Doxle Care

The Doxle--a hybrid of a Dachshund and a Beagle--is a sweet-tempered, small- to medium-sized crossbreed that makes a friendly and playful little companion dog. Overall Doxle care and maintenance won't take too much work--but will need to include lots of TLC!

Below you'll find details on caring for a Doxle including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding/drooling tendencies. For answers to your questions about raising a Doxle, read on!

Overall, Doxle exercise requirements aren't too extensive. Though they're the offspring of two hunting breeds, these hybrids are small, so they don't need a ton of daily activity. Even so, Doxles will benefit from exercises that condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports).

The typical adult Doxle, depending on its age and overall activity level, will be fine with about 30 minutes of proper exercise each day. You can start exercising your Doxle puppy when it's 2½-3 months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with Doxle exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're eight months old
• A leash is required when exercising in public
• Yards should be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off
• Possible separation anxiety; exercises should be done together with people
• May get cold easily; don't exercise in freezing temps

It's important to give your Doxle at least a little exercise every day. Though sweet-tempered, without consistent activity these hybrids can become frustrated and disobedient. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking: Two 10-minute walks per day is a good target
• Fetch: Can be played indoors or out; use the dog's favorite toy
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Canine Sports: If properly trained, Doxles can excel at obedience or agility trials and other events
• Laser Pointer: These dogs will go nuts chasing that "little red dot"

When indoors, give your Doxle access to balls or toys that allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

These hybrids don't need a ton of maintenance. Dachshund-Beagle mix shedding is moderate year-round--but drooling isn't an issue.

Doxles usually have short, smooth coats that shed a fair amount all year long. (A few Doxles have long-haired Dachshunds as their parents, so their coats might be longer--but the shedding still shouldn't be profuse.) Owners can brush their Doxles twice a week or so to remove dead hairs, and cleanup--vacuuming the floors, and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be needed from time to time.

A Doxle almost never drools, though. If your Doxle is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is necessary.