damage or injure their legs. Doxiepoos typically do not jump or climb well, so making sure they can get access or help around stairs or other surfaces that are not level should be provided. Agility is not the best, due to their shape and how climbing and jumping can injure them, but doing search activities can be fantastic exercise. Letting them explore a safe area with treats or toys hidden, and letting them sniff them out and discover what is hiding is one of the best mental and physical exercises for a Doxiepoo, as well as any dog who was originally bred for hunting or retrieving.
How to choose the right Nutrition for Your Doxiepoo
A Doxiepoo’s diet should be monitored closely, as they can easily become overweight. It is important to check with your vet about any possible allergies they may have, but most dogs with a mixed background have fewer allergies. A diet that is based on fish protein is likely the best choice for a Doxiepoo, as their coat will improve thanks to the omega fatty acids in the food.
Supplements for their skin and coat can be added if their diet is based on other proteins. Treats should only be used for training or given sparingly, in order to not increase the dog’s weight. Dry food should be used, with wet food sparingly in order to prevent tooth decay or plaque. It is important to make sure that dental treats are given to them regularly as well, as plaque can lead to heart disease.
Rawhide is not appropriate for a Doxiepoo, as their smaller size can cause blockages and illness. Bully sticks are an excellent, high protein choice, as are Himalayan yak milk chews. Their diet can have grain, or be grain-free, depending on allergies, but a small breed, food should be selected to prevent them from becoming overweight.
How much does a Doxiepoo cost?
A Doxiepoo may be expensive compared to some other breeds of dogs, simply due to their rarity. The main cost would be the cost from a breeder, as a Doxiepoo is not a breed that can be found easily. As far as their cost once they are home, they typically cost as much as any other small to medium breed dog. A smaller Doxiepoo will require less food and smaller toys, so the cost will be mitigated somewhat. However, the grooming costs will likely be higher, due to their coat which needs extra work and care. Unless you know-how, and are capable of going all of the grooming, trimming, and bathing yourself, you will have a higher cost for the occasional touch-up and bath than some other breeds. The Doxiepoos with coats that shed, however, will likely need less trimming, and more brushing.
The other place where cost may be an issue is at the vet’s office. With the mix of two purebred dogs, some health issues may still arise in your Doxiepoo. If your Doxiepoo begins to suffer from hip dysplasia, or their back becomes injured due to their shape, you may be looking at steep vet bills down the line. Checking the parents and their bloodlines is a good way to know what health issues may be lurking around the corner. Many of these issues, luckily, can be dealt with via supplements, exercise, and generally just keeping a close eye on the health of your Doxiepoo.
Is it easy to train a Doxiepoo?
A Doxiepoo can be easy to train if the training begins at a young age. However, like with any dog, a temperament test to see which puppy is the best for your lifestyle is a good idea, so you should speak with your breeder about whether or not they have been tested. The dachshund can be a hard-headed breed compared to some others, and the poodle, while smart, oftentimes finds itself being a bit aloof to basic commands and cues. Training will be more difficult than your easy-to-train breeds, but they are far from impossible to work with.
The biggest training issues will be keeping their focus on you, rather than the exciting world around them. The most important lessons for a Doxiepoo to learn will be how to not chase after other animals, and how to greet people politely. Poodles are known for using their paws to say hello, and Doxiepoos may need training to not jump or try to hug legs.
Doxiepoos may also have issues when it comes to aggression with other animals or children and will need to be taught how to interact with others as soon as possible. The dachshund side of their breed can be a bit standoffish, and often times is touch shy, startling easily if they are touched without warning. This is the most common reason for bites, so making sure that your Doxiepoo is well trained early on is vital, just as it is for any breed of dog.
Where Can I Find a Doxiepoo?
A Doxiepoo can be tricky to locate, due to the newer nature of the breed. Searching online for a Doxiepoo breeder, or Doxiepoo puppies is likely your best avenue of locating them. If you have the resources, or you have friends who are also looking for a Doxiepoo, contacting a poodle breeder and a dachshund breeder, and seeing if they can make a special litter could be an option as well. This option may be difficult, and should only be used for those who are completely dead set on getting themselves a Doxiepoo.
As with any specialty breed or a mix of breeds, expect to pay a higher premium for them, no matter what breeder you contact. When you do find a breeder, make sure they are registered with the American Kennel Club, and that the parents have their paperwork from them. Never get a puppy from a breeder who refuses to show you the paperwork and at least pictures of the breeding and whelping area. It is important to never support puppy mills, or breeders with less than reputable breeding techniques. Meeting the parent dogs beforehand is also a good sign, as it shows that the breeder is willing to prove that their dogs are healthy and happy.
Is a Doxiepoo right for your family?
A Doxiepoo may be right for your family if you meet the following few checkpoints:
- A family without young children, as they can be an easily startled and reactive dog
- A family who can devote plenty of playtime to the dog, as they are active
- A family who can make sure the puppy gets the training it needs quickly
- A family who subscribes to the positive reinforcement style of training
- A family who can devote time to grooming, bathing, and brushing their dog
- A family who has patience for a breed that can be a little hardheaded
If you meet all of these, a Doxiepoo may be the right dog for you and your family. They are a fun, energetic breed that can bring light to your family’s life, but only if the work is put in that they require. A Doxiepoo is not going to self-train and needs direction and work in order to thrive. But when the work is put in, you’ll have an incredibly happy, friendly, and fun dog in your life.
Other Dachshund Mixes
You might want to see more Dachshund mixes, check out the list below: