The Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix or Aussie Doxie is a hybrid between two active breeds that has distinct looks and contrasting personalities. This unique combination makes this dog even more interesting!
The wide availability and popularity of both parent breeds make this one of the most sought-after designer dogs, especially for lovers of small breeds and lap dogs.
If you are excited to learn more about this lovable mixed breed, this would be an excellent opportunity to get your notes ready.
This article will cover useful information about the history, physical traits, temperament, health, maintenance, and where you can get your very own Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix.
What Is an Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix?
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The Aussie Doxie is the cross between two intelligent and well-loved breeds, the Australian Shepherd and the Dachshund. This mix carries the long and lowered body of the Dachshund and the medium coat length of the Aussie Shepherd. Aussie Doxies are loyal and energetic, but they can be stubborn at times.
The huge disparity in the physical and behavioral traits of the parent breeds makes this crossbreed unpredictable. They can follow the characteristics of the more dominant parent breed or be a good balance of both.
Just like other designer dogs, this mix of the Dachshund and the Australian Shepherd is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are also not currently listed with the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Aussie Doxie Come From?
Whether through purposeful or accidental breeding, the history and origin of the Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix are unknown.
We can check the history of both the purebred Australian Shepherd and the purebred Dachshund to get a better idea of when and where the Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix came from.
The Australian Shepherd’s history dates back to the late 1800s. They are believed to have originated from the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains and not from Australia.
They were brought to the United States by settlers from Europe to herd sheep they brought with them. Due to their natural herding abilities, they were developed to be loyal stock dogs or shepherd dogs.
In 1957, the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was formed as a parent club for Australian Shepherds. The dog breed was then recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.
The roots of the modern-day Dachshund, on the other hand, can be traced to the late 1800s as well in Germany. These small dogs were originally bred to hunt badgers. Their form was developed for them to penetrate badger tunnels easily.
The breed standards for the Dachshund were written in 1879. A few years later, in 1885, 11 of these hunting dogs were registered into the American Kennel Club under the hound dogs category.
From the history of both the Aussie and the Doxie, we can say that the Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix has very strong European roots.
The combination of the hunting and herding instinct of their parent breeds shows how intelligent, reliable, and versatile the Aussie Doxie is.
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Appearance: What Does an Aussie Dachshund Look Like?
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The looks of an Aussie Dachshund mix vary depending on how the genetics of the parent breeds play out.
For example, an Aussie Doxie mix with a long-haired Dachshund parent will look different from one with a short-haired Dachshund parent.
Nevertheless, most Aussie Doxie mixes carry the sausage-like Dachshund body as well as their short legs. Thanks to the odd proportions of “wiener dogs,” Aussie Doxie mixes get to have a uniquely shaped body and a long tail.
On the other hand, these beautiful dogs get their facial features mainly from the Australian Shepherd. These hybrids sport an apple-shaped head and long droopy ears.
The coat of the Aussie Doxie is usually long and feathered like that of the Australian Shepherd, but the colors may have so many variations. It can be solid, bi-colored, or even dapple.
The possible colors are cream, black, red, brown, fawn, piebald, wheaten, isabella, or blue. Their eyes are usually dark brown or black.
Given the variety of possible combinations that both parent breeds can produce, it becomes difficult to predict what each Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix puppy would look like.
In the meantime, enjoy this video of an Aussie Dachshund mix puppy during her daily walk around the neighborhood:
Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix<a href="https://youtu.be/O4mj8sOVyp0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FO4mj8sOVyp0%2F0.jpg" alt="Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Aussie Dachshunds Get?
Australian Shepherd Dachshund mixes are small to medium-sized dogs. Most fully grown Aussie Doxies measure around 10 to 15 inches from the shoulder in terms of height and between 30 and 55 pounds in terms of weight.
Just like any designer dog breed, the size and weight mentioned above may significantly differ based on the combination of the size and weight of the Australian Shepherd parent and the Dachshund parent.
The usual maturity for the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix takes about 12 to 13 months. Their maximum growth potential may also be affected by other factors such as genetics, environment, and diet.
A significant factor to consider when it comes to this mixed breed is its high energy level. They need to have enough space to channel this energy and avoid health problems.
Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Temperament: Are Aussie Dachshunds Good Family Dogs?
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The Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix is a very intelligent hybrid that is very dedicated to their families. Their high energy level makes them very entertaining for both adults and children alike.
Their herding instinct from their Australian Shepherd parent and the hunting instinct of their Dachshund parent also makes them very protective of each member of the family.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Aussie Dachshund mix is their distrust of strangers. They will not remain calm in front of other people or when they are in unfamiliar territory.
This trait may seem to be beneficial for a guard dog. However, constant barking at strangers might become a bad habit later on. Being trained and socialized properly at a young age can help address this behavior.
For first-time dog owners, you need to learn how to assert being an alpha to control this breed. These active dogs can be very stubborn and impatient, but proper dog training should also do the trick.
With the proper training, the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix can become a wonderful family dog. Their display of loyalty, courage, and affection should give positive energy to your homes.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Dachshund: Which Is Better?
Aussie Dachshund Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Aussie Doxies Healthy Dogs?
The Aussie Dachshund is a generally healthy breed, with a life expectancy between 13 and 17 years. However, this does not mean that they are already invulnerable to diseases they may have inherited from their parent breeds.
Listed below are some of the most common health problems of the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is a spinal cord illness in dogs where the discs that function as a cushion between the bones of the spine become ruptured, slipped, bulged, or herniated. IVDD is an age-related condition but may be more common in certain breeds like the Dachshund, which can affect the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix as well. The most common symptoms could be difficulty lifting the head, neck, or back pain and limping.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common disease in large breed dogs like the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix. This happens when the ball and socket joint of the hip does not develop properly, causing loss of function or deterioration. Hip dysplasia is characterized by limping, difficulty in rising or running, and other movements.
Eye-related Problems: Eye-related problems are more common for Australian Shepherds, such as the collie eye anomaly, detached retina, or distichiasis. Many of these eye problems are caused by the improper development of the eyes. If untreated, this can eventually lead to total blindness in your Dachshund Australian Shepherd cross breed.
Hypothyroidism: This is a disease where the thyroid gland of the affected dog doesn’t produce enough of the hormone that controls the metabolism of the entire body. Hypothyroidism is more common in Dachshunds, but it may be developed by a Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix as well.
Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1): This is a hereditary condition where the dog experiences adverse reactions to commonly used drugs. MDR1 is very common in Australian Shepherds. Dachshund Australian Shepherd mixed breed dogs that are tested positive for MDR1 are not recommended for breeding due to the genetic nature of the disease.
Now that you are aware of the common health problems of the Aussie Doxies, the first step to prevent these is to look for a reliable breeder who can provide DNA results showing that the pup is clear of any genetic illness.
A regular visit to your local veterinarian is also an effective way to detect these health problems early, preventing the condition from getting worse.
How to Take Care of Your Aussie Dachshund Mix
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Just like any other breed, a happy and healthy Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix would be the result of feeding them a healthy diet, grooming them regularly, and providing them with training and exercise needs.
To help you with this, I have prepared an easy-to-follow guide for taking care of your very own Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix.
Food and Diet
The right diet is key to a well-nourished dog of any breed. The ideal requirement for the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix is about 1,300 calories of dry dog food daily.
Gaining too much weight for this breed is highly unlikely due to their very active nature. However, to sustain the energy needs of the Aussie Doxie, it would be best to distribute the feeding two to three times a day.
As they play around your yard, make sure they also have a steady supply of clean drinking water to keep them hydrated.
Aside from dog food, giving them treats such as fresh fruits and vegetables would also be good for their health. This list determines the fruits and vegetables that are safe or unsafe for your dogs for your guidance.
No matter how energetic they are, you should always be cautious not to overfeed your Aussie Doxie to avoid health problems.
Cleaning and Grooming
How much grooming is required for the Aussie Doxie is highly dependent on which coat they inherit from their parent breeds.
The Australian Shepherd sheds moderately compared to the Dachshund, which sheds only minimally. If the dog is more on the long and feathered side, brushing at least three times a week is recommended to keep it healthy.
Regular grooming is necessary, but bathing them too often will strip them of their natural oils that help maintain the health of their skin and coat. Bathing them at least once or twice a month should be enough.
If they often smell unpleasant due to being more active, you may use deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep their coat smelling fresh.
Cleaning the ears should also be done regularly to avoid ticks and mites. Trimming of nails is also necessary two to three times a month. This should prevent injuries to family members or the dog itself caused by sharp claws.
Also remember to either brush your dog’s teeth or give them dental chews every week as well. Good dental hygiene would prevent the occurrence of diseases that will affect their ability to eat properly.
Training and Exercise
Despite being an intelligent dog, I have mentioned that the Dachshund Aussie mix can also be very stubborn and uncalm around strangers. Training may not be easy for this breed due to them being impatient.
However, starting the training at an early age using positive reinforcement is the key to correcting the behavior. Furthermore, it would be good to expose them to a lot of people and other dogs while they are still a puppy.
Given the very high energy level of the Dachshund Australian Shepherd mix, they would need 60 to 90 minutes of walking and playtime daily. This should tire them out and relieve them of their boredom.
With enough daily exercise, you can prevent your dog from venting their energy on your furniture and other household items.
How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix is a relatively new designer breed. Due to this, there are no known exact figures on the price of this hybrid.
However, based on the prices of both parent breeds and their mixes, this mix may run you between $400 and $1,200.
If you can secure a Dachshund Aussie mix from a reputable breeder, an animal shelter, or a rescue center, the next thing you have to consider is the budget for the maintenance and health care of your dog.
I have broken down below the initial cost of expenses in taking care of an Australian Shepherd Weiner dog mix:
This table already puts into consideration the possible differences in the price of food and other necessities due to the variety in the size of your Dachshund Aussie mix.
Aside from the initial costs mentioned above, it would also be wise to set aside a budget for unforeseen circumstances. Make sure you have the allocation for medical emergencies if your dog gets sick.
Places to Find Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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There is a lack of reliable breeders that specialize in producing this designer breed. This is why you should be careful of puppy mills and irresponsible breeders that may produce puppies with health issues.
Due to the rarity of the Aussie Doxie, it is even difficult to look for one on credible puppy selling sites. However, you might be able to find other Australian Shepherd or Dachshund mixes through these portals.
If you are patient and resourceful enough, you might be able to find an Aussie Doxie being offered occasionally. It would be best to check our ultimate puppy buying guide for you to avoid being scammed as you scout for your dog.
Here are some of the recommended places where you might find Australian Shepherd and Dachshund mixes:
Lancaster Puppies – This database has thousands of puppies posted in their database. You can filter your search based on the price, location, breed, registration, size, and gender of the puppy you are looking for. They also advocate against irresponsible dog breeding.
Greenfield Puppies – Established in the year 2000, this is a user-friendly platform that advertises mixed breeds. Their interface is full of photos and information that is meant to educate the buyer on the different breeds, including Australian Shepherd Dachshund mixes.
Keystone Puppies – This platform has special categories for designer breeds and mixed breeds, such as the Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix. All their puppies come with a health guarantee. They are also proud to be one of the first in the field to have an Animal Welfare and Breeder Account Specialist on board.
If you are still unsuccessful in looking for puppies for sale using the portals above, you might want to consider adopting one from rescues. This is also a more practical option from a budget perspective.
Before you proceed with adopting one, I highly encourage you to read our ultimate adoption guide to make the adoption process easier for you.
