Dachshund Papillon Mix: The Fluffy Papshund

Papillon Dachshund Mix: Facts and Tips

We generally think of them as lap dogs, but Dachshund Papillon crossbreed is much more than it meets the eye. Highly energetic, active, gentle, and friendly, Papshunds are not common, but they are beautiful and fun.

As you can guess, this mixed breed is a hybrid between the Papillon and Dachshund, two pure breeds that proved that they go well together. Complementing each other in traits, both breeds are small in size, so the Papshund will not be too large either.

Papillon and Dachshund mix will naturally require a lot of attention and love from the family, and in return, they will be devoted friends and cheerful companions.

Dachshund Papillon Mix Personality, Appearance, and Traits

Papshunds are cute, tiny, deep-chested dogs with a typically tapered muzzle. Their length usually exceeds the height. The most recognizable trait is the ears—large and characteristically upright, they resemble the butterfly wings. This feature is the direct inheritance from their Papillon lineage, as “Papillon” means “butterfly” in French.

This irresistible pooch’s legs are short, giving them a sturdy appearance. Their whole body is similar to that of a Dachshund in shape and size though it does look a little leaner. The coat is more Papillon-like, with the tail curling over the back and adorable though a bit extensive plumage.

Papsunds’s eyes are gentle, round, and brown, while the nose is black. With a dense and long coat, the Papillon Dachshund mix combines the traits of both parents. They take after Dachshunds in terms of the shape, while the Papillon parent seems to be more influential when it comes to the fur.

Since many pet owners consider their furry friends as members of the family, the life expectancy of a dog is always important. Papshunds can live up to 13 or even 16 years if given proper care. The type of food, activities, and affection the dogs get are all vital factors. Please be aware that the care and love you give to your pets determines not just how long but also how happy their lives are going to be.

Papshund Ancestry

The best way to understand a Papshund is to get to know the two breeds that participate in creating this lovely mix. Dachshunds and Papillons fit perfectly together in terms of size and make super cute Papillon Dachshund puppies.

When it comes to character, these two breeds are not similar. While Dachshunds tend to have a strong will, Papillons are laid back and want to cuddle most of the time. This is good news for Papshund fans because the mixed breed is easier to train and more obedient than the Sausage Dog.

Both Dachshunds and Papillons are hunters and watchdogs, so the personality clash is not too big. Their mix is a hybrid, often referred to as a designer dog, that tends to pick up the best traits from each parent.

Dachshunds originate from Germany and can be traced as far as the 15th century. An interesting fact is that they are both above and below the ground hunters, which makes them unique. Also, Dachshunds were a great inspiration for many artists, including Picasso! If you are interested in similar stories, check out our Dachshund facts article.

Papillons are not only hunters but watchdogs as well. Their origins are in Spain, but they came to prominence once the French Court accepted them in the 16th century. Their butterfly-shaped ears gained favor with many aristocrats of the time who used them mostly as companion dogs and pampered them. There is an interesting variant of Papillon which is called Phalene. They have dropped ears and owe their name to sleeping moths.

While Dachshunds came to the States in 1885, Papillons crossed the Atlantic in 1915. Both won the hearts of Americans and remained popular ever since. Their crossbreed is recognized by five different breed associations. The elongated body of a Dachshund with peculiar Papillon ears seems to be getting increasingly popular among the designer dog fans. Although they do not fall into the category of the top 10 world’s most expensive dog breeds to own, they are not cheap either.

How to Groom a Dachshund Papillon Mix?

Papshunds are not difficult to maintain, so anyone looking for an easy-to-groom pet can add that to their pros list. Still, it is essential to provide these lovely dogs with proper care. They should get a good brushing every week, and for a long-haired Dachshund Papillon mix, you should always use a pin brush.

When it comes to nails, clipping is crucial. As with other dog breeds, you should do it cautiously not to hurt the nerves. If in doubt whether you can do it properly, take your baby to the grooming salon. The ears deserve special attention since you should remove any dirt and debris as often as possible. Good pet wipes or a solution recommended by your vet will do the trick.

