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This mixed breed between two of the most popular dog breeds in the United States; according to the American Kennel Club, the Australian Shepherd and the Dachshund sit on #12 and #6 respectively. They will often come with shaggy hair, and lots of energy, exhibiting the best of both parent breeds. However, this designer breed isn’t commonly found yet, but we have all the details you need to love and care for your Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix.
What is the Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix?
Also known as the Aussie Doxie or Aussie Dachshunds, these dogs are made when a Dachshund is crossed with an Australian Shepherd. Usually, the mother is the Aussie Shepherd and the father is the Dachshund, but they can play either role. These medium-sized dogs will often come with longer hair in gorgeous colors, but it will be hard to tell what coat type they’ll have since their parents are so different from each other.
It’s also hard to get your hands on these Australian Shepherd mix breeds since not many people breed them on purpose; accidental breedings are also rare. If you ever get a chance to own one of these dogs, below are just a few things you can keep in mind to help raise them into strong, dogs in good health.
History of the Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix
A hybrid dog is a result of purposefully mixing two purebred dogs; because they’re one of the newer mixes, not much is known about them and they’re not quite popular yet. The truth is that Australian Shepherds are still relatively new since they were only recognized as a breed back in 1993. They were also developed in the U.S. (not Australia as their name might suggest), where they worked as a herding dog.
The Dachshund is a small hound that was first developed in Germany over 600 years ago; they were created to help flush badgers out of their holes. In 1885, they were admitted to the AKC Stud Book, and when they arrived in America sometime later, they quickly became popular which still stands true today. These two dogs are very different in terms of appearance and background, their offspring can vary greatly, even when they come from the same litter.
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Appearance
The Aussie Doxie will generally be a medium-sized dog, weighing between 15 to 40 pounds, and will grow between 10 to 15 inches tall. However, depending on how big the parents are, you can also get small dogs, especially if you use mini Aussies or mini Doxies. These dogs can get a short coat or one that’s longer, and you can expect them to have a wide range of colors, including black, chocolate, red, blonde, or cream.
However, they can also come in unique colors such as blue, merle, and tri-color; the easiest way to see what kind of coat your puppy might end up with is to look at their parent’s and grandparent’s colors. They will often come with wiry or straight fur that’s thick and dense but if they take after their Australian Shepherd parent, they may come with fluffy fur. They will also have floppy ears and beautiful blue eyes — they also have the Doxie’s trademark stubby legs.
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Temperament
Unfortunately, because their parents are so different from each other, it can be hard to determine the exact temperament of these dogs. However, we can assume that they will be loyal to their loved ones and aloof from strangers. It’s important that they get early training and socialization as soon as possible to help them open up to people and other pets.
You should also remember that their herding instincts may kick in from time to time, and when combined with their high energy levels, they may become too excitable without much exercise. They will always be on the go and won’t like to lie around too much, so be sure to give them lots of love and attention to keep them from getting bored. But if you’re able to keep up with its needs, and can keep it healthy and happy, it can be an excellent family dog.
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Care
Below are just a few things you can do to keep your canine companion at the top of its game every day.
Feeding
Because these dogs will greatly vary in shape and size, it’s important to feed them the right amount of food. On average, giving them one and a half cups of dry food can be split between two meals a day for the Aussie Doxie. While most dogs will be fine eating dry food, you can try to add some wet food into their meals but don’t forget to adjust how much dry food you feed them.
Remember to check with your vet to make sure that your dog is getting a balanced diet with all the vitamins and nutrition it needs. The smaller your dog is, the less food it needs, which is crucial because obesity is a concern for these dogs.
Grooming
Because of their Australian Shepherd genes, you can expect to give these dogs regular brushing since they can shed a lot. Regular grooming can catch loose fur and help it shed; if your puppy has denser fur, it will need more brushing to get rid of tangles and ensure that it’s mat-free. Remember that Dachshunds come with sensitive skin, so try not to bathe them too often since this can lead to dry skin.
Giving your dog’s teeth regular brushing and dental chews can help them stay away from problems such as dental disease. It’s also important to clean their ears when they’re dirty or have debris to ensure they don’t get infected. Finally, nail trimming should be done whenever you start to hear long nails clicking along the floors of your home; this means they’re too long.
Exercise
This active dog will need plenty of exercise; if your pup takes after its Dachshund parent, some playtime or a good walk should be enough exercise. But if they have the same energy as an Australian Shepherd, then they will need regular exercise inside a bigger yard. Unfortunately, even though Aussie Shepherds love to run with their humans, Dachshunds were not made for jogging.
The spines inside their long body can get easily damaged if they travel at a pace that’s faster than walking. Having them play with a tennis ball or frisbee can be a good idea. Australian Shepherd Dachshund mixes can become bored, destructive dogs when their pent-up energy isn’t used.
Training
These canines aren’t the easiest to train; while they may be intelligent dogs, they can be a bit too smart for their own good and will try to get out of training or try to get treats for free. Aussie Doxies can inherit the stubborn nature of Dachshunds, so it may take some time before your pup starts listening to you. Early socialization and proper training are a must, so hiring a professional trainer can be a good option if you need help to guide your pooch.
It’s also important to give them consistent mental stimulation to give these outdoor dogs something to keep them busy and engaged.
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Health Issues
Both Australian Shepherds and Dachshunds are prone to various health problems, and their offspring may have the same kind of problems, though their mix may lessen the chance of getting some genetic diseases. Unfortunately, there are still a few genetic issues that both dogs may face during their lifetime. Some potential health issues for the Aussie Doxie include the following:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Heart disease
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Knee dislocation
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
- Skin issues
- Bloat
The Aussie Doxie will often have a lifespan that falls between the life expectancy of both parents; generally, they will live between 13 and 17 years of age depending on their health. Regular veterinary check-ups will help your dog live a long and healthy life, and giving them preventative care is among the best ways to keep them away from health concerns. This dog breed may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners; you need to keep them away from obesity to make sure that their lifespan isn’t shortened.
Conclusion
Overall, the Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix is a low-maintenance breed that’s well-suited to active families but may do better with an experienced dog owner due to common concerns over their health. While they’re capable of getting along with different people and pets, it’s your job as a prospective owner to give them training and socialization early on while they’re still young. When raised properly and given the love and care they deserve, these mixed-breed pups can be you and your family’s new best friend!
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