Here are some rescue organizations where you might find an Aussie Doxie:
Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline, Inc. (ARPH) – ARPH is the official rescue organization of the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) and The United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA). This non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue of Australian Shepherds and their mixes.
Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MDR) – This rescue group dedicated to Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes was founded in 2003. MDR primarily focuses on Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. They also work with veterinarians to provide low-cost veterinary care and educate people on the benefits of spaying/neutering their pets.
Australian Shepherds Furever (ASF) – Based in California, this rescue organization established in 2013 is dedicated to rescuing Aussies and their mixes nationwide. The group now has 3,650 rescues and has over 150 volunteers, including trainers, transporters, and microchip managers.
To increase your chances of finding an Aussie Doxie, you can also check our best Australian Shepherd rescue picks and best Dachshund rescue picks.
Combine all the suggestions I have provided, and soon you will have your very own Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix!
Pros and Cons of Owning an Aussie Dachshund Mix
Before purchasing any breed, it is always a good practice to list down the advantages and disadvantages of owning one. This will guide you in determining the right dog breed for you.
I have noted down the pros and cons of owning an Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix for your guidance.
Let’s discuss the advantages of having an Aussie Doxie first:
Beautiful physical appearance: For lovers of both parent breeds, this hybrid would be very appealing. The combination of the body types and the variety of coat patterns produce a unique-looking dog that is easy to admire and cuddle.
Long lifespan: Though not completely free of health issues, one of the best genetic traits passed over to the Aussie Doxie by its parent breeds is its long lifespan. This means you can enjoy more years with this loyal companion.
Reliable family dogs: Given their instinct as working dogs, expect the Aussie Doxie to be very protective of each family member, especially the children.
Low maintenance: The small to medium size of the breed, combined with its minimal to moderate shedding, means that they are low maintenance dogs. Grooming should not be a problem.
Now, let’s take note of the disadvantages of owning an Aussie Doxie:
Difficult to train: Even if they are intelligent, the breed is also very stubborn, may lack focus, and uneasy with strangers. One needs to start training at an early stage. The owner also needs to be firm and patient enough to control the behavior of the Aussie Doxie.
Very high level of energy: The active nature of this hybrid requires a lot of exercise and space to move for them to channel their energy. Without these, they may resort to destructive behavior inside the house.
Difficult to find: As a new designer breed, it will be challenging to search for one. You need to be very patient and try all possible sources suggested for you to be able to locate one successfully.
We hope that the list above will guide you further in determining whether the Aussie Doxie would fit your personality, lifestyle, and environment. This is an important decision as owning a dog is a lifetime responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mixes Bark a Lot?
If they do not get the required exercise or training they need, then expect them to be very noisy and unruly dogs. Their pent-up energy may be channeled through barking and destructive behavior.
Their distrust of strangers would also make them very noisy every time they see other people. This should be corrected at an early age by engaging them in proper socialization with people and other pets as well.
Do Aussie Dachshund Mixes Shed a Lot?
No, Aussie Dachshund mixes are minimal to moderate shedders, depending on which parent breed they carry after. The breed may be considered a low-maintenance dog.
However, regular brushing should still be practiced at least three times a week to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free.
Are Aussie Dachshund Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, both the Australian Shepherd and the Dachshund are not hypoallergenic dogs. This makes their mix not hypoallergenic as well. This breed may not be appropriate for households with family members who have allergies.
Final Thoughts: Is an Aussie Doxie the Right Dog for You?
The Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix is a relatively new dog in the designer breed category. Their wiener dog-like appearance, short legs, beautiful coat color, and variety are something to watch out for.
However, to enjoy the best features of the Aussie Doxie, dog training should be done early. This would keep them from being stubborn, help them feel less threatened by strangers, and keep them from being noisy.
Once addressed, you will love the Aussie Doxie for its loyal, playful, protective, and intelligent nature.
Please feel free to leave a comment if you think the Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix deserves to be your next family dog!
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