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Designer breeds are the hottest topic in the dog world right now, and in this guide, we’re featuring one of the unique ones out there — the Doxie Pit!
A Pitbull and Dachshund mix is a faithful home companion and best friend. It is a balanced mix of its parent breeds in terms of appearance and temperament.
Because of its genetic makeup, you can expect a unique dog that makes a wonderful family pet.
This article explores the history, physical characteristics, behavior, and health concerns of a Doxie-Pit.
If you’re eager to own one, this is the perfect place to be informed about this Pitbull mix. Get your notes ready because we have a lot to cover!
What Is a Pitbull Dachshund Mix?
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A Pitbull Dachshund mix, also known as Doxie-Pit, is a cross of a Pitbull and a Dachshund. This results in a dog with the low, long body of the Doxie and the stocky build of a Pitbull. Usually, American Pit Bull Terriers are used for breeding Doxie-Pits.
In the United States, it’s more common to mix a Dachshund with an American Pit Bull Terrier. However, in the United Kingdom and Australia, you’ll mostly find a Doxie paired with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The main purpose of breeding Doxie-Pits is not just to create a unique-looking designer dog but to combat the health problems of its Dachshund and Pitbull parents, such as bone and joint issues.
Other Names of the Pitbull Dachshund Mix
It’s always fun to come up with new designer dog breed names for Pitbull mixes like the Pitbull Dachshund mix. Instead of generic names, breeders came up with fun and creative ways to call this breed.
Here is a list of names that perfectly suits the Pitbull Dachshund mix:
Dachshund Pitbull mix
Dox-Bull
Doxie-Bull
Doxie-Pit
Doxie
Bulldach
Pitwee
Pitbull Weiner dog
Pitbull Weiner dog mix
As you can see, this breed goes by many cute names. This is particularly helpful in your quest to find more information about this adorable pup. Just type in these dog names on your search bar, and you’ll see instant results.
Pitbull Dachshund Mix Origin and History
The first Doxie-Pit was an accidental offspring discovered in 2015. This serendipitous moment occurred when a man from Georgia found one of these puppies in his yard.
Rami, as the pup was eventually called, is a brown and white shelter dog from the Moultrie Colquitt County Humane Society.
Rami became internet famous due to the pictures and videos of him that got over two million hits.
However, instead of putting him out for adoption, Rami served as a therapy dog in nursing homes and a rescue animal ambassador.
You can witness a Pitbull Dachshund mix’s irresistible charm in the video below:
Pit Bull - Dachshund Mix<a href="https://youtu.be/UAcNzikzjBc" 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%2FUAcNzikzjBc%2F0.jpg" alt="Pit Bull - Dachshund Mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Since then, Doxie-Bulls have become a sensation in the dog world. Many breeders started to specialize in breeding these hybrid dog breeds.
It’s also worth noting their dog parent’s individual history. First, let’s talk about the origin of Dachshunds.
These dogs were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs and brought to America in the late 1800s.
Standard Dachshunds were used for hunting badgers, while miniature Dachshunds were used for hunting smaller animals like rabbits and weasels.
Meanwhile, Pitbulls had a violent history. Initially bred in the United Kingdom, they were first used as farm dogs. Over time, they were abused and forced into bull-baiting, bear-baiting, and pit-fighting activities.
Despite their parents’ background, Dox-Bulls are gentle and loving dogs that make fantastic companions.
Pitbull Dachshund Mix Appearance
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One of the most intriguing aspects of Doxie-Pits is their appearance. Their Pitbull and Dachshund gene is truly an interesting combination.
They resemble the Pitbull in terms of head size and facial features, while their bodies are reminiscent of the Dachshund.
Due to their Pitbull side, the Dox-Bull has a box-shaped head with round eyes set wide apart on their skull. It also has a muscular jaw, a long muzzle, a square nose, and floppy ears.
Similar to a Dachshund, this muscular dog has a sausage-like body with short legs. The tail of this pooch is often moderately long and in line with its back.
The Doxie-Bull’s coat can either be short and smooth, wired, or long and wavy.
