Dachsador Dog Breed

A Dachshund-Lab mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; the Dachshund-Labrador mix is an unlikely one, and won't typically occur through conventional mating. The Lab and Dachshund mix gained popularity starting in the late 20th century as a result of selective breeding techniques undertaken by professional breeders. Whatever the case, these friendly, playful, intelligent hybrids have become a huge hit among families seeking a loyal, fun-loving pet.

A few Dachsador facts: their size can vary a lot (from small to medium), but they average 17 inches at the shoulders in height and 40 pounds in weight; their coat length and texture can vary too, but is most often short-haired and smooth; and they're very energetic and will need a good bit of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Dachsador:

Some Dachshund-Lab mix info: these hybrids are the offspring of two breeds that are quite difference in appearance (mainly in size). Personality-wise, the Doxie and Lab are pretty similar: they're both friendly and intelligent, which means a Doxie-Lab mix will surely share those qualities--but their size can be a crapshoot!

Even so, the happy, loyal Dachsador is a highly sought-after family pet. That, combined with their complicated breeding needs, makes Dachsadors expensive to purchase. Because the parent breeds aren't likely to mate naturally, breeders have to use artificial insemination techniques; also, for obvious reasons the mother will need to be a Lab, since it's the bigger breed. Dachsador owners usually pay quite a bit for these puppies--but they're repaid with an incredible pet! This people-oriented hybrid will definitely need to live inside with its family; at the same time, the dog will benefit from early training and socialization to learn to be calm.

It's likely your Dachsador will have plenty of energy, and will need outdoor exercise--walks or jogs, fetch, and general playtime--on a daily basis.

The Dachsador mixed breed has some variation, mostly in size. Professional breeders use symbols like P, F1, F2 and so on to signify a crossbred dog's genetic makeup. For the Doxie-Lab mix, the following applies:

• P: Purebred; 100% Dachshund or Lab
• F1: P x P; 50% Dachshund, 50% Lab
• F1b: P x F1; 75% of purebred parent's DNA
• F2: F1 x F1; 50% Doxie, 50% Lab

(The sequence continues to F5 or higher.)

Breeders like to use the F1b cross to emphasize one parent breed's features. An F1b cross with the Doxie as the purebred parent, for example, will be smaller than average; the breeders then advertise "Mini Dachsadors" or "Mini Dachshund-Lab mix" dogs for sale.

The Dachsador coat can have some variation as well. If a long-haired Dachshund is used in the breeding, especially as the purebred parent in an F1b cross, the Dachsador coat will be longer than what's typical for this hybrid.

Friendly, energetic, intelligent, loyal, and at times stubborn, the Labrador-Dachshund mix personality is one of activity and love. These hybrids will be extremely affectionate toward family members; they make great playmates for kids, and they'll get along pretty well with other pets too (though their high prey drives mean they might instinctively chase small animals like birds, cats, or rodents). It's best, owners say, if your Dachsador grows up alongside any children or household pets so they grow accustomed to one another's company.

In regards to training: a Dachsador is very intelligent--but training the dog can be a mixed bag. If the Dachsador is more Lab-like in temperament, training will be a snap. If the dog inherits the Doxie's potential for stubbornness, meanwhile, it'll need a few repetitions when learning commands, tasks, or tricks. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And the Doxador's watchdog skills are fairly good--especially if its temperament is more like that of the Dachshund. Regardless, these hybrids will be alert and loyal, and are likely to bark at and investigate any unknown sights or sounds. They may or may not have the boldness (or physical size) to neutralize potential threats like intruders.

The Dachsador, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and/or elbow dysplasia, along with various eye problems (cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy). Dachsador mixes with longer spines like the Doxie can also suffer back issues like Intervertebral Disk Disease. These hybrids are also prone to gastric torsion (bloat) if they're allowed to "wolf" their food too quickly. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Dachsador is 12-14 years.