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In my job, I had the privilege of engaging with pets, especially knowing that I help them with their specific needs. Tending for pets does not tire me, because I know that the service I bring not only meets their care but happiness for their owners. I had the opportunity last year to treat and care for hundreds of dogs. Like humans, dogs need shelter and affection. I believe that all of them deserve to belong to a family that will love them unconditionally.
There are many mixed breed dogs, but which one is best for you? In this article, I will introduce to you an unpopular mixed breed dog that has recently gained public interest. Pitbull Dachshund, or commonly known as Dox-Bull, Doxie-Bull, or Doxie-Pit is a Dachshund crossed with a Pitbull. Dachshunds trace their origin from Germany, where they were specifically bred for badger hunting. With time, more homeowners adopted them as pets, rather than serve a specific role, and you can read more about them in our Dachshund breed guide.
Meanwhile, Pitbulls descended from the Old English Bulldogs. Formerly, the Pitbull was used for blood sports as a type of bull baiting. However, when they arrived in the US, they became known as farm dogs. They engaged in various activities, including hunting and guarding.
The result of a Pitbull Dachshund mix is a medium-sized dog with a muscular appearance. Since there is a significant difference in the look and personality of its two parents, the Dox-Bull carries unique characteristics that people may find interesting.
If you’re interested in more Pitbull mixes, take a look at our fine selection of guides:
Pitbull Rottweiler Mix | Chihuahua Pitbull | Pitbull Lab Mix |
Poodle Pitbull | Pitbull Bulldog Mix | Pitbull Golden Retriever |
Pitbull Great Dane Mix | Boxer Pitbull | Australian Shepherd Pitbull |
Corgi Pitbull Mix | German Shepherd Pitbull | Beagle Pitbull Mix |
Pitbull Mastiff Mix | Husky Pitbull Mix |
Weight | 20 to 30 lbs |
Height | 8 to 13 inches |
Size | Medium-sized |
Coat Type | Short coat length, average coat density, and straight coat texture |
Coat Color | May be fawn, brown, or brindle |
Amount of Shedding | Moderate |
Eyes | Eye patches above the eye; Brown or dark-colored |
Nose | Black or brown |
Ears | Small |
Temperament | Active, loving, loyal |
Life Expectancy | 8 to 12 years |
Date of Origin | The 2000s |
Kid-Friendly | Yes |
New Owner Friendly | No |
Breed Recognition | No |
Given their background as hunting dogs, the Dox-Bull is very active, can jump high, and is prone to digging. Some may think that the Pitbull side of the mix will lead the dog towards aggressive behavior, but it is often the Dachshund’s stubbornness that may be a challenge when training them. A common myth is that the dog can have violent proclivities, but this is not always the case. On the contrary, they are only protective when they see imminent danger.
The Dachshund Pitbull is a social dog and loves to hang out with people. If they are acquainted at an early age to be with fellow pets and other people, they will quickly get along with them as adults. They can be very playful and sweet towards their owners and people. Spending time with them will make them exceptionally happy. They are also good playmates to older children given their friendly nature. However, I do not advise to leave them with little children without supervisory because they tend to be overexcited and hyper.
Furthermore, Doxie-Bull loves the outdoors. When taking them to parks or the yard, they prefer not to be constrained by a leash as they enjoy moving around freely. Note that you release their leash only in closed areas so that they don’t stray.
Taking care of your pet’s grooming needs is relatively simple. The length of your pet’s coat is short and the density medium, and hence, you will require minimal effort. The Doxie-Bull occasionally sheds, so I advise that you brush the skin at least once a week or every couple of days. This will ensure that any loose hair is removed and the coat’s natural shine will gleam. You may also groom your dog daily if it wants. A clean slicker brush or comb is preferable because their skin can be sensitive. Check out our best dog grooming tips and more grooming facts for more information.
Aside from this, your Pitbull Dachshund mix will need weekly bathing. Make sure to use all-natural dog shampoo. You Doxie-Bull will also need dental hygiene, to prevent from building tar, tooth decay, or bacterial infection. As such, it is advisable to brush your dog’s teeth once or twice a week. Additionally, your dog’s ears should be regularly cleaned from any dirt or wax using an approved solution. Make sure to clean them gently. For her nails, you will need to clip them as needed, usually once a month.
The hybrid of a Dachshund and Pitbull is not common, and therefore, in looking at the potential health risks for this pet, it is better to trace the weaknesses of the parents.
Pitbulls, like most dog types, are prone to hip dysplasia. This is a hereditary skeletal condition where the ball and socket of the dog’s hip joint do not align properly. With hip dysplasia, Pitbulls find it hard to perform strenuous activities like jumping or running because it causes deep pain. The problem may be addressed through surgery or by managing the dog’s weight. Another health problem common to Pitbulls is being prone to cataracts.
Meanwhile, among other dogs, the Dachshund is most prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease, because of their elongated back. It can be triggered when they engage in strenuous activities involving the spine. Dachshunds are also susceptible to Acanthosis Nigricans, that manifest dark, discolored, and thin skin in their armpits and groin. The cause of the disease remains unknown. A cataract is also a common eye problem for Dachshunds. Under the grave circumstance, it can lead to blindness. We wrote about Dachshund health issues before, so give it a read for more useful info.
