Doxiepoo Dog Breed

The Doxiepoo is a relatively recent breed that is one of the more popular hybrids of the "designer dog" craze. She's meant to be an entertaining little companion and the only work she cares about is making you laugh and smile. This breed is a good choice for the average owner. Their tendency to bark may make them unsuitable for apartments or condos unless they are trained very early. Ideally, they will have a fenced yard but this is not necessary if the owner can give them the appropriate daily exercise. They tend to do best in households without other pets but should be fine if socialized as a puppy.

Pros

• Size appropriate for apartments and condos
• Exercising them is fairly easy
• Make good watch dogs
• Affectionate and bonds deeply with owner
• If socialized early they can make loving family pets

Cons

• Training may take time and patience
• Tendency to bark often and dig
• Weary or strangers and territorial towards other dogs
• Tendency to chase cats and other small animals
• Not hypoallergenic and shed lightly but often

Doodles, as hybrid dogs, will inherit characteristics from both parents but not always equally. We recommend prospective owners read up on the traits of both Dachshunds and Poodles before adopting one of these guys. The following information for this breed can be supplemented by visiting our parent breed pages.

These dogs are moderately intelligent and trainable, however, the extent of this trait is not easily predicted. Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable while Dachshunds are stubborn and easily distracted. They are also curious, and this may get them into big trouble if they go off to chasing the cat or are caught digging holes under the fence.

There's something about Doodles that makes them entertaining little dogs to watch. They big dogs in a small package and are loyal, protective and sometimes even territorial; this makes them good watch dogs. Their curiosity may sometimes get the best of them, and they are certainly not too shy to bark.

With his short legs, most likely, a Doxiepoo will not be able to keep up with your runs, hikes, and bike rides. He will still be an active, energetic dog that will need at least 30 minutes outdoor activity. This can be met with walks, playtime in a fenced yard, playing games and trips to the dog park. The dog park should be started early during the socialization phase because Doodles are known to be a bit aggressive.

The features of a Doodle will vary from one puppy to the next but, even if from the same litter, because hybrids have greater variation than their purebred parents. These dogs are typically small but can reach medium size depending upon the type of Poodle involved (Toy, Mini, Standard). The body may be more elongated but this is not always the case. They may inherit the short, harsh coat of the Dachshund, a somewhat curly coat like the Poodle, or something in between; most Doxiepoos display a shorter coat with some degree of waviness. These dogs will usually have a round head and short muzzle like the poodle, along with hanging ears. The eye color is usually some shade of brown that can sometimes be light enough to cause their round eyes to portray an unusually piercing look.

There are several types of Doodle dogs that vary based upon the size and coat. There are Toy, Miniature and Standard sized Poodles along with Standard and Miniature Dachshunds; this results in quite a range of sizes for your Doxiepoo, however, at the very largest they are still on the small-medium side.

Doodle hair is also a toss up. They typically have wavy hair in between the tight curls of the Poodle and the straight appearance of the Dachshund, however, it can take a turn in either direction. Breeders specialize in knowing the difference the generation can make in coat texture (F1, F1B, F2, etc.). F1 Doodles are the offspring of the purebred Poodle and purebred Dachshund while F2 is the result of crossing two F1 Doodles. A "B" after the generation number is referred to as "back-crossing" and denotes a Doodle that has been bred with a purebred Dachshund or Poodle.

The temperament of this breed is best described companionable, loyal, affectionate, and energetic. Doxiepoos are curious little dogs that can be weary of stranger and territorial around other dogs. They also have a tendency to want to chase cats and other small animals, so you should socialize and train them as early as possible. This insatiable curiosity can also turn into frequent digging and barking if they become bored or lonely. Members of this breed, in general, are quite vocal so they may bark sometimes; this may become a problem if you live in an apartment and are not home frequently.

The family or owner is a different story, however, and they will bond very closely with them; the Doxie can be loyal and protective so he makes a good watch dog. They do well with children that have been taught how to appropriately handle a pet.

Training a Doxiepoo will vary in regards to difficulty depending upon whether he/she inherits more Poodle or Dachshund traits. Poodles are very intelligent and easily trained while Dachshunds are typically regarded as stubborn and hard to keep focused. Regardless, training will be attainable, even by a first time owner, and obedience classes are always an option for owners that are low on time or patience.

Poodle and Dachsund mixes result in puppies that should be healthier than the parent breeds, especially first generation crosses. Choosing a reputable breeder, combined with routine trips to your veterinarian, can help prevent some issues. It is recommended you read up on all possible health issues of both parent breeds before adopting one of these dogs. Typically, this breed will live 12-13 years with few problems.

Although there are few documented health problems with the Doxiepoo itself, a few of the most common which can be passed down from its purebred predecessors include:

• Back issues if the elongated Dachsund body type is inherited
• Eye disease
• Epilepsy
• Deafness
• Addison's Disease (serious immune system disease)
• Joint Problems such as Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation