Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with a spunky, outgoing personality. They tend to do well with children, but they are also naturally wary of strangers. They are prone to barking and will alert you to people or animals on the property. They also tend to be friendly towards other dogs, but will need some extra socialization with smaller pets in the household because of their high prey drive.

Because the other parent breed will contribute traits that could potentially affect temperament, you do want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog to see what sort of temperament she has been modeling for her puppies. However, once you get a puppy home, it’s up to you to continue training and socializing them into a well-rounded dog.

Dachshunds are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they do well in both apartments and larger homes, they are sensitive to heat, do not handle cold well, and don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Having the right winter dog products on hand can help them handle cold weather a bit better, but you still want to keep a close eye on them. The other parent breed could add in some traits that could result in a more or less adaptable Dachshund Mix. By asking the breeder about them, you can get a better idea of what range of adaptability to expect.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be sometimes, but it’s not a guarantee. In reality, a mix can inherit health conditions common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds.

On the Dachshund side, potential health concerns to be aware of include back issues and disc damage. Unfortunately, this is just a natural side effect because they are longer than they are tall. Their floppy ears are also more prone to ear infections. And, as a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing gum disease.

Reputable breeders will test and screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents as well as health conditions that may be common in the other parent breed.

Although Dachshunds are highly intelligent and eager to please, they are also independent and stubborn at times. This can be difficult for first-time dog owners to navigate on their own, so puppy training classes are recommended.

The other parent breed could introduce the potential for easier or more difficult training in a Dachshund Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Regardless, puppy training classes can still be a good idea. Not only do they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy, but they also help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy.

A Dachshund Mix could inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both. There are three types of Dachshund coats, which are smooth, wiry, and long.

All three coat types will shed moderately year-round. Brushing a few times a week and bathing when needed will keep their coat healthy. The other parent breed could affect the grooming level of a Dachshund Mix, so make sure you are talking with the breeder about them.

Regardless of the coat type they have, you will also need to care for your Dachshund Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails monthly, or more often if they grow quickly, helps to keep them from growing too long and causing issues.

Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can catch it early and get to the vet before it becomes a bigger issue.

Because many owners overlook good dental care for dogs, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By brushing or using an enzyme toothpaste on your dog’s teeth every day, you can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life along with the further complications that often come with them.

Dachshunds range from low to moderate energy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for these small dogs. But, they are prone to weight gain, so it’s important that you give them enough activity every day.

The other parent breed could result in a Dachshund Mix with higher exercise requirements. By talking to the breeder about them, you can get a better idea of what potential activity range to expect in a Dachshund Mix.

Dachshunds mostly come in two sizes – Standard and Miniature. A fully-grown Standard Dachshund stands 8-9 inches tall and weighs 16-32 pounds while a fully-grown Mini Dachshund stands 5-6 inches tall and weighs under 11 pounds.

The size of the Dachshund and the other parent breed can have a big effect on the size of a Dachshund Mix, so it’s important to talk to the breeder about it. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a Dachshund Mix.

Dachshunds tend to live for 12-16 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Dachshund Mix.