Given these mixed backgrounds, it is no wonder that the Pitbull Dachshund potentially inherits the same weakness of its parents. Below are the common health problems of the Pitbull Dachshund:
Dachshunds may also experience other health issues such as:
These dogs are prone to mental health problems such as separation anxiety, but also other more common health-related issues, so you should learn what to do if your dog has dry skin, and find out how to keep your dog’s joints healthy.
For more info, read our guide on the Dachshund lifespan and Dachshund care so your pup can be happy and healthy for a long time.
Earlier, we discussed the potential health problems of the Doxie-Bull. Next, we explore some of the ways to keep your pet healthy. Food plays a crucial factor in keeping your dog healthy. Some people can overfeed their dogs, leading to obesity and other health issues. Therefore, a balanced nutritional diet for your Doxie-Bull is vital.
It is recommended to feed the Pitbull Dachshund with two to three cups of dry dog food daily. The amount should be distributed throughout the day. Dogs tend to consume their food without adequately chewing them, and hence, smaller food portions will allow their bodies to digest the food without bloating. The cost is estimated to be between USD 1.2 and USD 1.4 for each day, and between USD 34 to USD35 per month. The dry food is preferred over the moist ones since it contains less fat and calories.
Sometimes, the Doxie-Bull can look so adorable and may ask for more food from you. Do not give your pet macadamia nuts when they ask for it because a tiny intake can be poisonous for them. Likewise, do not provide them with nutmeg, since they contain chemicals that can trigger seizures for the dog. Unknown to most, a considerable portion of onion intake to the dachshund can damage their immune system. The same can happen with your doxie-pit.
The energetic nature of the Pitbull Dachshund will require a high-protein diet. Select the best dry dog food that is rich in meat content rather than merely a by-product, which is the main ingredient of the worst dry dog food. Make sure that the bowl and other utensils used for feeding is clean to prevent your pet from contaminating any bacteria. Should you wish to further enhance your learning on your dog’s diet, consult your nearest veterinarian for more information and details.
There are many high-quality dog food to choose from when making your purchase, and here are some of them:
The Pitbull parent of your mixed stunner is much larger than their Dachshund ancestor. That means that you can offer your doggo both the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food, and see which turns out to be their favorite! In case you just adopted a puppy, go for the best puppy food brands, and if your fellow is an elderly one, your choice should be on one of the best senior dry dog food brands. Check with your vet before you make any radical changes to your dog’s diet, though — sudden shifts may be to hard on their tummy!
The Dachshund Pitbull obtains its high energy from its parent pitbull. As such, you will need to regularly exercise this dog to channel its energy and keep it fit. A Doxie-Bull thrives best in large open spaces, where it can freely roam around. Bring them for a walk to an enclosed park or yard, and they will be happy. You will find that they hardly bark, so you can be at peace not worrying about how your neighbors will react to the sounds.
While it is possible to live in an apartment or condominium and have this animal, it is not advised to leave them there for too long, or they can behave destructively. For exercise, they will need to be walked on an average of 11 miles per week. They will have to be active for at least 2 hours each day.
Exercise is also crucial in developing your relationship with the dog, who will often love to play with you. Make sure to establish that you are the pack leader and not the Doxie-Pit, who tends to be stubborn. Aside from physical activities, your dog will require mental stimulation, so the following list of toys and puzzles could be a start:
Here we include some of the tips that can help you train your dog correctly:
Check out our guides on Dachshund training tips and potty training. Here are our best ways to train a puppy and five common mistakes to avoid when training your dog.
The Dachshund Pitbull is ideal for families that have previous experience living with pets. Seasoned owners can bring in their training knowledge to harness the Doxie-Bull’s full potential. They are also likely to have a broader understanding of how to deal with the dog’s temperament.
The dog can be endearing, and the most qualified owners will give them the quality time and attention that they require. They are fit for families with more seasoned youngsters, who can play and handle them when it becomes increasingly lively.
Additionally, the Dachshund Pitbull is perfect for families or individuals who enjoy the outdoors. They can be a great buddy to travel and play with since they are loyal and easy to maintain.
Finally, you will need to budget in the costs of having this pet. This includes food, shelter, toys, grooming, dog accessories and medical checkups.
We love these little German Wursts, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Dachshund mixes!
Dachshund Pug mix | Dachshund Lab mix | Dachshund Beagle mix |
Dachshund Golden Retriever mix | Dachshund Pitbull mix | Dachshund Corgi mix |
Chihuahua Dachshund mix | Jack Russell Dachshund mix | Dachshund Poodle mix |
Dachshund Yorkie mix | German Shepherd Dachshund mix | Dachshund Terrier mix |
Pomeranian Dachshund mix | Cocker Spaniel Dachshund mix | Shih Tzu Dachshund mix |
Min Pin Dachshund mix | Basset Hound Dachshund mix | Dachshund Husky mix |
Maltese Dachshund mix | Dachshund Dalmatian mix | Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix |
Border Collie Dachshund mix | Rottweiler Dachshund mix | Doberman Dachshund mix |
Papillon Dachshund mix | Rat Terrier Dachshund mix | Italian Greyhound Dachshund mix |
Bulldog Dachshund mix | Blue Heeler Dachshund mix | Boxer Dachshund mix |
Great Dane Dachshund mix | French Bulldog Dachshund mix | Weimaraner Dachshund mix |
Dachshund Boston Terrier mix | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dachshund mix | Cairn Terrier Dachshund mix |
Shiba Inu Dachshund mix | Dachshund Bichon mix |