It also comes in many colors like its Dachshund and Pitbull parents, such as brown, black, fawn, brindle, piebald, and merle. Some can also sport a dapple coat or cream colors, especially if they are born from an English cream Doxie.
Brown or dark-colored eye patches above the eye can also be observed in some dogs.
There is no guarantee that your Doxbull will look exactly like other pups of this mixed breed. However, a few features are generally standard for this mixed breed.
Since Doxie-Pits have no standard appearance, you can’t predict the exact physical attributes of your pup. Puppies in a litter may look different from each other. However, they may share some of the same features.
Pitbull Dachshund Mix Size and Weight
A Pitbull Dachshund mix is a small to medium-sized dog. In terms of height, it measures around 8 to 13 inches tall when fully grown. As for weight, the typical measurement is between 20 and 30 pounds.
At around 12 months old, you can expect a Doxie-Pit to reach its full adult size. However, other factors such as nutrition, environment, and genetics can affect their final height and weight.
If they take on their Dachshund parent’s size, they are expected to be smaller. Meanwhile, if their Pitbull bloodline is stronger, you can expect them to be bigger and more muscular.
Another thing to note is that you shouldn’t let their size fool you. Doxie-Bulls can easily pull you around during daily walks. They also loved to be pampered like lap dogs despite their not-so-small stature.
Pitbull Dachshund Mix Temperament and Personality
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A Dachshund Pitbull mix is somehow a four-legged paradox. It is both loyal and stubborn, highly intelligent yet short-tempered. Despite these behavioral contradictions, this hybrid breed is a good family dog.
Owning a Pitwee also means dealing with a highly energetic dog that requires a lot of mental stimulation.
Aside from this, this dog also loves endless cuddles and attention. However, it’s important to note that females tend to be more independent than males.
As intelligent dogs, you’d think that training will come easy for Doxie-Pits. However, you might be met with a sensitive and stubborn streak.
That’s why they are better matched with an experienced dog owner who knows how to handle and train them at a young age. If not properly trained, Doxie-Bulls can show unruly behavior and aggressive tendencies.
When properly socialized, though, they can be well-suited for families with small kids and other pets. Supervision is still highly recommended.
Pitbull Dachshund Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Generally, Pitbull Dachshund mixes will encounter several health problems if they are not bred from healthy Pitbull and Dachshund parents. However, puppies in good health conditions can live for 8 to 12 years.
Some of the most common health issues observed in Dox-Bulls are the following:
Hip Dysplasia: Despite their size, Pitbull Dachshund mixes are not exempted from developing hip dysplasia. Depending on the degree of looseness of the hip joint, affected dogs can experience decreased mobility, bunny hopping, pain, and limping.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Also called a herniated disc or slipped disc, IVDD often results in pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Due to their Dachshund genes, Doxie-Bulls are prone to suffer from this disease.
Hypothyroidism: The inactivity of a dog’s thyroid gland, medically termed hypothyroidism, is often caused by lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy. This condition is characterized by the slowing down of the dog’s metabolic rate. Clinical signs and symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, excessive shedding, and hair thinning.
Cushing’s Disease: Overproduction of hormones in the adrenal gland leads to a condition called Cushing’s disease. Some of the clinical signs to watch out for are increased appetite and water consumption and frequent urination.
Bone problems, digestive issues, and allergies are also commonly experienced by a Dachshund Pitbull mix.
It’s hard to predict the likelihood of your dog suffering from these health issues, but it’s essential to be informed about them as early as possible.
Regular vet visits should also be done to ensure optimal health until their senior years.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Dachshund Mix
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If you’re planning to own one of these precious pups in the future, make sure to equip yourselves with the right knowledge about feeding, grooming, and training a Doxie-Pit.
New owners and dog experts alike can benefit from this definitive guide on how to take care of a Dachshund Pitbull mix.
Food and Diet
Getting proper nutrition is important for dogs of any breed. A Dox-Bull should be given a protein-rich diet. It’s recommended to provide your pup with 1,200 calories of dog food daily.
Aside from high-protein foods, you should also incorporate fruits and vegetables into your dog’s diet. For more food options for your Doxie-Pit, you can look into the recommended diet for its Pitbull parent.
To prevent overeating, give your dog two to three well-proportioned meals each day. Since Doxie-Pits are prone to obesity, giving treats should be moderated.
Depending on your vet’s recommendation, you can also add supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to promote bone growth.
Make sure to also provide adequate water in their drinking bowl to keep them hydrated the whole day.
Cleaning and Grooming
The amount of shedding Pitbull Dachshund mix dogs will have depends on the type of coat they inherit.
Those with Dachshund coats usually end up shedding more than those with Pitbull coats. Regular brushing of their double coat at least two to three times a week helps get rid of loose hair and maintain the coat’s luster.
When it comes to bathing your pup, you should only do it once every two to three months.
Unless your Dox-Bull had too much fun outside in the mud, you shouldn’t really bathe it too frequently since it can cause skin irritation. Use products that are suitable for sensitive skin.
Regular ear cleaning should also be done to prevent infection and to check for unwanted ticks and mites. Also, keep the nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Brush their teeth a couple of times a week or give them dental chews.
Training and Exercise
One of the main struggles of owning a Pitbull Dachshund mix is dealing with their stubbornness. This makes training quite a challenge for owners.
While your Dox-Bull is still a puppy, you should start obedience, socialization, and potty training.
Instead of harsh methods, you should utilize positive reinforcement. Praises and treats go a long way in Dachshund Pitbull mix training.
Physical exercise is not just crucial in keeping your dog in shape, but it also helps in preventing destructive behavior.
If your Dachshund Pitbull mix is continuously bored, it might resort to chewing, digging, and destroying household items. Invest in good-quality toys and puzzles for increased mental stimulation.
Also, allocate at least 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity every day, such as walking and running at a dog park.
How Much Does a Pitbull Dachshund Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Compared to other Pitbull mixes, Pitbull Dachshund mixes have a fairly reasonable price. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost you anywhere between $800 and $1,000.
However, depending on the bloodline of the Pitbull and Dachshund parent, you may need to pay as much as $3,500.
The table below shows the initial cost of expenses that you need to include in your Pitbull Dachshund mix budget:
After settling the initial expenses, you should also work out your finances to accommodate ongoing costs and emergencies. If your Doxie-Bull gets sick, you need to have funds for treatment and potential medication.
You can also refer to the costs of owning a purebred Pitbull and Dachshund for more info on recurring expenses.
Places to Find Pitbull Dachshund Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Since the Pitbull Weiner dog is a relatively new breed, there are limited breeders that offer them.
Because of their rarity, many puppy mills and irresponsible breeders take advantage of this opportunity by selling unhealthy puppies.
If you want a healthy pup, you should look for reputable breeders that ensure quality breeding practices. This means that they conduct genetic testing and health screening of all of their current and upcoming litters.
Check out our ultimate puppy buying guide for some helpful tips to avoid scams when buying a puppy online.
Some of the most trusted Pitbull Dachshund mix breeders are included in this list:
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a pet advertising website that offers purebred and mixed breed dogs for sale. You can easily find a Pitbull Dachshund mix from their list of available puppies. They mostly advertise pups in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, New York, and other neighboring states.
Greenfield Puppies – This is another classified ads website where you can purchase a Doxie-Pit. Their interface allows you to filter an available dog based on location, price, and specific traits. All registered dog breeders are expected to follow ethical breeding practices to guarantee the health of their puppies.
Keystone Puppies – Another online puppy advertising source is Keystone Puppies. To ensure the safety of potential Pitbull Dachshund mix owners, they only allow direct transactions with the breeder. All of their advertised puppies are guaranteed free from diseases and socialized early on.
Aside from these places, you can also try reaching out to our list of Pitbull breeders and Dachshund breeders.
More often than not, your next Doxie-Bull might be in a local shelter or rescue organization.
Below are some rescues where you may find Doxie-Pit mixes for adoption:
Biggies Bullies – Founded in 2011, Biggies Bullies is a foster-based rescue dedicated to rehoming all Pitbull breeds and mixes. They also aim to educate people about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.
Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MDR) – This rescue group has been helping communities, families, humane societies, and shelters in finding permanent homes for surrendered and abandoned Dachshunds and mixes. They work together with veterinary clinics to medically treat their rescued dogs’ injuries and diseases.