One of the best traits of Papshunds is that they don’t have the infamous doggy odor, so using the pet wipes daily will keep them clean. You can also use a washcloth and a bottle-spray to remove extra dirt. Make sure to use the best all-natural dog shampoos.

Keeping a dog’s teeth clean goes without saying. Brushing and regular checks with the vet should be standard practice.

Papshund’s Potential Health Concerns

The pet health crisis is every dog owner’s nightmare. That is why everybody should get familiar with any potential dangers that can pose a threat to their beloved puppy. You will not be able to protect your pet 100%, but recognizing possible symptoms and getting to know what to watch for will reduce the stress for both the owner and their dog.

Papshunds are not too prone to illnesses and can be put in the category of less sensitive mix breeds. Still, there are areas of concern, and you can minimize the risks by paying attention to them.

There are several health issues that this mix can inherit from their Dachshund parent, so be careful of skin problems and seizures. In case you notice that your pooch suffers from dry skin, consult with your vet about nutrition. Seizures are also great health concerns that can affect your pooch’s lifespan, but with proper care, you can reduce the risks of it.

As you can see, Papshunds do not require high maintenance. We would recommend regular vet visits to be on the safe side. It is important to gather proper information about the Papillon Dachshund mix, so you can protect your dog from unnecessary risks.

Dachshund Papillon Mix Eating Habits and Food Requirements

Most veterinarians recommend only one meal per day for almost all dog breeds. The same goes for Papshunds. If you notice that your furry friend is bloating, break the portion into two meals, it should reduce any stomach issues. You can also find excellent products by reading about the best dry dog food for small dogs. There are a couple of options that you cannot go wrong with, and most importantly, most dogs will love one of these:

1. Wellness Core Grain Free
2. Newman’s Own Organics Advanced Formula Dried Dog Food
3. Blue Buffalo

Since Papshunds are a bit prone to gaining weight, you should make sure that they don’t overindulge. Obesity can cause serious health problems, so make sure you keep the rations within limits. In the case of Papillon Dachshund mix, you should stick to one standard cup per day. Treats should also be rationed, so save them for special occasions.

A lot of products on the market may be harmful to your furry friend. Stay clear of the worst dog treat brands. Just because your dog loves a certain brand, it does not mean that it is a healthy option.

For owners in doubt about what food to give to their pets, you can check some useful lists for best canned dog food and worst dry dog food.

It is vital to find food with the best nutritional value, especially for more sensitive breeds. A balanced diet is crucial for all dogs, but more demanding breeds will need additional care, so stick to the best dry dog food brands.

Papshund’s Activity and Exercise

Photo: jack_papshund

No matter how small they appear, Papshunds are active and energetic individuals. Although their character is a bit milder than Dachshunds because of the Papillon influence, they will need a lot of activity and exercise. If you happen to have a backyard, they can enjoy activities throughout the day and will not require too much walking.

If you live in a flat, you should take them out a couple of times a day. Make sure that at least one walk is longer and that they can spend some time off the leash. Since Papshunds are short-legged, jumping or standing on hind legs is not advisory because they can hurt themselves.

As the Papshunds grow older, you should pay special attention to their health. It may be a good idea to adjust the food to their age as well. You can consult this best senior dry dog food list to make the right choice.

With a hunting background from both parents, don’t be surprised if one of their favorite activities is digging. They should be allowed to dig something up once in a while, just ensure that they don’t eat or swallow something inappropriate.

How to Train Your Dachshund Papillon Mix?

Credit: thestephiewagner

Their Dachshund heritage may make them stubborn and prey-driven, which is why the training process can be challenging, especially when it comes to potty training. But the mellow treats of Papillon will make the training process easier. Socialization is the most important aspect of any training, as it will reduce the risks of separation anxiety. You should pay close attention to the following:

• Make sure your pup plays and mixes with other dogs because that will make him happy, calm, and less prone to fear.
• Let them meet and interact with people because Papshunds must learn not to bark every time a stranger comes by.
• Change your walking routine from time to time, so your pet friend can explore different places and surroundings.

Papillons are eager to please, and that makes them easier to handle. Dachshunds tend to be somewhat aggressive, but with the right approach, you will raise a happy and peaceful dog. It is crucial not to use force or punish your baby too hard because it is counterproductive and inhumane. Instead, use the following:

• Reward system—it’s an excellent way to train any dog. Give them treats or gifts when they do something right, and they will be keen to follow the action. All dogs have a sweet tooth.
• Reprimanding tone of voice—it should suffice when your baby does something wrong. Papshunds are people pleasers and will react immediately.
• One of the best dog training collars—they can do wonders.
• Pets and hugs—always show your baby how much you appreciate their obedience and they will be happy to comply most of the time.

Take a look at our guidelines for the best ways to train your puppy and make sure to avoid 5 most common mistakes in dog training.

Letting a Papshund Into Your Family

One thing you don’t have to worry about when getting a Papshund is the space since they are quite small. These miniature sweeties adapt well to family life. They are affectionate, cuddly, and mostly quiet.

They will, however, require attention, and they thrive when incorporated in family daily routine. Papshunds love kids, and your children will have an enjoyable playmate. With proper training, they should be comfortable with house guests and even other dogs when they come for a visit.

Taking your pup with you when you have a family picnic or a field trip is always a good idea. It will allow your Papshund to:

• Enjoy nature
• Play with other dogs
• Stay in excellent shape

You should pay attention to them when outside because their hunting ancestry may take them on unpredictable adventures.

Dachshund Papillon mix is a breed suitable for both city and country life. They are loyal and will follow their family wherever so even changing the housing arrangements should not be a problem as long as you are together.

Three Reasons to Get a Papillon Dachshund Mix

If you are not sure whether this is a right dog for you consider the below:

1. Papillon Dachshunds are easily trained and obedient.
2. They are not hypersensitive or too demanding to keep.
3. Papshunds are adaptable and calm.

We recommend that you choose to adopt a dog instead of buying one. With shelters full, we should all try to contribute to helping our beautiful friends find loving homes. Who knows, there is probably a Dachshund Papillon somewhere waiting for you. If you opt for adoption, here are some dog care tips for new owners.

Three Reasons Not to Get a Papshund

Although they are not challenging to train or maintain, responsible future owners should think about these three things before getting a Papillon Dachshund:

1. They can be loud if they lean more towards their Dachshund parent.
2. Lack of exercise can make them anxious or obese.
3. Papshunds may require additional care as they get older since their sturdy shape may cause back problems. which they usually inherit from their Dachshund parent.

With proper care, most of the above issues should not appear, but it is crucial not to rush into anything. Dogs become members of the family, and it would be irresponsible to let them into your life and then get rid of them if the situation proves to be too challenging.

Credit: kolethepapshund

Other Dachshund Mix Breeds to Check Out

If you love Papillons, check out our list of Papillon mix breeds. For Dachshund fans who are not too sure about Papillons, there are plenty of options to choose from. It is incredible how beautifully Dachshunds mix with other breeds, and while some of the combinations may appear odd, they are all adorable. Also, you may want to go through the Dachshund breed guide to get to know everything about badger dogs. In the table below, take a look at these cute Dachshund mixes we have prepared for you.

Conclusion

Papshunds will make loving companions to any family because of their character and appearance. They can be the right choice for people living in smaller spaces as well. We advise once more to avoid buying and focus on adopting. For additional information, you can have a look at the best dog breeds to adopt.

REFERENCES

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papillon_(dog)
3. Claire, Roxanne St. Dachshund through the Snow. South Street Publishing, 2019.
4. Wood, Deborah. A New Owners Guide to Papillons. T.F.H. Publications, 2003.
5. Brown, Nathan P., et al. “Development of a Canine Rigid Body Musculoskeletal Computer Model to Evaluate Gait.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, vol. 8, Nov. 2020, doi:10.3389/fbioe.2020.00150.
6. Best, Mp, et al. “Confirmed Case of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in a Maltese Terrier × Papillon Dog Being Treated with Toceranib Phosphate.” Australian Veterinary Journal, vol. 97, no. 5, 2019, pp. 162–165., doi:10.1111/avj.12805.