Dream Dachshund Rescue of Georgia – This is another rescue based in Georgia that secures the welfare of neglected Dachshunds through rehabilitation and rehoming efforts. They carefully analyze applications to match their rescued dogs with the most suitable owners.
For more options, you can check our top Pitbull rescue picks and best Dachshund rescue groups. We have listed only the best breeders in the United States, so you’re sure to find a Doxie-Pit with a quality temperament.
To ensure the success of your application, read our ultimate adoption guide. But if you’re keen to get a Dachshund Pitbull mix for free, follow our tips on how to get free puppies in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Dachshund Mix
Like with any other breed, owning a Pitbull Dachshund mix has its perks and drawbacks.
To help you decide if this dog is right for you, I put together some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Doxie-Pit.
First, let’s discuss the advantages of having a Pitbull Dachshund mix:
Unique looks: A Pitbull and a Dachshund, when mixed together, create a unique-looking pup with the same sausage silhouette but the facial features of a Pitbull. They can also be long-haired or short-haired varieties.
Compact size: The Dox-Bull is a small to medium-sized dog. Because of its size, this dog is very practical for small houses. You also don’t need to buy a big bed and huge crate for these cute-sized pooches.
Low maintenance: As moderate shedders, they don’t require so much in the grooming department. Regular brushing and occasional trips to the grooming salon are enough to keep their coats maintained.
Now, let’s look into some disadvantages of owning a Pitbull Dachshund mix:
Prone to several health issues: Pitbull Dachshund mixes can inherit the diseases common to their parent breeds. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, IVDD, and PRA can be passed on to these dogs. However, this can easily be prevented by purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Difficult to train: Because of its natural stubbornness, a Doxie-Pit can be hard to train. This dog requires a firm and patient trainer who is experienced in handling such behavior.
Limited sources: Since the Dox-Bull had only been discovered in 2015, only a limited number of breeders are producing them. You can choose from our selected breeders and rescue organizations stated in the previous section.
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility that starts with knowing what breed suits your current situation, lifestyle, and environment.
It’s only necessary to know the pros and cons of having a Pitbull Dachshund mix to avoid the possibility of you surrendering your pet later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Pitbull Dachshund Mixes Aggressive?
If not given proper training as a puppy, a Pitbull Dachshund mix is prone to developing aggressive and destructive tendencies. These often manifest in the form of digging, barking, and violence toward other pets.
They may also pose a threat to small children with unpredictable behavior. Because of this, Pitbull Dachshund mixes are not recommended for families with young kids and other animals.
Are Pitbull Dachshund Mixes High Maintenance?
No, Pitbull Dachshund mixes are not considered high-maintenance dogs. They shed moderately throughout the year and require baths once every two to three months.
The only thing to consider is the bath products you’re going to use for their sensitive skin.
Do Pitbull Dachshund Mixes Shed a Lot?
No, Pitbull Dachshund mixes don’t shed a lot. As mentioned, they are moderate shedders that blow their coats every spring and fall.
To help lessen the amount of fur in the house, owners should set a regular brushing routine. This will also prevent tangling and matting of the hair for long-haired Doxie-Pits.
Do Dachshunds Get Along With Pitbulls?
With proper socialization, Dachshunds can get along with Pitbulls and other dogs. In general, Dachshunds are branded as feisty pups. Owners must be patient enough to gradually introduce their Dachshund to a Pitbull.
Final Thoughts: Is a Pitbull Dachshund Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Pitbull Dachshund mix is the newest show-stopper on the dog breed runway. Their adorable appearance, coupled with their loving nature, is enough to convince anyone to take it home.
However, there are a few things you should consider before getting one as a pet. This hybrid dog is not suitable for households with other pets and families with small children.
The Doxie-Bull is more fitting for those individuals or couples with moderately active lifestyles.
An experienced dog owner is also the perfect match for the Dachshund Pitbull since this mixed breed requires an authoritative figure. Once trained, this pup makes the best companion and family dog.
Are you ready to welcome a Doxie-Pit into your home? Share your thoughts about the Dachshund Pitbull mix in the comment section below!
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